When buying a used wheelchair accessible vehicle, selecting the right wheelchair accessible conversion for your needs is a critical decision that can significantly impact the mobility and independence of the individual(s) using the WAV. A range of specialist companies offer wheelchair vehicle conversions, and while they’re all based on similar concepts, finding the perfect fit can require some consideration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to help you make an informed choice when choosing which wheelchair accessible conversion will be right for you.
Assess Your Needs
Begin by evaluating your specific needs and requirements. Consider factors such as the type of wheelchair you use, the number of passengers you need to accommodate, and any unique preferences you have. This assessment will serve as a foundation for choosing the most suitable conversion option.
Vehicle Make & Model Preference
If you are buying a new wheelchair accessible vehicle either independently or through Motability, you’ll be able to specify the vehicle and the conversion. Different UK companies offer conversions for various vehicle models. Ensure the company you choose provides conversions compatible with your preferred vehicle. This step will help you avoid any compatibility issues and ensure a seamless integration of the conversion into your chosen vehicle.
If you are buying used (that’s where we come in! 🙂 ), then you’ll probably start by browsing the make and model of the vehicles you are most interested in and then trying the different adapations available for that model. Obviously the used market has a more limited choice than new (where you can choose exactly what you want), so you may end up having to make a compromise betwen your preffered model and adaption.
Vehicle adaption company
Which adaption you choose will ultimately be your personal preference.
It’s worth investigating various different ones to see how easy they are to use, what differences that have and if they make any impact on the ride comfort.
Here are the most common wheelchair access conversion companies.
Type of WAV Conversion
Wheelchair accessible conversions come in various types, such as rear-entry, side-entry, and more. Each type offers distinct advantages, so it’s essential to understand which one aligns best with your needs. For example, rear-entry conversions offer more flexibility for parking, while side-entry conversions provide easier access to curbside spaces. It’s important to try both before deciding. Some customers have been adament they wanted a rear wheelchair conversion only to try an up-front and be instantly impressed and of course vice-versa. There is definitely less choice of upfront WAV vehicles but we can usually find what you’re looking for.
Accessibility Features
Consider the accessibility features offered by the conversion. Look for features such as lowered floors, ramps, lifts, and secure wheelchair restraint systems. Prioritise the features that enhance the comfort of the wheelchir user and ease of use, ensuring a safe and convenient experience. Again it’s important to try the features and see if there are any shortcomings for your specific needs.
Customisations and optional extras
Aside from adding a winch, extra seats or perhaps a powered ramp there aren’t really any optional extras for used WAVs. Any options would have been chosen by the original purchaser. However as we have mentioned there are many accessible upgrades that can be purchased for used WAV vehicles.
Reputation and Reviews
In our experience adaptions in the UK are of a very high quality and an adaption from any of the well known companies should serve you well. However if you are concerned you may want to research the reputation of the companies you’re considering. Read reviews, testimonials, and case studies from other customers who have chosen their wheelchair accessible conversions. Positive feedback is indicative of reliable products and services.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
When you buy a used wheelchair accessible vehicle from WavsGB it will come with a 12 month RAC warranty, however some newer vehicles will still have a portion of their manufcaturers warranty available and it’s worth checking if any after-market extras (e.g. winch) have a manufacturers warranty.
Ultimately the choice is yours
Selecting the right wheelchair accessible conversion requires careful research and consideration. By assessing your needs, understanding different conversion types, exploring customization options, and prioritizing safety and reputation, you can confidently choose a conversion that enhances your mobility and independence. Remember that your choice goes beyond just a vehicle – it’s a key step toward improving your quality of life.
If you about to start searching, or even if you’re close to making a decision, speak to us at WavsGB we are happy to provide our experience and honest answers about any WAVs you are interested in. We can also offer test drives and home demonstrations for any of our used wheelchair accessible vehicles for sale.
What next?
Click below to start your research into buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
