What is a wheelchair accessible vehicle?

A wheelchair accessible vehicle is a car or van which has been converted to carry a wheelchair passenger safely and easily.

Wheelchair accessible vehicles (or WAVs for short) are usually converted by a specialist company when the vehicle is first purchased although the conversion process can be performed at any time. The conversion usually involves modifying the rear interior of the vehicle and adding a ramp or lift to enable wheelchair access.

How is a vehicle converted to carry a wheelchair?

Companies that convert vehicles generally tend to work with specific makes and models (e.g Fiat Doblo, Renault Kangoo) as they have proven to have the best shape/size for the conversion to offer the best access.
Most vehicles will have the some or all of the following changes to make them accessible:

• Fold up ramp added to tailgate to enable wheelchair entry
• Roof raised to enable higher interior space – wheelchair users are seated higher
• Lowered floor to enable flat surface and room for wheelchair
• Some or all rear seats removed or re-positioned to create more room
• Dark privacy glass added to rear compartment
• Ability to lower suspension
• Electric winch added to help with wheelchair entry

Are all wheelchair accessible vehicles the same?

No. There are not only different types of wheelchair vehicle, but the companies that convert them each have a slightly different way of solving certain problems.

The most common types of wheelchair accessible vehicles

• Rear passenger
  The wheelchair sits alongside or behind the rear seats and boards via a rear ramp
• Ride up-front passenger
  The wheelchair passenger sits alongside the driver. The wheelchair user usually boards via a side or rear ramp.
• Wheelchair driver
  The driver is wheelchair bound and boards via a rear or side ramp. The car has been modified with hand controls to control braking and acceleration
• Wheelchair transfer
  The wheelchair passenger is seated in a normal seat and the wheelchair is stored in the boot/rear. The transfer usually takes place with a modified swivel seat or hoist

The type of wheelchair accessible vehicle you select depends on your specific needs.
We always have a range of all types of WAV, from most conversion companies in stock and our mobility car experts can help you choose the best one for you.

Our website allows you to browse all our vehicles for sale and use our filters to select WAV type, wheelchair size, number of seats, budget and more.. click below to give it a go