Dodge Northstar E by VMI – Wisconsin
Designed for Wheelchair Users and Caregivers
The VMI Northstar E is designed specifically around the needs of wheelchair users who travel with caregivers. This accessible minivan combines front-seat wheelchair access, flexible seating, and an in-floor manual ramp to create a practical transportation solution at an affordable price.
The Northstar E offers an uncluttered interior and an obstruction-free doorway while providing seating for up to seven passengers, depending on configuration. Its thoughtful design gives wheelchair users and caregivers more flexibility in how they use the vehicle.
Looking for an affordable wheelchair-accessible vehicle? Browse our Inventory to see available accessible vans from Access Mobility Vans.
Front-Seat Wheelchair Access
One of the Northstar E’s distinguishing features is its ability to accommodate a wheelchair user in the front seating area.
This caregiver-focused design allows the wheelchair user to sit alongside the driver rather than being limited to the rear passenger area. It can provide a more connected experience for families and caregivers while maintaining convenient access to the vehicle.
The Northstar E is designed around the idea that accessibility should work for the entire family, not just the wheelchair user.
In-Floor Manual Ramp
The Northstar E features a manual in-floor ramp that stores beneath the vehicle floor when it is not being used.
The ramp design helps maintain an uncluttered interior while providing convenient wheelchair access through the side doorway. Because the ramp is stored in the floor, there is no need to lift or carry a traditional portable ramp.
Its design also eliminates the need for caregivers to repeatedly bend down and lift a ramp into place.
Flexible Mid-Row Seating
The Northstar E offers optional single and double flip-up mid-row seats designed to complement the vehicle’s original interior.
These seats provide multiple seating configurations and allow the interior to be adapted based on the needs of passengers, wheelchairs, and mobility equipment.
Removable Front Seats
The front seats can be removed to create additional flexibility for wheelchair positioning and passenger configurations.
This allows the Northstar E to accommodate different mobility needs while providing additional space for mobility equipment. Depending on the configuration, multiple mobility devices can also be transported at the same time.
Comfortable, Quieter Interior
The Northstar E incorporates sound-deadening materials designed to help reduce interior noise.
A quieter cabin can make everyday trips more comfortable for wheelchair users, caregivers, and other passengers.
Corrosion-Resistant Flooring
The Northstar E conversion floor is E-coated to help protect against rust and corrosion.
This additional protection is designed to help the conversion floor withstand everyday use and exposure to moisture.
Increased Interior Headroom
An approximately 11-inch dropped floor provides additional headroom throughout the accessible area of the vehicle.
The Northstar E also provides a usable side-door opening height of approximately 55 inches, making it suitable for many wheelchair users.
Actual clearance requirements can vary depending on the wheelchair, seating position, and individual user.
Accessibility Built Around the Caregiver
The Northstar E takes a different approach to accessible transportation by focusing on the needs of both the wheelchair user and caregiver.
With front-seat wheelchair access, a manual in-floor ramp, flexible seating, and room for up to seven passengers depending on configuration, the Northstar E provides a practical option for families looking for accessible transportation without the cost of some fully powered conversion systems.