Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Buyers Guide

Size is Important: Ensuring Comfort and Access in Your WAV

The most crucial factor when choosing a WAV is size, with access and headroom for the wheelchair passenger as top priorities. You need to ensure the wheelchair user can easily enter the vehicle and, once inside, has ample space and visibility. Factors and features to consider include;

Wheelchair Position and Size

Consider where the wheelchair user will sit within the vehicle. Some WAVs position the wheelchair user in the rear, while others offer options for them to sit alongside other passengers or even upfront. The ideal location depends on the user's preference for social interaction, visibility, and the required seating capacity for other passengers. Our What is a WAV? guide has more extensive details on the various wheelchair positions available in our WAV stock if you would like to find out more.

When considering the above its worth knowing the length, width, and height (floor to the top of the wheelchair occupant's head) for your specific wheelchair (including its dimensions and any accessories). This will better help you understand your specific requirements for a safe and comfortably fit. Here is a helpful link to our wheelchair assessment guide.

Headroom and Door Height

Having ample headroom and door height is important for access to the vehicle and for a comfortable experience whilst inside. Taller wheelchair users might find it difficult to enter vehicles with restricted door heights or sit upright if the roof is too low. This can also lead to poor visibility through windows or windscreens. A low floor wav can be an excellent solution for these issues.

Lowered Floors

A low floor WAV is a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle specifically converted with a lowered rear floor section, creating increased internal headroom. WAVs with lowered floors are an excellent solution for taller wheelchair users as the additional space created by the lowered floor can make entry and exit much easier.

High Roof Vehicles

These offer improved access dimensions and interior space, often using a simple on-board ramp (which can be assisted by a powered access winch) or a powered wheelchair lift for access. While generally larger, these vehicles can also offer more seating positions, which is another important consideration. However the larger nature of the base vehicle means they can be less convenient than a smaller vehicle for everyday use.

Seating Capacity: How Many Passengers Do You Need?

The number of seats you need in your WAV is another vital consideration, as it often dictates the overall size of the base vehicle and its practical use. Balancing your passenger requirements with vehicle size and cost is key. Lets look at seating capacity by vehicle type and the associated pros and cons.

Small & Compact WAVs

These vehicles are typically based on smaller cars or compact vans.

• Seating Configuration: Usually offer 2 to 3 seats plus the wheelchair passenger. Some compact models may provide 5 seats, but often require folding a rear twin seat forward to create space for the wheelchair (e.g., 5 seats OR 3 seats + wheelchair). This configuration is often found in models like the VW Caddy WAV and Citroen Berlingo WAV.

• Pros:

  • Manoeuvrability: Easier to drive and park in urban environments, tight spaces, and standard parking bays.

  • Cost-Effective: Generally have a lower purchase price and better fuel efficiency due to their smaller size and lighter weight.

  • Feels More Like a Car: Offers a driving experience closer to a standard car, which many drivers prefer.

• Cons:

  • Limited Passenger Space: May not be suitable for larger families or those who frequently travel with multiple passengers.

  • Less Internal Space: Can feel cramped for taller wheelchair users or those with larger mobility aids. Limited storage for extra equipment or luggage.

  • Ramp Access Only: Typically use ramps (manual or powered winch) rather than lifts, which may require more effort or assistance.

MPV Sized WAVs

These vehicles strike a balance between passenger capacity and manageability.

• Seating Configuration: Tend to come with 4 seats plus wheelchair as standard (especially when they have a full-length lowered floor), but some, like our Ford Connect Liberty, can offer 5 seats plus wheelchair.

• Pros:

  • Balanced Capacity: Good for average-sized families, offering more passenger seats than compact WAVs without being excessively large.

  • Improved Comfort: Generally provide more comfortable seating and slightly more room for the wheelchair user than compact models.

  • Versatile Access: Can accommodate a wider range of access methods, including longer ramps and sometimes on-board lifts.

• Cons:

  • Internal Space Still May Be Limited: While better than compact, still might not be enough seating for larger families or if you need to transport additional equipment regularly.

  • Parking Challenges: Can be slightly trickier to park than a compact car, though still more manageable than larger vans.

  • Higher Running Costs: Generally consume more fuel and have higher running costs than smaller WAVs.

 Large Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

These are typically based on larger vans or minibuses, designed for maximum capacity and space.

• Seating Configuration: Bigger accessible vehicles typically range from 4 to 6 seats ( such as our exclusive VW Multivan Liberty), whilst large wheelchair accessible vehicles like our Renault Master AX-S can offer up to 8 or even 9 seats as standard.

• Pros:

  • Maximum Seating: Ideal for larger families, care homes, or organisations requiring transport for multiple passengers alongside the wheelchair user(s). Some models can accommodate multiple wheelchairs.

  • Ample Space & Headroom: Provides generous internal space  and excellent visibility for the wheelchair user. Plenty of room for additional equipment or luggage.

  • Advanced Access Options: Often feature powered lifts (on-board or underfloor) especially useful for heavier power wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

• Cons:

  • Size & Manoeuvrability: Much larger vehicles can be challenging to drive, park, and navigate in urban areas or multi-storey car parks due to their dimensions and turning circle.

  • Higher Cost: Generally have the highest purchase price, higher insurance costs, and greater fuel consumption.

  • Commercial Vehicle Feel: The driving experience might feel more like a van than a car, which might not be preferred by all drivers.

Low Floor Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Smaller Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles start with just 2 seats plus the wheelchair passenger with 3 seats plus wheelchair passenger being the norm and 4 seats being the exception.

Some compact WAVs may offer 5 seats but normally they require the folding forward of a rear twin seat to achieve wheelchair access (i.e. 5 seats or 3 seats + wheelchair)

MPV sized mobility vehicles tend to come with 4 seats as standard (especially when they have a full length lowered floor) but some offer 5 seats as standard such as our Ford Galaxy Liberty

Bigger accessible vehicles range typically from 4 to 6 seats with the vehicle size, layout and access method being key whilst large wheelchair accessible vehicles such as our Renault Master AX-S offer up to 8 or even 9 seats as standard.