Q: How did you get into the business of renting out wheelchair-accessible vans?
A: I took over the company’s existing Colorado franchise in 2005 because I saw that the need for accessible vans is the same as it is for all rental vehicles.
Q: Do you just rent accessible vans to clients or do you offer anything else?
A: The only thing we offer is rental vehicles. It’s like Hertz or Avis for the disabled community.
Q: How big is the market for this service? Is it growing?
A: Two years ago, I had eight vans. Now, I just ordered my 18th van. I’d say my business has doubled in two years.
Q: Primarily, who are your customers?
A: Obviously, our clients are specifically people in wheelchairs, typically from the baby- boomer generation. They’re renting both for themselves and for their parents.
We don’t just serve clients in wheelchairs. A large portion of our clients are using scooters because they have some mobility, and they use scooters to extend their mobility.
Q: Has the slowing economy affected your business?
A: This industry is not as closely tied to the economy as other industries, meaning whether the economy is up or down, people need to get out. Also, if they have a disability that limits their choices or mobility, they have a need that is still there regardless of the economy.
Q: What about high gas prices? Have they affected your business?
A: The same issues still apply — if the need to rent an accessible van exists, it will exist regardless of gas prices.
However, gas prices have driven delivery charges up a little bit, renting an accessible van is still less expensive, and it’s less of a hassle to drive than it is to fly.
Q: When you got into the business, what did you notice the industry lacked?
A: A lot of disabled people have a need to rent accessible vehicles, and they have no clue they can be accommodated. They are caught using public transportation or transportation services when a rental car would be more convenient. It’s just a lack of knowledge.
Q: For how long do your clients typically rent accessible vans?
A: Anything from one day to seven years. Seven years is an exception because it is a worker’s compensation case that was disputed, but it has kept the person mobile during court disputes. Typically, we rent vehicles for three- to seven- day trips.
Q: How much does it cost to rent an accessible van?
A: It costs $115 per day. For three days or more, the rental fee drops down to $92 per day, and for seven days or more, the fee drops to $82 per day.
Q: Often, clients with disabilities are on limited incomes. How do you ensure every one of your clients can rent an accessible van?
A: I believe I keep my rates as low as possible for all my clients. However, I will have a rate increase, which will be my first in five years, but our rental services are only slightly more expensive than a normal minivan rental. I try to keep my rates as low as possible.
Q: What are some of the challenges of the business you’re in?
A: The biggest challenge is getting the information about the services out there. People don’t know the company exists.
Also, dealing with the bureaucracy from the state. When they see the word “handicapped vans,” they assume there are other issues involved like special permits, etc., but we don’t deal with that because basically we are just a rental company that offers specialized vehicles.
Q: How do you deal with those challenges?
A: In order to let consumers know what services we provide, we have placed signs on our vehicles so people driving by can see what we offer. We’ve gotten some clients this way.
Q: How does Colorado compare in terms of what it has to offer for the disabled?
A: Colorado offers a great deal more for people with disabilities, whether it’s because Colorado has the five largest disabled-sports programs in the country, or because 20 percent of Colorado’s population is disabled (five times the national average). Colorado believes in being disability-friendly, and Denver was the first in the nation to set up legislation for people with disabilities to ensure the city was accessible for the disabled.
Edited for length and clarity by staff writer Anna Haislip
