Are you thinking of buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) in the UK? If you are then you don’t have to worry because there are so many companies in the United Kingdom that provide this service. However, there is an issue, and that is the issue of deciding on what kind of vehicle to buy. But don’t panic, because that is where we come in…

In this article, we will look at the factors you need to consider when buying wheelchair accessible vehicles in the UK. We will provide you with all the important factors to ensure that you get a WAV that is suitable just for you.

But before we do that, there is an important question we must first answer…

What are Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles?

WAVs are vehicles that mobility experts have converted to suit the needs of disabled people to allow them to travel in the vehicle while still in their wheelchair. Hence, such vehicles do not require the disabled individual to be first removed from their wheelchair before they can get into the car.

In most cases, these vehicles have a lift that is powered electrically, a ramp that can be easily folded, or a rotating seat. These mechanisms enable the person to enter the vehicle either from the side or the rear.

As you might have figured out, these automobiles aren’t for everybody. They are designed for those with disabilities who need to make use of a wheelchair.

Factors to Consider When you want to buy a WAV

Buying a WAV is similar to buying a regular automobile in the sense that you are to get one that suits you. Click here to learn more about WAVs. Therefore, the following are the factors you must consider when you buy a WAV.

1. Type

The interesting thing about WAVs is that you can get them from any type of automobile. Any vehicle type can be easily converted into one of these. Hence, we have cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and even motorcycles being converted for this purpose. However, most people prefer the minivan because of its practicality.

Minivans are known for their interior space which cannot be compared to regular cars. They also have an incredible gas mileage and when it comes to being used as a WAV, they can be said to be the best. This is because the ramp that is fitted to minivans allows easy movement into the vehicle and out. It is even convenient if the driver happens to be a disabled person.

Cars are not totally at a disadvantage either. If you choose to get a WAC, it means you get something stylish. Also, the gas mileage is better than that of minivans. Furthermore, parking won’t be a problem due to the small size of the car. They are also easily operated using just hand controls provided you fit in such functions.

2. Entry Point

There are two major entry points into the vehicle WAV for a wheelchair user. We have the side and the rear. However, some people tend to have a debate about the driver’s entry point. The argument is whether it should be a separate entry point thereby making it three major entry points, or also part of the side entry point.

Whichever side you might agree with, a disabled individual will be able to enter the vehicle either from the side, the rear, or the driver’s door. Hence, the entry mechanism must be placed in these positions during the conversion process.

The advantage that side entry has is that it allows physically challenged persons to access the driver or the shotgun seats. Whereas, the rear entry point has an advantage when it comes to parking; physically challenged drivers can park in normal parking spaces which are much cheaper. Furthermore, the rear entry doesn’t involve weird maneuvering once the individual is in the van.

When considering this factor, you should allow your specific needs determine what entry point is best for you.

Apart from the above, WAVs can be categorized into the following based on their accessibility:

Rear Passenger

This accessibility allows the disabled person to get into the vehicle through the rear and stay at the back but still in the wheelchair.

Ride-up-front

While you will still gain entry through the rear, you won’t sit at the back but the front passenger seat. The issue with this is that a back seat has to be removed to allow you to gain access to the passenger seat in front.

Drive from the wheelchair

This accessibility has different variations, but the similarity is that the disabled individual ends up in the driver’s seat. Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO66KltOLZA to learn how to drive with a disability. Hence, they can drive the vehicle themselves. The automobile can be converted to allow you to even make use of just one hand to drive.

Transfer Seat

In this case, either the regular passenger seat or the driver seat can be swiveled in such a way that you can transfer from the wheelchair to any of the seats in the vehicle.

3. Entry Mechanism

When we talk about entry mechanism, we are referring to the method through which the disabled person, as well as their wheelchair, will be moved into the vehicle.

There are three major types of entry mechanisms used in WAVs. There is the simple ramp, the industrial lift, and the rotating seat. You need to consider this carefully and weigh their advantages and disadvantages in relation to your condition.

The ramps have three options:

• Manual/Standard: This hinge ramp can be folded from the rear.
• Mid-Folding: It can be folded in half and kept away. This ensures that you can easily see the vehicle’s back window.
• Hydraulic-assist: Of the three options, you can fold this one the easiest. It is the most advanced of the three, hence, the most expensive.

Lifts are categorized based on the entry point. Hence, we have the rear entry and the side entry lifts.

4. Wheelchair Dimensions

The dimensions of your wheelchair must be considered because it will determine if it will fit the vehicle you intend buy. Hence, these are the dimensions you should consider:

• The height from the WAV’s inside floor to the user’s head when in the wheelchair.
• The vehicle’s width
• Wheels width
• Individual length when in the wheelchair
• Individual weight and equipment mobility

5. Latest Technology

The technology employed must be up-to-date. Hence, you should verify if the ramp or lift is in line with the current trend.

6. Storage Space

You need to remember that not only humans will be in the vehicle; sometimes you’ll need to place some cargo into the van. Apart from this, folks with disabilities sometimes have to go along with certain equipment to make their lives easier. Hence, these pieces of equipment need to be accounted for when making a choice.

7. Price

Price of course is important because you won’t be making the purchase with wishful thinking. The least you’ll get one of these is £16,000. Hence, you need to be sure that the money is wisely spent.

A WAV price is determined by the following:

Regular Vehicle Price

Hence, if you choose to go for a sports car WAV, then you should be ready to pay for the price of a sports car. This is plus the additional £1,500 to £2,500 for the entry mechanism depending on the type.

Entry Mechanism Type

Another factor that influences the price is the entry mechanism type. In most cases, the ramp costs less than the lift. Hence, the cost of a ramp WAV sports car is lesser than that of a WAV with a lift of the same car model.

Entry Mechanism Technology

The technology of the entry mechanism is another thing that determines the price. In other words, even if you choose a ramp or the lift, the technology of lifts differs from one another.

Advanced Adaptations

By advanced adaptations, we are referring to the additional adaptations in the vehicle such as hand controls, swivel seat, and electric winch.

Seats in the WAV

The number of seats in the vehicle also determines the price of the vehicle. Many prefer those with four seats and a wheelchair more than those with three seats and a wheelchair.

These are the factors that determine the price which you must bear in mind when you go to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Apart from the above, there are other factors you need to consider when buying second-hand WAVs. These factors are:

1. Private Sale

When a vehicle is bought from individuals, they are usually cheaper than those gotten from dealers.

2. Mileage

How far the automobile has traveled is also a factor that influences the price of a second-hand WAV. Hence, it is not necessarily the age of the vehicle but the miles it has covered.

Conclusion

Buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Hence, one must pay careful consideration to some important factors.

These factors include type, entry point, entry mechanism, wheelchair dimensions, latest technology, storage space, and price. These factors have been discussed extensively in the article above.