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Peugeot Rifter
The Peugeot Rifter is one of the most popular choices for a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), offering a practical blend of comfort, space, and modern design inside and out.
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and considerations to help you decide if the Rifter is the right WAV for your needs.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Peugeot |
| Vehicle Type | MPV |
| Typical Wheelchair Position | Rear | Switch |
| Conversion Types | Rear Entry |
| Seats Plus Wheelchair | 3 – 5 |
| Automatic Available | Yes |
| Petrol Available | Yes |
| Diesel Available | Yes |
| Electric Available | Limited availability |
| Best For | Families |
Typical Wheelchair Compatibility
| Wheelchair Type | Typical Suitability |
|---|---|
| Manual Wheelchair | Excellent |
| Compact Powered Wheelchair | Good |
| Large Powered Wheelchair | Detailed measurement check |
| Bariatric Wheelchair | Detailed measurement check |
At a Glance
Advantages
- Modern SUV-style design
- Good equipment levels
- Infotainment system
- Fold-Flat ramp option
Things to consider
- Slightly higher door sill
- Narrow seats in rear
A modern WAV
The Peugeot Rifter is the spiritual replacemnet for the now ageing Peugeot Partner. It’s appealing rugged external SUV-like design coupled with it’s spacious and modern interior has won over a lot of customers and the Rifter has become a sought-after and great all-round vehicle.
Typically available as a rear wheelchair vehicle the Rifter is mot commonly converted by Allied Mobility and brings with it their excellent adaptions including the fold-flat ramp (which folds back into the wheelchair when a wheelchair is not on board to create a flat parcel shelf surface) and a power winch.
There are also Switch conversion models which allow the wheelchair to be situated in either the front passenger or drivers position to use as a drive-from vehicle with additional hand controls and docking station.
Peugeot Rifter Seating Options
The standard rear wheelchair version of the Rifter typically offers three or four seats with the wheelchair situated inbetween or just behind.
The slightly longer L2 version usually offers five seats with a full row of three seats in the rear and the wheelchair behind.
The Switch conversion which allows the wheelchair in either of the front seat positions (as a passenger or driver) usually has three or fours seats with one of the seats being removable and the rear seats being fold and swivel so they can be moved out of the way to allow wheelchair boarding.
Available Space
As a slightly taller vehicle the Rifters do have a little more headroom for the wheelchair passenger compared with other vehicles in the same class.
The standard length Rifters do have some space for shopping/luggage dependent on how much space your wheelchair takes up but if you are planning to use the vehicle with luggage or to carry additional equipment then you may with to look at the L2 version with fewer seats.
Ease of use
The rear wheelchair models usually come with a duel-fold manual ramp and easy-to-use remote control winch to assist with boarding. The wheelchair is secured in place by a standard four-point restraint system.
The Switch conversions have a powered rear ramp and tailgate controlled by remote to enable easy boarding by a wheelchair user without any assistance.
Why Choose a Peugeot Rifter
If you’re looking for a slightly more modern WAV the Rifter is definitely one to consider.
Customers love the sporty steering wheelk, high ride position and large touchscreen.
For the wheelchair user The Rifter offers easy boarding with a winch (in most models) and plenty of headroom.