There are a variety of different makes and models of minibuses and they come in a variety of sizes. To choose the best minibus for your needs you first have to consider what it will be used for. Minibuses are panel vans that have been converted to allow for seats to be put inside. You can get minibuses that have different amounts of seating. You should also be aware that usually if a minibus has nine or more seats you will probably need a PCV license.
The size and type of minibus that will be right for you depends on how many passengers you will be carrying and the purpose you will use it for most often. Minibuses can be used for a variety of reasons; some are used for school buses, sports clubs, and community groups and for private transport needs.
Most new minibuses for sale are designed to be wheelchair accessible. They have slip resistant safety flooring and lengths of low profile tracking for each wheelchair position and usually have removable seats. Wheelchair assessable vans will have a wheelchair access to the rear entrance with tail lifts or an auxiliary step to side passenger entrance. They can be customized to fit a person’s personal needs with item such as auxiliary heating, increased ventilation or additional lighting. You can also find quality used Minibuses that will fit your needs, including wheelchair accessibility.
Several different vehicle manufacturers produce minibuses including, Fiat, Ford, Peugeot, Renault, Mercedes and Volkswagen. The Peugeot Monarch Minibus comes in a small, medium or long wheelbase and has minibuses that can seat 9 to 17 passengers. They are also designed to be able to accommodate both wheelchairs and regular seats and can be customised to fit your needs. The Fiat Ducato Minibus also has a range of wheelbases and several engine options. This minibus can handle up to 4 wheelchairs and depending on the size you choose it can accommodate from 9 to 17 passengers.
The Renault Traffic Minibus comes in either a short of long wheelbase and there are several engines to choose from. It can seat up to 9 passengers and has a maximum wheelchair capacity of three. The Mercedes Benz Vito Minibus comes in three wheelbase sizes and you have the option of 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission. It offers optimum levels of comfort for both the driver and passengers.
The Volkswagen Crafter window van can hold up to 8 passengers and offers plenty of luggage space. There are many options available and offer a conversion scheme that will customise a minibus if you need more seats. The Ford Transit Minibus is a popular choice that comes in a variety of sizes and types. Ford just introduced the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system which helps on low friction surfaces and in bad weather conditions. It is available on the 15 seat Transit Minibus.
All of the minibuses mentioned above are just some examples of what is available. They are all designed for passenger comfort, structural safety and to allow excellent visibility from the cab. There are many other models to choose from and all can be customized to fit your exact needs.