Which NEMT vehicle should I buy? | NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 64
See the full interview on YouTube.
Please don't forget to subscribe and like NEMT Experts Podcast on YouTube.
Also, available to watch on Spotify
And listen (audio only) on your other favorite podcast platforms Apple and Pandora.
How should I think about what kinds of vehicles to buy for my NEMT business? In this episode of NEMT Experts, we sit down again with Jim Cermak, Director of Driver Training at Driverge. Jim discusses the various factors at play in deciding what kind of vehicle to buy, such as capacity, new vs used, and rear-entry vs side-entry, and electric vs gas.
Top 3 Key Takeaways
- Define Your Service Before Choosing a Vehicle: Your NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) business model—whether personalized door-to-door service or group transportation—should dictate the type and size of vehicle you invest in.
- Rear-Entry Vans Are Preferred for Efficiency: For NEMT use, rear-entry vans are overwhelmingly favored (about 90%) due to ease of loading/unloading, space efficiency, and better compatibility with various wheelchair types.
- Used Vehicles Can Be Cost-Effective—but Risky: While used vans can be more affordable for startups, factors like wear, outdated equipment (e.g., lifts), and aesthetics can impact safety, passenger perception, and business growth potential.
Top 3 Key Takeaways
1)Start with the Service Type You Want to Offer: Before choosing a vehicle, define what kind of NEMT service you want to provide—personal, one-on-one rides vs. multi-passenger contract-based work. The type of service dictates the type and size of the vehicle. – Jim Cermak
2)Rear Entry Minivans are Optimal for Most NEMT Operations: Rear-entry vans are generally preferred due to easier and more efficient loading/unloading, especially for passengers with large wheelchairs or scooters. They are also more cost-effective and require less maneuvering. – Jim Cermak
3)New vs. Used: Think Beyond the Price Tag: While used vans may be appealing due to lower upfront costs, factors like vehicle aesthetics, passenger comfort, maintenance costs, and reliability must be seriously considered—especially when trying to win contracts or referrals. – Jim Cermak
