Your Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles for Sale

Mobility aids are hugely important for many people.  They’ve been around for a long time, of course.  However, these days, we’ve made amazing strides in improving them.

Now, those who need a wheelchair or other type of mobility aid have a ton of options.  This holds true in several different ways.   As you can probably guess based on today’s title, we’ll be looking at vehicles that are wheelchair accessible.

No matter what type of wheelchair or automated chair you have, everyone deserves to be able to get around in a vehicle if they want to.  That’s where these cars come into play.  For additional information, you can check out this website – otherwise, stay tuned.

Today, we’ll be exploring wheelchair accessible vehicles here in the United Kingdom.  What options are available?  Why are they so important?  Where can we find them?  We’ll be covering all of this and more.

What Are Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles?

Naturally, one of the first things we need to think about is this: what are these cars, anyway?  Often, they are referred to as “WAVs.”  It’s a simple acronym for wheelchair accessible vehicle.  Many retailers refer to them as such.

They’re designed specifically to allow wheelchair users to enter and exit them.  Another key component is the ability to travel in them comfortably while using a mobility aid.  This is achieved because in a WAV, they shouldn’t need to leave the chair to enter a car seat.

You can start to see why they’re considered unique.  It’s important to find one with the features you want.  How can we accomplish them?  Well, before we tackle that, let’s examine some of the features that could be included.

Ramps or Lifts

Most WAVs will include this.  They tend to have a built-in ramp or lift that makes entering and exiting them easier.  Some ramps are manually operated.  Others are automated.

Meanwhile, it’s a bit different with lifts.  They are either hydraulic or electric.

It will be up to your discretion to decide which would work better for you.  The main difference will be in price.  The sleeker designs tend to cost more.  They are often worth it, though.

Lowered Floors

This is another feature that you’ll often find in these vehicles.  Note: Not all of them will include this.  Still, it’s worth knowing about.

Some vehicles will have lowered floors.  This allows for wheelchair users to enter them without having to duck their heads.  They can then sit comfortably without having to worry about discomfort from the ceiling of the car.

Securement Systems

Another thing to be aware of is securement systems.  This page: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/3/1633, offers some more information about them.  That said, we’ll explain them as well.

They may look different depending on the automobile in question.  When you’re purchasing a WAV, it doesn’t hurt to ask what types of securement systems are available.  Some examples are tie-downs or seatbelts.

The idea is that they can safely secure a wheelchair in place during a drive.  These are incredibly important in WAVs.  After all, the passenger needs to stay safe in case of sudden stops.

Spacious Interiors

Compared with some of the former entries, these are pretty much a guarantee in most WAVs.  However, the exact size will vary based on the vehicle itself.  The larger the interior, the more expensive it may be.  That will depend on the retailer you’re working with.

Essentially, the idea is that the interior of the vehicle should be comfortable for everyone involved.  This includes the wheelchair user, the driver, and additional passengers.  Comfort is the primary focus with this.

Accessibility Features

We would be remiss not to mention these.  In a sense, we saved the “best” for last.  Enhanced accessibility features will differ between the models available.

Some examples of things to look for are wide doors, automatic door openers, and easy-to-reach controls.  All of these things can enhance the accessibility of a given WAV.  Ask about them if you aren’t sure which will be included in your vehicle.

Additionally, remember that some of these enhancements can be installed later.  Most wheelchair accessible vehicles can continue to be improved throughout our ownership of them.  This is only if you want, though.

How to Find One for Your Needs

The other main issue we run into here is how we pick the “right” WAV for us.  Seeing as there are so many options here in the United Kingdom, it’s definitely a question with merit.  What are some example criterium?

Identify Your Needs

The first thing you’ll want to do is decide what your “needs” actually are.  For instance, what type of wheelchair do you use?  There will be a difference between a manual one and an electric one.

From there, you’ll also want to consider the physical condition of the person who is using the wheelchair in the WAV.  Can they transfer into a seat, or would they prefer to stay in the chair for the duration of trips?  This will play a part in the decision.

Finally, consider how often the WAV will need to be used.  The more often it’s being used, the more comfort should be prioritized.  Additionally, it may rule out getting a used vehicle in some cases.  Think about these things carefully.

Types of Vehicles

There are three primary types of vehicles that are made into WAVs.  Minivans are a primary candidate.  That’s because they are easy to modify and have plenty of space.

SUVs and trucks are also sometimes transformed.  Just keep in mind that they may have less interior space than a minivan.  Still, they’re just as viable.

Last but not least there are full-size vans.  Obviously, they offer the most space.  They can often hold several passengers.

Finding a Retailer or Depot

The last step will be to find a retailer.  There are plenty here in the United Kingdom.  You can use the resources we provided to help you look!

You can read some reviews online to gauge how good they are.  Select one carefully!