Everything you need to know about WAV Vehicles
Looking for WAV Vehicles? We’ve put together this simple but handy guide to give you all the informaton you need.
- What are WAV Vehicles?
- Where to buy WAV Vehicles
- Where to Sell WAV Vehicles
- Which companies make WAV vehicles?
- Different types of WAV Vehicles
- Where to insure a WAV
- Electric WAV Vehicles
What are WAV Vehicles?
A WAV is an acronym for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
WAVs are vehicles which have been converted to be able to transport a passenger who is permanently seated in a wheelchair (although there are variations).
Most types of passenger vehicle can be converted to a WAV, these include cars, vans and MPV’s (and even some minibuses). The conversion process includes lowering the floor, adding a wheelchair ramp and reconfiguring the seats to create adequate room for the wheelchair. Usually vehicles with slightly higher roof space are chosen as WAV Vehicles. E.g Fiat Doblo’s, VW Caddys etc…
Where to buy WAV Vehicles?
Depending on your needs and requirements there are a number of places to find WAV Vehicles for sale.
Here at WavsGB we sell a large range of used and nearly new WAV Vehicles – all with 12 month warranty, new MOT and becuase we specialise in WAVs you can be sure you’ll get the perfect WAV for you specific needs. We deliver nationwide and have happy customers all over the.
You can browse our WAV Vehicles for sale here
If you’re looking for brand new WAVs you can buy them direct from the companies doing the conversions e.g. Allied Mobility
Where to Sell WAV Vehicles
When the time comes that you no longer need your WAV or you’re looking to upgrade (or even downsize!) then at WavsGB – we can offer to take your existing WAV in part-exchange or buy your wheelchair vehicle from you.
Aside from selling to WavsGB, there are a number of other options including Auto-Trader and Ebay (although in our experience wheelchair cars get hidden among the regular cars). There are also Facebook Groups dedicated to wheelchair vehicle and the marketplace on Facebook too.
Our advice is to factor in the time and cost of listing the WAV yourself and compare that to any offers you get from dealers such as WavsGB and do what’s best for you.
Which companies make WAVs?
There is a lot of choice when it comes to WAV makes and models and another choice when it comes to companies who offer the vehicle adapation or conversion.
Not every make or model of car is suitable for conversion to a WAV, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of choice. Some of the more popular makes that are available are:
Different types of WAVs?
When you think of a car which can carry a wheelchair – chances are you think of a vehicle with a ramp in the rear and the wheelchair passenger in the back. There is no doubt that this is the most popular type of WAV, howver there are other types of wheelchair vehicles.
- Rear Wheelchair Passenger
The wheelchair user boards from the rear via a ramp and is located behind or next to the rear seats. Vehicles of this type can have different configurations with anywhere from zero to 4 or more seats in the back depending on the size of the vehicle. - Front Wheelchair Passenger
Vehicles which allow the wheelchair user to sit in the front are called an up-front passenger WAV. Typically the wheelchair is boarded via a ramp at the side (although some do have rear ramps) and is secured in place next to the driver. Front passenger vehicles are perfect for couples – where the wheelchair user doesn’t want to be isolated in the rear, these types of vehicles usually have three seats in the rear(and a boot!) but some have no seats in the back. - Drive-From WAVs
As the name suggests these types of wheelchair car allow the wheelchair user to drive from their wheelchair. Rather than use pedals the controls are adapted to be hand controlled with all functions added onto or around the steering wheel. - Multi-Position WAVs
Multi-position WAVs are larger vehicles usually converted from vans(Ford Custom / Renault Master) which allow the wheelchair user to have the wheelchair secured in at least two different positions. This may be useful for vehicles which are also used to carry others or where luggage is also needed to be transported and more or less space is available - Multi-wheelchair WAVs
These types of WAVs again are based on larger vehicles and usually allow the transportation of one or two wheelchair passengers. Wavs like this are extremely useful for groups or organisations where more than one passenger is in a wheelchair. - Wheelchair Transfer
These types of WAVs allow wheelchair users who are able to transfer from their wheelchair into one of the seats in the vehicle. (usually the front passenger seat) This is usually aided by a swivel and tilting seat. Vehicles can be upgraded with this function via third-party disabled equipment installers.
Where to insure a WAV
We gets lots of calls from customers asking where they can insure their WAV Vehicle. While some regular car insurance companies will insure a WAV – it appears you may pay a premium for the luxury. However there are a number of specialist insurance companies which have dedicated teams able to offer you specific insurance for vehicles converted to carry a wheelchair.
For a list of WAV Vehicle insurers click here
Electric Wheelchair vehicles
Electric wavs or e-WAVs have been slow to the market (compared with standard cars), but they are now starting to appear. At WavsGB we offer a small range of e-WAVs with more on the way – we currently offer a luxury Mercedes electric-WAV and a mid-range Vauxhall Vivaro. See our electric WAVs here
Electric WAVs have the same features as the petrol or diesel equivalents but with all the benefits of a battery powered motor. As Electric WAVs are new there is not really much of a second hand market (yet!) – expect the e-WAV market to grow and evolve over the coming years.
At WavsGB we’re always happy to help, if you have any questions about WAV vehicles please get in touch with us via live chat or send us an email
