Purpose built accessible vehicles have been a long time in the making but it looks like one finally made it.

Let’s get “purpose built” out of the way first- Purpose built means that the vehicle was intentionally built by the manufacturer to be accessible and does not require aftermarket modifications.

Anyway, what’s the big deal about purpose built accessible vehicles? One stop and ready to go as accessible taxis, para-transit vehicles, hotel and airport transports, and of course good old personal use. No aftermarket hacks needed.

The modern looking vehicle in the image is the MV-1. It is a purpose built wheelchair accessible vehicle that recently came to market from The Vehicle Production Group LLC (VPG). VPG announced the start of production for the “First Mobility Vehicle”, MV-1, the first and only factory-built and assembled vehicle.”

The “only” one, yes. The “first” one, no. Hanging out up there in the images is the 1968 Checker which could be had wheelchair accessible and off the assembly line with raised roof and a manually operated short ramp.

I know, the price? The MV-1 SE, with powered ramp, QStraint securement system, some niceties like CD player, power this and that will cost you around $43,024. Be kind to the rest of us and turn it into a greener compressed gas vehicle and it will run you in the neighborhood of $52,024. But keep in mind- This vehicle is designed to transport a wheelchair user not for being driven by one. If you want to drive it you are likely going to run up some serious aftermarket mod costs.

For those interested in the Checker wheelchair accessible vehicle, check out this advertisement from the late 1960s for the accessible Checker.