Most WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles have rear access, to make it simpler to get in and out with your wheelchair and give you flexibility when you’re parking.
You can access some WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles from the side, but it’s important to think about where you’ll park it, the types of journeys you’ll make, and how you want the seats to be laid out.
You can use a manual or electric ramp to get in and out of the vehicle, with help. Think about the angle and length of the ramp, and how simple it is to get in and out. Some WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle suppliers offer a powered winch at no extra cost, just ask them.
Some larger WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles have a lift instead of a ramp, so you can get into the vehicle without help. Lifts do not suit every type of WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle and your Advance Payment could be higher.
You'll sit in your wheelchair which, although safely restrained, is not fixed to the floor in the same way a car seat is. That means you’ll experience some movement, which you’ll notice most on roundabouts and sharp bends. You might have a different eyeline out of the windows than you’re used to. And with most WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles the wheelchair user is towards the back of the vehicle, which means hearing and talking to the driver can be hard. Most people get used to these, but you should check whether you’re happy with them before you decide on a WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle. Make sure you check the air conditioning and heater too, especially in a larger WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle. How it feels will vary, so we recommend you try a few demonstrations of a few different WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles.
Some WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles are large, which means it’s very different to driving a car and it might take some getting used to. Make sure your driver feels comfortable and confident driving the WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle. Think about what could make driving simpler, like getting an automatic instead of a manual. A WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle demonstration could help your driver understand what could help. In some WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles you’ll need to refuel more regularly and the fuel gauge might be less accurate. Ask your supplier if this applies to the WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle you’re looking at.
Most WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles have had their floor lowered to allow enough headroom for you, in your wheelchair. It helps make getting in and out easier too, as the ramp is less steep. Make sure you have enough ground clearance in the places you usually drive, and the driver will need to be extra careful over speed bumps.
WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles can be bigger than the type of vehicle you're used to, so it's important to think about how this will affect your day-to-day travel. Think about where you normally park and if there's enough space for a ramp or lift, and room for a wheelchair to move. If you choose a large WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle, make sure it can clear any height restrictions you regularly pass through.
This depends on the size of the WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle. Usually seats have been removed to make room for a wheelchair, but some have rear seats designed to fold out of the way. You can also ask to have your wheelchair in the passenger seat instead. If you have a partner or carer, think about whether they’ll need to help you during journeys, and whether the layout suits this.
In most WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles, you’ll sit in the back, in your wheelchair, but the actual position can vary. Some are right at the back, where the original boot would have been. Others are behind the driver. The closer forward you are, the more inclusive you might find it, but these conversions usually cost more. Some suppliers specialise in WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles that allow you to sit next to the driver. If you have a partner or carer, think about whether sitting at the front or back will be a problem for you.
We know having space is key in a WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle, as you’ll need to fit things like your shopping and mobility equipment. Think about the size of your family, the equipment you regularly travel with and whether any of this is likely to change during your lease.
Most WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles have four belts that attach to the wheelchair to keep it in place and minimise movement. The front restraints are adjustable and are usually self-locking. Some carers might find some easier to use than others. You can get an automatic tie-down system, but it costs extra. You’ll also have an appropriate seatbelt to keep you safe. Some WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles will be tested with a heavier wheelchair than others. It's important you tell your supplier which wheelchair you're going to use and whether it’s likely to change.
We’ll arrange this for you. You can add up to three named drivers and can change these at any time.
We’ll cover your regular services and routine repairs, to keep your vehicle running perfectly.
We’ll give you RAC cover, so you can travel with peace of mind.
Call your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle supplier and they’ll be happy to help.
