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VMI Northstar Honda Odyssey Handicap Van Conversion

honda odyssey northstar

Honda Odyssey wheelchair accessible vans with the VMI Northstar handicap van conversionare the industry's best side entry, lowered floor premium handicap vans for sale. The Honda Odyssey has earned many awards, including the IntelliChoice “Best Overall Van of the Year”. By taking the best-in-class minivan and modifying it with the finest wheelchair accessible conversion available, Mobility Sales provides the best of both worlds.

The Honda Odyssey provides a 244 horsepower engine as well as the exciting Honda engineering at its core. The Northstar wheelchair van has long been viewed as the leader in lowered floor handicap vans, in part, because with over 14 years of service it provides the highest level of quality and reliability.

With multiple seating options for wheelchair users in this great wheelchair van, you can take the whole family along. The Honda Odyssey with the VMI Northstar disability conversion floor plan provides the most available wheelchair maneuvering space of any premium handicap minivan available. No detail has gone overlooked, all the way down to the spare tire being stored in the driver's side wall of the rear hatch, leaving you even more cargo room behind the back seat of this mobility vehicle.

If you would like more information on this or other exciting Honda wheelchair vans, Mobility Sales has several Certified Mobility Consultants who would be glad to answer your questions. Contact us today at 508-697-6006

to learn how the Odyssey with the VMI Northstar handicap conversion van can open up your world to endless possibilities.

Honda Odyssey handicap accessible vans

Honda Odyssey wheelchair vans have quickly become a top seller for VMI, in part due to their stylish apearance. However, there is more than meets the eye to these mobility van conversions, and wheelchair access in a Honda Odyssey minivan is unlike any other.

honda vmi northstar
Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar Conversion
The VMI Northstar wheelchair van conversion on Honda Odyssey minivans represents the newest evolution ofhandicap minivans from Vantage Mobility International. Most amenities originally in these minivans is retained, and a power in-floor wheelchair ramp and lowered floor form the foundation for one of the best wheelchair vehicles in America.


Honda in-floor ramp vans

To satisfy our customers’ needs for additional interior space and a clean, obstruction-free accessible vehicle interior, VMI pioneered the development of the Northstar in-floor wheelchair ramp system for the Honda Odyssey minivan. After almost two decades of refinement, the Northstar remains the most technologically advanced handicap ramp system on the market. Instead of taking up space inside the handicap vehicle, the Northstar wheelchair ramp simply rolls out from beneath the floor. When one considers the advantages of the Northstar in-floor wheelchair ramp system, there is no question why the Northstar is far and away VMI’s best-selling product.

Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar details and specifications:

Maximum interior space for wheelchair maneuverability
Obstruction-free doorway allows easy entry/exit for able-bodied passengers
Reduced accessible van conversion wear (no need to deploy mobility ramp for able-bodied passengers)
Clean, uncluttered handicapped vehicle interior
Less dirt and debris from ramp into handicap accessible vehicle interior
Wider usable accessible ramp surface
Easy access to all interior buttons, handles, and switches
Full use of front passenger seat
No squeaking or rattling from wheelchair ramp
Handicap Ramp stowed safely under floor in the event of a collision
Deployable on curbs up to 10” in height
Door opening height - 55"
Door opening width - 30.75"
Wheelchair Ramp length (angled ramp and transition plate) - 59"
Mobility Ramp length (distance ramp protrudes from mobility vehicle) - 43"
Usable Handicap Ramp width - 30"
Overall floor length - 91.5"
Length (from back of seat bases to kickplate) - 61.75"
Floor width at B pillar - 60"
Floor width at front doors - 60.5"
Interior height at center position - 60"
Interior height at driver's position - 57.25" without sunroof
Northstar only :

Ultra-low 8.0° accessible ramp angle
750lb. wheelchair ramp capacity
Sure Deploy backup system allows users to stow or deploy the mobility ramp van conversion even in the event of complete power failure
Manual secondary backup system for additional peace of mind

Northstar AND Summit:

Full-power ramp and conversion
12.75” drop FLEX Floor maximizes headroom and interior space for wheelchair maneuverability
Patented independent rear suspension designed to preserve Honda ride quality and performance
E-coated floor for maximum corrosion resistance
NEW, ultra-reliable hydraulic PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce ramp angle
Seamless integration with Honda Odyssey electronics prevents damage to vehicle/conversion
Conversion control through Honda keyfob and interior sliding-door switches
Halo-lit, one-touch interior conversion button
Ramp ON/OFF switch allows users to disable all conversion features for guest drivers, valets, car wash attendants, etc., and open sliding doors for able-bodied passengers without deploying the ramp
NEW lightweight, removable front seats are easier to install or remove
NEW quick-release straps allow users to remove front seats in seconds without removing plastic covers or searching for handles/pedals beneath the seat
Non-skid handicapped ramp surface
Fully crash-tested and compliant with all government safety standards
3-year/36,000-mile warranty

Safety and the VMI Northstar

Selecting the options to include on a new vehicle can be a tedious process. But for Carl and his wife, Angie, of Dayton,Ohio, buying the VMI Honda Odyssey with Northstar in-floor ramp conversion was a clear choice.

“Our son, Conner, can’t fully articulate his needs and relies on his wheelchair to get around,” said Carl. “He really depends on us for everything. So, when it came time to buy a new vehicle, finding one that would keep him safe was our top priority.”

Nearly three years ago, the Pucketts began their search for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Conner had just turned 6 and transferring him to and from their car was becoming more challenging. Among the biggest factors that impacted the Puckett’s decision was safety. While many of the wheelchair conversion vehicles featured ramp systems that were more affordable, Carl and Angie didn’t feel they offered the same level of safety they found in VMI’s Honda with Northstar conversion.

“We read and researched the safety, quality and long-time investment value of every manufacturer of a wheelchair accessible vehicle,” added Carl. “I spent hours, days and weeks researching and testing as many models as we could. We found different vehicles that fit what we needed – some were even more budget-friendly. But, our goal was to purchase a vehicle that was not only safe for Conner, but for the rest of our family as we are expecting our second child in May. We kept coming back to VMI’s Honda Odyssey.”

Despite some more economical options on the market, the Honda with Northstar conversion became the clear choice for the Pucketts. Among the Puckett’s concerns was the placement of the ramp inside the van. “We wondered if we were involved in an accident, where the fold out ramp might go; or if it could hit someone inside the cabin if the vehicle was hit,” said Carl.
Fortunately, the Puckett’s decision proved to be the right choice. On Friday, March 30, 2012, the Puckett’s worst fears were realized. While headed home from the office, Carl was broadsided on the passenger side by an oncoming vehicle traveling roughly 45 mph. Carl’s van rolled three times and ended up on the passenger’s side.


Carl's VMI Honda

“I was driving the van, and not my own car, because I took Conner to his therapist earlier in the afternoon and then dropped him off at school,” said Carl. “I was on my way home from work, and was the only one in the car, when I was hit. Because of the extent of the damage, the first responders decided to cut me out of the vehicle to alleviate any movement and ensure I could be removed safely.”

Carl was taken to the hospital, but miraculously only suffered minor cuts and bruises. A few days later, he and a family friend visited the wrecking yard to see the condition of his van. Carl was amazed.


Devastating Wreck

“I couldn’t believe what I saw,” he said. “Conner’s wheelchair was still locked in where he would have been sitting during the accident.”

His friend also pointed out that the wheelchair wasn’t only locked in, but hadn’t moved. Even though the floor was slightly buckled, the in-floor ramp system did not appear to have moved, nor was it detached or projected out the other side of the van. The front driver and passenger seats, which are removable, also remained locked in place.
“The van’s ramp and safety system worked as promised,” noted Carl. “Not only that, but all airbags deployed as they should. While I’m grateful none of my family was in the car with me, as I mentioned my wife is 7 months pregnant, I feel they would’ve still been safe. The VMI Northstar truly lived up to the safety standards that everyone should meet.”

Click here to see Carl’s video.

After the accident, the Pucketts were given a rental van until they could find a replacement for their Odyssey. “Driving the rental van, you could just tell a difference in the conversion and overall fit and finish of the vehicle. Nobody wants to be involved in a crash. But it only re-confirmed that the Honda Odyssey with VMI conversion was the best choice for our family. The fact that VMI can take a van completely apart and rebuild it with an in-floor ramp so that everything works just like it came from the factory is a testament to the quality of their van. And it’s the reason why we’re replacing our previous Honda with a new Honda VMI with a Northstar conversion.”

 


Culmination of wheelchair accessible vans

The VMI Northstar wheelchair accessible van represents the culmination of our forward thinking philosophy. VMI Northstar mobility minivans on a Honda Odyssey chassis feature a power in-floor mobility ramp for open and unrestricted entry by those with a disability.

The Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar handicap van conversion also offers amazing interior maneuverability. The VMI one touch remote control allows easy and simple wheelchair ramp deployment at your fingertips, while VMI Power Kneel gives an extremely low handicap ramp angle in these mobility vehicle conversions.

The VMI Northstar handicap conversion van on Honda Odyssey minivans is the end result of years of work by Vantage Mobility International engineers. The result is one of the finest and most accessible mobility conversion vehicles on the road.

Different wheelchair van models available

VMI Northstar wheelchair van conversions are available on Honda Odyssey EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite. Whether you are searching an affordable disability transportation solution or a fully loaded handicap conversion vehicle, the Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar has a niche for you.

The combination of accessible features on the Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar handicap conversion vehicle is unmatched in its wheelchair access. The in-floor wheelchair ramp offers entry and exit into the mobility van conversion, and once inside, a person who is disabled can choose anywhere inside the vehicle to ride. Even the front passenger or drivers position are accessible!

Compatible wheelchair van accessories

Hand controls or other handicap driving aids can also be added for a completely independent driving solution in Honda Odyssey with VMI Northstar wheelchair vehicle conversions.


VMI Summit Accessible Van Conversions

Folding Ramp Wheelchair Vans

The goal was concise, the solution, expansive. The Summit handicap van conversion delivers space in an innovative way: through a uniquely powered fold-out wheelchair ramp that delivers more interior space than other competitors ramp van systems. For added safety, two inch side rails keep wheelchairs securely on track. PowerKneel™ technology provides ease of access by reducing the angle of the aluminum van ramp. Tumble forward third-row seating offers more storage space, form, function, and harmony. In maximizing the innovative design of our handicap minivan, we've put considerable space between our competitors and ourselves.

If you would like more information on this or other exciting Honda wheelchair vans, Mobility Sales has several Certified Mobility Consultants who would be glad to answer your questions. Contact us today at 508-697-6006

honda odyessy summit
Honda Odyssey with VMI Summit Conversion
A power folding handicap ramp provides disability access in Honda Odyssey minivans converted with a VMI Summit handicap van conversion. Additional features like a lowered floor, removable seats, and power kneel are incorporated into these mobility vehicles to offer unprecedented wheelchair access for those who are disabled.


Honda Odyssey with VMI Summit details and specifications:

Door Opening Height - 55"
Door Opening Width - 30.75"
Handicap Ramp Length (angled ramp and transition plate) - 49.5"
Wheelchair Ramp Length (distance ramp protrudes from mobility vehicle) - 39"
Usable Mobility Ramp Width - 28.9"
Overall Floor Length - 91.5"
Length (from back of seat bases to kickplate) - 61.75"
Floor Width at B Pillar - 60"
Floor Width at Front Doors - 60.5"
Interior Height at Center Position - 60"
Interior Height at Driver's Position - 57.25" Without Sunroof
FLEX Floor - E-coated for Corrosion Resistance
12.75" Lowered Floor Drop
Most Floor Length of Any VMI handicap van conversion
Most Floor Width of Any VMI wheelchair conversion van
Power Kneel Optimized for Reliability and Noise Reduction
Patented Independent Rear Suspension
FMVSS 301R Compliant
Power Folding Handicap Ramp with Non-skid Surface
Power Door with Easy Manual Operation
Removable Front Seat Bases
Mobility Conversion Warranty
Manual Wheelchair Tie-down System
Fully Crash Tested
Remote Control Entry
600 Pound Load Rating for Mobility Ramp
10 Degree Wheelchair Ramp Angle
Summit only :

2” siderails help wheelchair users stay on the accessible ramp when entering/exiting mobility vehicle
With a simple push outward, ramp can be deployed manually for a quick exit in the event of a power or mechanical failure
Perforated handicapped ramp surface allows debris to fall through before it is brought into accessible vehicle interior
Handicap ramp equipped with anti-rattle mechanism for a quiet vehicle cabin
600lb. wheelchair ramp load capacity

Northstar AND Summit:

Full-power ramp and conversion
12.75” drop FLEX Floor maximizes headroom and interior space for wheelchair maneuverability
Patented independent rear suspension designed to preserve Honda ride quality and performance
E-coated floor for maximum corrosion resistance
NEW, ultra-reliable hydraulic PowerKneel system lowers the minivan to reduce ramp angle
Seamless integration with Honda Odyssey electronics prevents damage to vehicle/conversion
Conversion control through Honda keyfob and interior sliding-door switches
Halo-lit, one-touch interior conversion button
Ramp ON/OFF switch allows users to disable all conversion features for guest drivers, valets, car wash attendants, etc., and open sliding doors for able-bodied passengers without deploying the ramp
NEW lightweight, removable front seats are easier to install or remove
NEW quick-release straps allow users to remove front seats in seconds without removing plastic covers or searching for handles/pedals beneath the seat
Non-skid handicapped ramp surface
Fully crash-tested and compliant with all government safety standards
3-year/36,000-mile warranty