Braun Honda Odyssey Wheelchair Accessible Van
Author: The Braun Corporation
Published: 2011/08/19 - Updated: 2026/03/12
Publication Type: Announcement
Contents: Synopsis - Definition - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates - Related Publications
Synopsis: This product page details the Braun Corporation's 2011 Honda Odyssey Entervan, a wheelchair accessible van conversion designed for the estimated 4.3 million wheelchair users in the United States. Published by The Braun Corporation - the leading global manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles founded by Ralph Braun, who himself lived with spinal muscular atrophy - the information carries firsthand industry authority. The vehicle offers wheelchair users the option to ride as a front or rear passenger or drive from their wheelchair, and the conversion met or exceeded all front, side, and 50-mph rear crash requirements using Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This is a useful resource for people with physical disabilities and mobility needs who are researching safe, crash-tested wheelchair accessible vehicles that support independent driving and travel.
- Topic Definition: Wheelchair Accessible Van
A wheelchair accessible van is a motor vehicle that has been structurally modified or purpose-built to allow a person who uses a wheelchair to enter, ride in, and in some cases drive the vehicle without leaving their wheelchair. These conversions typically include features such as lowered floors, entry ramps or lifts, and modified driving controls, and they must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for crash protection. Wheelchair accessible vans are manufactured by specialty mobility companies and sold through dedicated dealer networks, serving as a primary means of independent transportation for millions of people with physical disabilities across North America.
Introduction
BRAUN 2011 Honda Odyssey Wheelchair Accessible Van
The 4.3 million wheelchair users in the United States now have a brand new option for their automotive mobility needs. The Braun Corporation has added the 2011 Honda Odyssey Entervan to its already diverse line-up of wheelchair accessible vehicles. The newest conversion gives individuals with mobility needs greater independence than ever, including the option to not only ride as a front or rear passenger, but also to drive from their wheelchair.
"Consumer demands in this industry focus on three primary elements: driving freedom, safety, and reliability," said Braun President Nick Gutwein. "Our new Honda conversion meets and exceeds those needs."
Main Content
Designed with stronger steel and a stronger rear frame, increased safety is a key element in the overall body structure design of the 2011 Honda Odyssey Entervan.
The conversion met or exceeded all front, side, and 50-mph rear crash requirements using 2016 model year Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
With 37 validated vehicle platforms since 1991, no mobility company takes the reliability of its products and the safety of its customers more seriously. The Honda Odyssey wheelchair accessible van also passed long-term durability and reliability testing at the acclaimed Altoona testing center.
Braun's customer commitment is reinforced at each of the 200-plus BraunAbility dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada. Every dealership is staffed with mobility experts who share one goal: to find the best possible mobility solution for each individual. And just as importantly, BraunAbility local dealers can provide 24/7 support should any maintenance or service issues ever arise.
Both Honda and Braun have made significant visual improvements to the vehicle as well. Styling on the 2011 Odyssey wheelchair van is bold, featuring a new aerodynamic roof-line and athletic exterior lines. The Braun-designed ground effects enhance the vehicle's sleek and sporty lines, blending a convenient step into the stylish flare design. The conversion also includes a new ramp design that creates a low profile interior look and makes the side door easier to access.
Those customers looking for improved fuel efficiency will appreciate the Odyssey's new 3.5L V6 that offers segment-leading fuel economy and a driving range of almost 600 miles.
The 2011 Honda Odyssey wheelchair van conversion will be available at BraunAbility dealer locations throughout the United States and Canada.
The Braun Corporation is the leading global manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vans and wheelchair lifts that enable people with physical disabilities to regain mobility and lead active and independent lives. The Indiana-based company was founded by Ralph Braun, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at a young age and was unable to walk by age 15. Ralph was motivated by his disability to invent the world's first electric scooter (the Tri-Wheeler) and wheelchair lift (the Lift-A-Way) in his parents' garage. Word spread and demand for the product increased, resulting in the birth of Save-A-Step Manufacturing, which ultimately became The Braun Corporation. Braun offers the most diverse line of vehicle platforms in the mobility industry, including the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Sienna, and Honda Odyssey.