If you are looking towards starting a NEMT business (non-emergency medical transportation), one of the major work tools you need is an ambulette.
Durability is important for NEMT (non-emergency medical transportation) ambulettes that must withstand stretchers, wheelchairs, and other heavy equipment entering and exiting the vehicle frequently. Getting reliable ambulettes for your NEMT business will help you maximize profits from the business, be efficient, well-organized, and of course, cut down on downtime.
The truth is that if you don’t have reliable ambulettes, you will find it difficult to effectively run the business. Having said that, considering the number of options on the market, shopping for the best ambulettes for a non-emergency medical transportation business can be challenging and time-consuming. In no particular order, here are 8 of the best vehicles (ambulettes) to use for a NEMT business.
Best Vehicle for NEMT
-
Toyota Sienna Hybrid
Top on our list of the best vehicle to use for a NEMT business is Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The Toyota Sienna Hybrid features a complete redesign on the inside and out, providing a new experience. With a sportier exterior and more premium features on the interior, the Sienna will make you forget everything you thought you knew about a minivan.
Toyota Sienna Hybrid comes with slick exterior features like its built-in spoiler tailgate, integrated black tail light canard, and bold, low grille giving the Sienna a sporty look as well as increased aerodynamic performance. Thin LED tail lights, high-mounted headlights, big windows, and high seats provide a sporty look with plenty of visibility for drivers.
The three-zone automatic climate control has individual temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and back seats, meaning everyone can keep the temperature just how they like it.
Second-row sunshades come standard on all Sienna Hybrid models, allowing backseat passengers to ride more comfortably. The wheelchair-accessible Sienna Hybrid has the widest ramp on the market, meaning wheelchair passengers can enter and exit the vehicle with confidence.
Its 80” long full-cut floor means that wheelchair passengers are seated in the second-row, making them a part of the conversation with the front seats and up to two ambulatory second-row passengers.
The Toyota Sienna Hybrid provides up to 36 MPG, the best in its class and the best MPG available for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. It’s powered by a 243-Horsepower 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder Hybrid engine that stores electric power while you drive, meaning that you never have to worry about plugging in or charging your car.
-
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SE
Another reliable car that is suitable for NEMT (non-emergency medical transportation) is the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SE.
The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SE is a go-to name for safety features, cabin space, and comfort. Whether you or someone you know uses a wheelchair, having the appropriate equipment close at hand is essential. Freedom Motors USA allows you to create a wheelchair-accessible Dodge vehicle that exceeds your expectations.
The rear entry wheelchair-accessible Dodge Caravans are an excellent choice for drivers looking for a versatile investment. Full-cut back entry doors accommodate most wheelchair sizes, and the selections may be customized to allow wheelchair users to operate the vehicle on their own.
Lastly, the handicap-accessible Dodge Caravans are some of the best-selling options out there in the market, and select models have notable features: 6.5-inch touchscreen displays, Remote keyless entry, 2nd row “Stow ‘N’ Go” seating, and Driver knee airbags.
-
2022 Chrysler Voyager LX
The 2022 Chrysler Voyager LX is yet another highly suitable and reliable vehicle you can use for NEMT. The Pacifica comes to the table with a chic, updated appearance, leaving behind the awkward bulky design of minivans in the past.
Good enough, the 2022 Chrysler Voyager LX is available in an array of metallic coats as well as Velvet Red Pearl, Ocean Blue, and Jazz Blue. The wheelchair-accessible Chrysler Pacifica is a rear-entry conversion featuring a spring-assisted aluminized steel ramp and commercial grade non-slip flooring.
The spring-assist makes operating the ramp easy. Needing only the strength required to lift a gallon of milk, the ramp can easily be operated with one hand. Lastly, with the 2022 Chrysler Voyager LX, you can park anywhere with the rear-entry ramp, not just handicap designated parking spaces.
With a ramp that’s 38 inches wide and 60 inches long, wheelchair passengers can easily access the vehicle’s roomy interior. The rear-entry conversion Chrysler Pacifica is highly customizable with many seating options, allowing you to tailor your vehicle to suit your needs.
-
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT
Another highly suitable and reliable van you can use for your NEMT business is the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. The Dodge Grand Caravan has a long and storied history in the mobility industry. Introduced as the first minivan on the market in 1983, Freedom Motors USA converted it for wheelchair accessibility in 1987 and has been ever since.
It might interest you to note that the Grand Caravan has been a staple of both the minivan and mobility markets ever since its introduction. In addition to being the first of its kind, the Grand Caravan is simply a great choice for those looking for a vehicle with lots of interior space.
Lastly, the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT is available in a variety of sizes, the ramp provides plenty of room for easy access in and out of the vehicle. A 56-inch door opening fits ADA compliance standards for use by paratransit or NEMT services.
The wheelchair-accessible Grand Caravan is highly customizable, with many options available to make the perfect accessible vehicle for your needs. With its iconic Dodge styling and an array of safety and convenience features, it’s no wonder that the Grand Caravan has seen so much popularity.
-
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Wheelchair Van
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Wheelchair Van is yet another standard van you can use for your NEMT (non-emergency medical transportation) business. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Smart Liner Wheelchair Accessible Van (WAV) offers seating for nine plus two wheelchairs.
For Mercedes-Benz’s sophistication and multi-use transport functionality, there’s no better way to transport wheelchair and ambulatory passengers in style.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Wheelchair Van has all the comfort and safety businesses and passengers need, including 4×4 options for inclement weather areas. For non-accessible, executive style transporter. Some key features that make Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Wheelchair Van stand out in the market are;
- 7 rear seats in Black Leatherette matching the front driver and passenger seats
- Positions for up to two wheelchairs
- Power wheelchair lift at the rear doors
- Black Altro non-slip commercial floor covering
- Sleek, black sidesteps at the driver door and sliding passenger door
- Stainless steel stanchion grab pole at side sliding door entrance for easier entry
- LED lights throughout brighten up the cabin
-
Ford Paratransit Vans with Wheelchair Lifts
If you are looking for an affordable yet highly reliable van you can use for your NEMT business, you should consider going for Ford Paratransit Vans with Wheelchair Lifts. Paratransit vans are the most popular wheelchair lift fits in the industry for non-emergency medical transportation and ambulette sales.
They have been Ford Motor Company’s number one mobility upfitter of paratransit vans for 15 years running. We meet the needs of medical transportation businesses, nursing homes, community centers, and many other businesses that serve wheelchair riders and ambulatory passengers.
For people with disabilities, the Ford Paratransit Vans system provides dozens of standard seating and wheelchair position layouts to match your current ridership needs and future paratransit van needs.
-
Ram ProMaster Non-Emergency Medical Transport
Ram ProMaster Non-Emergency Medical Transport is yet another great option for Senior Living, Group Homes, Churches, and more that need to transport wheelchair and ambulatory passengers.
The Ram ProMaster with heavy-duty 800 lb capacity lift, and SmartFloor™ technology, offers maximum flexibility to switch between wheelchair transport and standard seating. Available on the ProMaster 1500 & 2500, it comes in 2 lengths and 2 roof heights.
The SmartFloor innovative flooring system also provides seating configurations that can be quickly changed as needed. Some key features that make Ram ProMaster Non-Emergency Medical Transport stand out in the market are;
- Altro non-skid commercial flooring over SmartFloor
- Vinyl seats with integrated lap and shoulder belts on wheeled seat bases
- Side or rear-mounted wheelchair lift (w/800 lb weight capacity)
- Retractable wheelchair tie-downs with storage bags
- Entrance grab handle
- First aid kit.
-
Center Aisle Cutaway Bus
Lastly, another highly reliable and efficient vehicle you can use for your NEMT business is Center Aisle Cutaway Bus. For customers needing larger, cutaway-style center aisle mini-buses, center aisle manufacturers can accommodate your needs with larger capacity vehicles.
With their dealer status for minibus shuttles and paratransit buses, the company offers a wide variety of cutaway mini-buses in body lengths from 20 ft. to 39 ft. Cutaway buses are available on Ford, GM, and Freightliner chassis, with seating for up to 45 passengers. Body construction can be rust-free composite/honeycomb or steel, based on your preferences or requirements.