When you or a family member uses a wheelchair, getting in and out of a vehicle is one of the most consequential decisions you will face. There are two main approaches: staying in the wheelchair and using a wheelchair strapping or docking system, or transferring from the wheelchair into the vehicle seat using one of several transfer seat systems. This article covers the transfer seat route: who it works for and which products are worth knowing about.
Key Takeaways
- Transfer seats are for wheelchair users who can move from their chair into a vehicle seat.
- If the user stays in their wheelchair while riding, a ramp-equipped converted van is the right solution instead.
- BraunAbility and Adapt Solutions make the most widely used transfer seat systems.
- Some systems preserve the original factory seat; others replace it with an aftermarket seat.
- Wheelchair storage after transferring requires a separate lift system or a converted van.
- Compatibility varies by vehicle make, model, and year – always verify before purchasing.
Is a Transfer Seat the Right Choice for You?
Transfer seats are for wheelchair users who can move from their chair into a vehicle seat, either independently or with some assistance. If the wheelchair user will stay in their chair while traveling, a transfer seat is not the right solution. In that case, a converted van with a ramp or lift is what you need.
Transfer seats tend to be a practical fit when:
- The wheelchair user can transfer and prefers to ride in a standard vehicle seat
- The wheelchair user drives independently and needs help getting into the driver seat
- A family wants to use a standard minivan or SUV rather than a fully converted accessible van
If you are not sure which direction fits your situation, call us. The first question we always ask is who the van is for and what their mobility looks like day to day. That answer drives everything else.
Transfer Seat Options Compared
| Product | Type | Uses Factory Seat | Weight Capacity | Install Position | Operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BraunAbility B&D Transfer Seat Base | Power swivel base | Yes | 500 lbs | Driver or passenger | Side control or pendant |
| BraunAbility Turny Evo | Power swivel and lift | No (aftermarket seat) | 370 lbs | Driver, passenger, or 2nd row | Pendant or app |
| Adapt Solutions ASENTO (XL-Seat) | Power transfer board | Yes | 275 lbs | Driver or passenger | Button |
| Adapt Solutions LINK | Power swivel and lift base | Yes | 350 lbs | Driver, passenger, or mid-row | Hand pendant |
BraunAbility Transfer Seats
B&D Transfer Seat Base
The BraunAbility B&D Transfer Seat Base is a power swivel seat base that mounts to the original vehicle seat, giving it a 180-degree turn radius. Because it uses the factory seat, all original seat features including recline and fore-aft adjustment are preserved. The transfer process is completed inside the vehicle, so the user is not exposed to weather during the transition. The seat can be operated via a side-mounted control or handheld pendant.
Compatible with most wheelchair accessible vehicles, the B&D typically requires no additional drilling into the vehicle floor, which keeps the second-row area open for wheelchair storage or other passengers. It has a 500 lb weight capacity. This is a clean, unobtrusive option for buyers who want a solution that works within the interior of a converted minivan without significant modification.
Turny Evo
The BraunAbility Turny Evo is a fully powered swivel and lift seat. At the touch of a button, the seat rotates out of the vehicle, extends outward, and lowers to a comfortable height for the transfer from a wheelchair. Once seated, it lifts and rotates the user back inside. Operation is via a handheld pendant or smartphone app, and the cycle takes approximately 60 seconds.
The Turny Evo is compatible with over 200 makes and models. For the minivan makes Mobility Florida typically carries, confirmed compatible vehicles include:
- Toyota Sienna
- Honda Odyssey
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Dodge Grand Caravan
Compatibility for the Ford Transit and Kia Carnival should be confirmed with our mobility specialist, as it varies by year and trim. BraunAbility provides a vehicle compatibility tool on their website.
The Turny Evo can be installed in the driver seat, front passenger seat, or second-row position depending on the vehicle. Installation is reversible and does not affect resale value. The seat supports up to 370 lbs.
Adapt Solutions Transfer Seats
ASENTO (XL-Seat)
The Adapt Solutions ASENTO, also sold as the XL-Seat, is a powered transfer board that mounts beside the factory seat and folds flat when not in use. At the press of a button it lowers to vehicle floor level, allowing the user to slide from their wheelchair onto the board, then ride it up to the height of the original seat. The original factory seat stays in place and all seat features are preserved.
The ASENTO is designed for driver and front passenger positions in minivans, pickup trucks, SUVs, and some crossovers, with no structural modification to the vehicle. Weight capacity is 275 lbs. It is compact enough to work in accessible vehicles where interior space is a consideration and can be paired with the Speedy-Lift for wheelchair storage.
LINK
The LINK is a turning and lowering seat base that uses the original factory seat rather than replacing it. It pivots the seat out of the vehicle and lowers it to wheelchair height, allowing the user to transfer at their level, then lifts them back into position inside the vehicle. The original seat is fully preserved including recline, heated and cooled seat options, cover, and all comfort features.
The LINK installs in the driver seat, front passenger seat, or mid-row positions across a wide range of vehicles, with no structural modification required. It can be removed to return the vehicle to original condition without affecting resale value. The LINK supports up to 350 lbs, operates via a hand pendant, and includes a sleep mode to protect the vehicle battery and a manual emergency backup. A tilt function is available for users who need assistance standing when exiting.
How to Choose Between These Systems
Once you know a transfer seat is the right direction, the next question is which one. A few criteria narrow it down quickly.
If keeping the factory seat matters, the B&D Transfer Seat Base, the ASENTO, and the LINK all work with the original seat. The Turny Evo replaces it with an aftermarket seat.
If the wheelchair user drives independently, the LINK is worth a close look. It installs in the driver position, preserves the full factory seat including heated and cooled options, and lowers to wheelchair height for the transfer. The ASENTO also works in the driver position. The B&D swivels the seat to face the door but does not lower it — the transfer happens at seat height, which works well in a lowered-floor van where the gap between wheelchair and seat is smaller.
If the wheelchair user rides as a passenger, all four systems can work in the front passenger or mid-row position. The Turny Evo offers the most flexibility on install position and vehicle compatibility.
If wheelchair storage is a concern, the Speedy-Lift pairs with the ASENTO or LINK to store a manual rigid frame chair inside the vehicle after the transfer. Without it, the chair needs to go in the cargo area or a separate carrier.
If you are also looking at hand controls or steering modifications, the seat system and driving aids need to be specified together. Some combinations work better than others depending on the vehicle and the user’s range of motion.
Common Questions
Do you sell vans with transfer seats already installed?
Occasionally, yes. Our inventory changes regularly. Browse current inventory or call us and describe what you need. If we do not have it in stock, we will point you in the right direction.
Where are you located and can I see these in person?
We are in Gibsonton, just south of Tampa. Call before you come so we can confirm someone is available to walk you through options. If you are further out, we do video consultations. Reach us at (813) 212-9612 or visit our contact page.
Can I add a transfer seat to a van I already own?
Yes, in most cases. The systems covered here install into existing vehicles without structural modification. Compatibility depends on make, model, and year. A mobility specialist can confirm fit before you commit.
Do I still need a wheelchair accessible van if I use a transfer seat?
Not necessarily. Several of these systems install in a standard minivan or SUV. If the wheelchair also needs to be stored inside the vehicle, you will need the Speedy-Lift paired with a manual rigid frame chair, or a converted van with interior space designed for wheelchair storage.