Wheelchair Accessible Van Review: Speedy Lift with XL Seat in a Toyota Sienna

Learning to drive after a spinal cord injury can be overwhelming. There are lots of options for vehicle modifications depending on your level of injury, what kind of vehicle you like and how much money you are willing to spend.
When I was looking for a new vehicle 2 years ago I struggled with the decision of what to buy. I knew I wanted a lift to save my arms and shoulders and I knew that I wanted a van because I have kids. I settled on a Toyota Sienna with a Speedy Lift and XL Seat. In this video I show you the best features of the Sienna and give you a list of pros and cons for the Speedy Lift.
If you are looking for a vehicle, I hope this information helps you make a more informed decision about what to buy!
Speedy Lift:
www.adaptsolutions.ca/product...
Cost of Vehicle Modifications:
$15 000 CAD
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Instagram:
/ bneunzig_em. .
Facebook:
/ empoweredpara
My Website:
empoweredpara.com/

[@dalepres1]

I think your one-handed operation is perfectly fine, and safe, for the short functions that you do. It at least allows you to keep the steering wheel straight and safe for a few seconds at a time; we all have that problem, even those of us who use our legs and feet for gas and brakes. Thank you for taking the time to share the video; it was very informative. In our case, the informative was that it won't meet our needs as my wife needs something to take her up in the chair but we only learn what works by also seeing the things that don't necessarily work for us. So thank you!

[@leesaenger2045]

My father was a para as well. His first vehicle he had to swing the chair over head into the passenger seat. Eventually his shoulders gave out. The VA helped him purchase the sienna braunAbility. His lift was an awesome ramp. Before he passed he was also give a power chair that gave him more flexibility in positioning. Thank for spreading positivity.

[@alicewonder0]

Yeah I'm still taking apart my chair and lifting wheels unattached and folded chair over my body. I put the collapsed chair in the passenger's seat and my tires in the back. That's with a SUV. I'm looking into Braun because they have other options. I just use a long transfer board to get on the seat but my seat is high even after putting it as low as it can go. So definitely working on getting something easier because I already have hands, arms and shoulder issues.

[@chesterzimmer2260]

Partly based on your excellent review I purchased a Speedy Lift a few months ago. So much easier and quicker than taking the wheels off and wrestling the chair into the van. Thank you so much for your review.

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@nallelyangel9327]

We are raising money to get one for our mom at the moment, watching videos like these get me so excited! I can’t wait for the day we save enough to get one 😁

[@EmpoweredPara]

Good luck! It sure makes life easier! Does your mom have a spinal cord injury?

[@rayfinefrock6058]

Thanks for sharing. Really good information. It’s a good reminder to able-bodied people the challenges you face.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I feel pretty lucky to have all thr technology that makes my life easier. I can't imagine living 60 years ago. You should watch Crip Camp on Netflix. That show made me realize how far we've come in terms of disability rights!

[@westiepower2020]

As I've probably said before, we love your videos because they have so much good, useful, and interesting information in them!! But I have trouble tempering my tendencies to ask/comment about a number of your content items. That "dug-out" feature in your van is wonderful in how your chair fits sideways into it! Very convenient!

[@pattykat7734]

I appreciate your video so much. You are right, most vidoes are from dealers and they don't tell us what's bad or not convenient. I appreciate your honest and your input. I needed this. 👍

[@EmpoweredPara]

You are so welcome!

[@HighTen_Melanie]

A really interesting video. It looks lovely to drive and very suitable for you. At first I was confused by the terminology (watching from UK) a lift would be called a hoist. Here a lift is something that you’d be physically lifted in with a platform while remaining in your chair. I’m guessing you would call it an elevator in Canada. I have a Volkswagen van that is a drive from powerchair conversion with a rear entry remote controlled ramp. Hand controls are the opposite way round to yours as it’s right hand drive. My steering knob is at 8 o’clock and push pull hand control is located on the right hand side. Unlike yourself, I always have my left hand on the steering knob and the other hand that is using the hand control. I have a thumb on the steering wheel at all times, just for some extra stability. However, I totally get that it works differently for different people. Wishing you all the best and a lifetime of safe driving. Many thanks 😊

[@michaelstann3390]

Thank you very much for this video. I am about to be needing something like this well actually need it. And I've been looking around for the right solutions that will fit my situation and this definitely helps. You are awesome

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome! Good luck finding something!

[@michaelcardoza3491]

I love a good Canadian accent. Every last work in their sentences goes up a whole pitch. lol

[@EmpoweredPara]

really lol?

[@suew4609]

@@EmpoweredPara Yep, he’s right! I thought you were Canadian because you said in your other video that you were going on holiday. That was my clue😊

[@wheelz23]

I've been a para for almost 27 yrs. I just hop into the drivers seat and throw my chair in right behind me complete. Used to have a chevy venture and a pontiac montana for the past 23 yrs. T-5 complete since 97' at 18.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Thanks. I’m looking for a new accessible van. Great info. Thank you.

[@paralifetv-youreverydaywhe8314]

Totally beats taking the chair fully apart and brining it in across your body to the passenger seat. Great video!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah. I suck at breaking the chair down and pulling it in!

[@charlottewillman4933]

This is very helpful. I am in the process of buying right now. I just need the seat, not the lift. I am hoping I can transfer okay from the wheelchair to the seat and into my car. Thank you for your videos!

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@smarteveryday34]

You are very strong lady with such a pretty smile. You are really a strong idol for most of the people. Very very good work 🙂

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thank you 😊.

[@niaaguayo3938]

Great video! Very informative :) Thank you!!!

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@Philylady1]

God bless you! It looks challenging. Stay safe!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks 😊

[@KimonoSkunk]

We own a 2019 Toyota Sienna with the Power Access Side seat that folds out from the side passenger seat. The seat comes out and nearly sits just above the ground, and then folds neatly back inside. And what’s best is everything is backed by Toyota. We have owned it for 18 months but only have 10,000 miles on it. My minivan is on my personal FB page, and just started a new FB group for all wheelchair users called Wheelchair Riders. Thank you for a great video, and you gained a new subscriber, and a fellow Canadian. Cheers -Gryphon

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yay! Are you the one in the wheelchair or a family member? Where in Canada are you from?

[@KimonoSkunk]

@@EmpoweredPara I’m actually in the USA, Pennsylvania in fact. The access seat is for myself, as I am going to be in a wheelchair in the next few months. I’m part Canadian from my fathers side.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@KimonoSkunk oh got it. Well welcome to the coolest club you never wanted to be a part of! Being in a wheelchair is hard but the disability community if awesome.

[@samanthatremellen7640]

Thank you

[@user-yr3dc5jl8t]

Thanks for sharing.

[@EmpoweredPara]

You bet

[@Crappler1989]

LOL- I do the thumb and accelerate thing, too. Another thing I did is ditched the spinner knob.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Brave not using a spinner!

[@TheArjulaad]

Interesting video!😅Too bad that it blocks access to the seat switches…..Could you make some kind of openings in it? I often play with the seat while driving…..

[@SoleEpiphany]

I was wondering if you could provide more info on your hand controls, I’m in Newfoundland and there aren’t many vendors etc here for that. I’ve been told featherlite or suregrip I believe but wondering about more first hand experiences. Awesome content by the way

[@EmpoweredPara]

I actually am not sure of the brand I have. I like the stick type not the rocking type though.

[@Eebright714]

Thank you!! :)

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@km2kobe124]

Love

[@Spinners_TV]

Great video my friend I wish we could have a version in Spanish as well.

[@58zoomer]

wow super !

[@thomassireno4351]

This is a totally cool system by the way.

[@EmpoweredPara]

thanks!

[@josephmirigliano8728]

Nice 👍🏻

[@GAINZonWHEELS]

That’ s the same that’s I took a Toyota auris touring,so that the chair can complete behind, only I have to walk agains the car til my drivers seat, and walking is the problem, but I can drive again, I mis my clutch car, but my right leg is stil oké (how long 🤷‍♂️) ❤ok to drive a automatic … freedom of a car ❤️ and drive..

[@lesevans1479]

I have a ram 2500 diesel so I can not believe I am saying it - but you do have a real nice van

[@EmpoweredPara]

I think my van looks pretty sporty for a van. My husband even likes it lol.

[@samuelself9629]

Great info! I'm considering getting that lift. I'm 50 now and 31 years post SCI. Arthritis and stuff make it tougher. For a long time I just hauled my chair in through the side door manually. Was the failure in the chair lift part of the seat lift?

[@EmpoweredPara]

The failure is always just in the wheelchair lift part. I have friends with the same lift that haven't had any problems so maybe mine is just a dud lol!

[@sivaramprasad4173]

Sister i would like to help for disable people..i am ready to do anything for them like i help to push their wheelchairs and care about them If you have any vacancies for disable people then i would like to serve them as like my own sis/bro / i treated them as my family members.. basically i am from India .. i am willing to do for disable ones

[@westiepower2020]

I think it’s been 3 years since you made this video. Does this Lift and XL still meet your needs after this period of time?

[@thomassireno4351]

This is a great video. Im learning a lot. Im helping my sister look at siennas for her husband. He doesn’t drive though. She does. Im wondering what you think about rear entrance vs back entrance if he has a power chair. They have a VMI side entrance now and the doors and the in floor ramp are not working all the time. When they did the two problems were the 30” wide ramp and the low clearance. Causing the van to bottom out over small road imperfections. So really I’m wondering if you think rear entrance would change the clearance or the width of the ramp. Also any other advice you have would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. 🌹🙏🏼

[@EmpoweredPara]

I really don't know anything about ramp vans but I think for parking ease rear entrance vans are better because no one is going to park too close to you (unless you back into a stall of course). I am not sure the clearance on a rear entry van

[@thomassireno4351]

@@EmpoweredPara I agree and you helped me convince my sister and her husband so thanks 🙏🏼

[@thomassireno4351]

@@EmpoweredPara and thanks for the reply.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@thomassireno4351 my pleasure!

[@JennT100]

How does everything work in -30 to -40? It seems no hydraulics work in my Tahoe in those temps. And I just want to load my groceries.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Usually it's still good as long as I warm my vehicle up. My battery dies easily though which sucks in the cold. But thats the van not the lift.

[@nezaroobest7139]

Wonderful video .. Who is the price of the car .. Did the Canadian government provide it to you?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I bought the van myself. It was around $60 000. The government paid for the lift though!

[@MrErichonda30]

Toyota or honda both good choices

[@coltonmorgan3610]

It's been a while since my last comment. I hope you're doing well very cool video. I'm looking into a pickup truck with hand controls

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks! How are you?

[@coltonmorgan3610]

@@EmpoweredPara I'm hanging in there I've been going through a lot but hanging in there it's really cool to hear from you

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@coltonmorgan3610 I've been going through some stuff too! Anxiety and a few health issues. Keep your head up!

[@coltonmorgan3610]

@@EmpoweredPara I'm trying you do the same okay let me know if there's anything I can do for you

[@coltonmorgan3610]

@@EmpoweredPara also just to put your mind at ease whether I comment or not I watch every video you post.

[@motherofbeagles8532]

If your husband wants to drive, does he use the hand controls or can he switch to foot pedals?

[@EmpoweredPara]

He uses the pedals.

[@maribelgaynor8959]

Do u know about help with funds?

[@sherrynevius5639]

I’m surprise this doesn’t have a manual override so that you don’t ever get stuck.

[@EmpoweredPara]

It does have a manual override but you can't reach it from the front seat. It's actually on the lift mechanism. It's a lever.

[@westiepower2020]

Beautiful vehicle! Bluetooth was a wonderful invention. Do you have "Talk-To-Text" so you can just talk to your vehicle and a text is sent?

[@EmpoweredPara]

probably but I haven't figure it out yet lol

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara I use it all the time to relay messages toDebbie when I am out and she knows when I’ll be home. Or when I am going to Timmy’s for her and I forget what her order was…

[@user-yr3dc5jl8t]

I was just wondering what the name of the company was that did the modifications on your Sienna ? Thanks.

[@EmpoweredPara]

It was Silvercross Automotive.

[@user-yr3dc5jl8t]

Thanks. I currently have a Sienna with a bruno valet lift for my teenage daughter who is in a wheelchair but my van is getting older. Just looking into different options for once she starts learning to drive.

[@user-yr3dc5jl8t]

I just learned they now have a Silvercare dealer in New Brunswick near Frederiction.😃

[@edl5731]

I am confused. You mention in the video that the seat is hard and you need padding. In other videos you mentioned that you have no sensitivity below you chest. I must be misunderstanding something about being paralyzed, but I would think you could sit on something hard or even pointy without even noticing.

[@Tat2Dragons]

The issue isn’t with comfort, it’s to protect her body from injuries that could be caused by getting on/off a hard surface.

[@DeenKo91]

How much does the speeding lift cost? Can insurance cover it?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I got it covered through a government program here in Canada, but I don't think insurance covers vehicle modifications unless it's workers compensation insurance. My set up cost around $15 000

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredParaWow, that’s a significant amount of cash! Does the lil XL seat come with the lift?

[@michaelchagnon4928]

What is the total width of your wheelchair?

[@EmpoweredPara]

The wheelchair in the video is 24" wide from tire to tire.

[@michaelchagnon4928]

@@EmpoweredPara mine is 26 7/8" .not sure if my wheelchair will fit through slider with speedy lift.im trying to save my arms also.Hard to find slider door opening big enough .i would like to have at least an inch of clearence on each side.

[@Warren1814]

That was my favorite kind of mini van too until the Chrysler Pacifica came along.

[@EmpoweredPara]

That was my other option. This one won out with the all wheel drive in these Candaian winters!

[@Warren1814]

@@EmpoweredPara Ooo i know that comes in handy for you living way up there. I like your videos too. You truly are a confidence builder 😃😊👌

[@bencollins848]

Hi I’m Ben Collins I am 21 years old and I’m autistic and I’m use a wheelchair

[@EmpoweredPara]

Nice to meet you 😊. Glad to have you on my channel!

[@luisplancarte8612]

Hi hey I want to know you I am in a wheelchair too

[@sherrynevius5639]

She’s married

[@Jaggededge112]

@@sherrynevius5639 did I miss something? He only said that he’s in a wheelchair also? But yes she is married.