A number of mobility converters remanufacture the Toyota Sienna minivan and/or the Scion xB for wheelchair access, including Braun Ability. Toyota supports this activity by offering special mobility option packages to converters which facilitate the conversion. Mobility converters purchase Toyota Sienna vehicles from Toyota dealers and take title to each. Converted vehicles are typically sold by the converter's network of mobility equipment dealers as pre-titled or used vehicles. Mobility equipment dealers specialize in providing the best combination of vehicle and adaptive equipment to meet the unique needs of each customer with a disability, however, few mobility dealers are franchised to sell new vehicles.

Toyota does not approve or endorse any specific conversion company or installer involved in adapting vehicles for persons with a disability. The selection of a converter and/or mobility equipment supplier is the sole responsibility of the customer. Toyota warranties apply to converted vehicles, except where an issue is found to result from a mobility modification. Toyota warranties do not apply to the modified portions of a vehicle, or to any adaptive equipment installed on the vehicle. The Braun Corporation charges a higher price for the conversion of a customer supplied Sienna, to replace the springs, shocks and other equipment that is otherwise provided on all Sienna's purchased by Braun for conversion and resale.

The conversion of a minivan for wheelchair access involves a radical remanufacture of the vehicle, including the removal of the original vehicle floor and replacement with a lowered floor to increase headroom. In addition, a ramp for wheelchair access is added. This process requires the modification of several vehicle systems, including the relocation of the fuel tank and the exhaust, along with the elimination of most sound deadening materials. As a result, customers should not expect minivans converted for wheelchair access to have the same ground clearance or road noise suppression capability as an unmodified vehicle.

Toyota vehicles purchased by mobility converters for conversion and resale do not qualify for any Toyota new vehicle retail incentives when resold by the converter and/or their mobility equipment dealers as used vehicles. However, the first retail purchaser of a Toyota or Scion vehicle converted for wheelchair access is eligible for the maximum Toyota Mobility Assistance reimbursement of $1,000 when the mileage on the odometer is less than 799 miles.

To learn more or to locate a wheelchair accessible Toyota Sienna mobility dealer, go to www.braunlift.com.