Because of freezing rain overnight, we started in the showroom. The MV-1 has a Ford 4.6L V-8 and 4-speed automatic transmission. The body is built on a fully boxed frame with independent suspension. Overall length is 205 inches, height 75 inches. Credit: Tim Vermande
- Because of freezing rain overnight, we started in the showroom. The MV-1 has a Ford 4.6L V-8 and 4-speed automatic transmission. The body is built on a fully boxed frame with independent suspension. Overall length is 205 inches, height 75 inches.
- The MV1 is available in a gasoline or CNG powered version. Our ride was in a gas version. The cargo compartment is 36.4 cubic feet (29 cubic feet in the CNG version), and has space for a manual ramp toolkit, tire inflator, and wheelchair restraints.
- The right side door measures 56 x 36 inches, and the ramp is located under the floor on this side. The vehicle has a similar door on the left side—but no ramp access.
- The ramp control is mounted on the right-hand door. The “short” ramp is 52 inches, for loading at a curb or platform. The “long” setting is 87 inches. This produces a 1:6 slope in a typical parking lot.
- Ramp length may be a bit of a problem in some places. ADA regulations (ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(b)) specify a 96 inch width for parking lot access aisles, but many are still marked to the previous standard of 60 inches. But lifts also have the same problem.
- Ramp length may be a bit of a problem in some places. ADA regulations (ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(b)) specify a 96 inch width for parking lot access aisles, but many are still marked to the previous standard of 60 inches. But lifts also have the same problem.
- If you’re partially mobile you can easily enter the MV-1 in a wheelchair and transfer to the driver’s seat while inside. It can be equipped to stow the ramp from inside and to drive from a wheelchair.
- We decided to let Brandon drive. The front passenger side is set up for a wheelchair (installing a seat is not recommended). And hooray, at last, not stuck in the back!
- The front passenger wheelchair space is set up with cup holders and all the other conveniences you like!
- The Q’Straint system tied down in a couple of minutes, quite a change from the difficult and time-consuming system on some other vehicles. During the test ride, there was no creeping or rolling; it was like sitting in the seat of a car.
- The back seat is comfortable, and there’s room for a second wheelchair ahead of it as well (and that wheelchair can face forward as well).
- With a turning circle of 42.8 feet the MV-1 is highly maneuverable. The ride is quite a difference to someone accustomed to noisy and bouncy paratransit vans. It’s smooth and quiet, more like a comfortable car.
- With the ramp set for curb loading, you can also see the lights and warning stripes. The vehicle isn’t just a big box—there are subtle design details that lend a bit of style.
- With the ramp set for curb loading, you can also see the lights and warning stripes. The vehicle isn’t just a big box—there are subtle design details that lend a bit of style.
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