France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Ireland
Czechia
Are you a wheelchair user looking for your first car? Or perhaps it’s time to replace your current vehicle because your needs have changed.
Did you know that you can purchase, hire or lease (via the Motability Scheme) a vehicle that’s been specially converted to make it fully wheelchair accessible, allowing you to travel while remaining in your wheelchair or powerchair with no requirement to fold or dismantle your chair?
If the answer is no, it’s time to read on!
WAV v Standard Car: What’s the Difference?
As the UK and Europe’s largest wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) manufacturer and supplier, we’ve paired tens of thousands of wheelchair users with the wheelchair access vehicle that’s best suited to their needs and budget. But how does a WAV differ from a standard disability car with adaptations?
WAVs
A WAV is a specially engineered vehicle that enables wheelchair users to enter, travel and exit the vehicle from the comfort of their wheelchair or powerchair.
Standard Cars with Adaptations
This typically involves wheelchair users self-transferring from their wheelchair to a standard seat, either independently or with assistance from a family member or carer. Their wheelchair is then folded or stored separately for the journey.
WAV vs Car with Adaptations: A Quick Comparison
| Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle | Car with Adaptations | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Access | You enter an Allied Mobility WAV from the rear or side passenger position via a lightweight, permanently fitted wheelchair ramp. | You position your wheelchair close to the driver or passenger doors to allow you to transfer from your wheelchair. |
| Wheelchair Transfer | You remain in your wheelchair or powerchair when driving or travelling, or transfer to a specialised six-way seat while your chair is secured in the vehicle channel. | You self transfer or use a specially fitted person hoist from your wheelchair to the driver or passenger seat. |
| Wheelchair Stowage | With a wide, accessible channel, a WAV allows wheelchair users to remain in their wheelchair or powerchair throughout the journey, with their chair safely secured using specialised tie downs. If you prefer to transfer to a vehicle seat, your wheelchair can be safely secured inside the vehicle, so it's ready and waiting when you reach your destination. | Some wheelchair users fold their own chair after transferring and manoeuvre it across their body to the passenger or rear seats. Adaptation options include a wheelchair roofbox or boot hoist. |
| Driving Controls | A Drive From or Internal Transfer WAV can be fitted with driving controls to meet your personal requirements. | A standard car can be fitted with driving controls to meet your personal requirements. |
Vehicle Access
Allied Mobility offers the UK’s largest range of new WAVs, including passenger, Upfront Passenger, Internal Transfer (IT) and Drive From Wheelchair (DFW). Each vehicle is designed to make wheelchair travel as simple and convenient as possible so you can get out and about with ease.
Passenger WAV Access
Every Allied Mobility passenger WAV is designed to make road travel as easy as possible for wheelchair users. Instead of transferring from your wheelchair to a passenger seat, a WAV enables you to enter the car in your wheelchair or powerchair and travel alongside fellow passengers thanks to a low gradient, lightweight ramp in the rear. For added convenience and safety, a handy remote controlled electric-assist winch is also included as standard.
What does an electric-assist winch do?
Hooking onto your wheelchair’s frame, an electric-assist winch helps to guide you up the ramp and into the vehicle. By supporting the weight of both you and your wheelchair, the electric-assist winch takes the physical strain out of vehicle access and ensures a smooth, safe entry into the designated wheelchair travel position. When you reach your destination, the winch will then assist you safely back down the ramp.
Because you can remain in your wheelchair throughout the journey, a WAV provides a more convenient, efficient and comfortable transport option for those with reduced strength or mobility as it eliminates much of the physical strain and hassle that can be associated with transferring in a standard car, both for the wheelchair user themselves and those providing assistance if required.
Upfront Passenger, Internal Transfer & Drive From WAV Access
To make vehicle access as independent as possible, our rear entry Upfront Passenger, Internal Transfer (IT) and Drive From Wheelchair (DFW) WAVs feature an automated tailgate. With the push of a button the tailgate opens, the ramp deploys and you can enter the vehicle quickly and easily.
In our DFW WAVs, the original driver seat is removed which enables wheelchair users to enter the vehicle, manoeuvre to the driver position and drive directly from their powerchair without transferring. Similarly, upfront passenger WAVs allow wheelchair users to travel alongside the driver in the front passenger position while in their wheelchair, with the original upfront passenger seat removed.
IT WAVs offer slightly different access to the driver or front passenger position as they feature a specialist six-way Turny seat, making it easier to transfer from your wheelchair to the driver or front passenger position while inside the vehicle. An added benefit of an internal transfer WAV is that you are sheltered from the elements, which relieves stress on those cold, wet and windy days!
Browse Upfront Passenger, Internal Transfer & Drive From Wheelchair WAVs
Standard Car Access
To make a standard car more accessible, there are a range of mobility aids and vehicle adaptations available. Depending on your needs you may find portable aids such as swivel cushions, support handles, leg lifters and transfer boards helpful. As these items are portable, they are useful if you travel in several different vehicles. However, they do require a degree of strength and mobility to use.
If you primarily travel in one car or need additional support, fitted adaptations may be better suited to you. Options include transfer plates, swivel/ turnout seats and personal hoists, all of which can make getting in and out of the car easier. However, these adaptations still require either the wheelchair user or caregiver to have some degree of strength and mobility.
Driving Controls
Both WAVs and standard cars can be fitted with driving controls to meet your personal requirements. Whether it be a push/pull hand control or adapted accelerators, there’s no difference between the adaptations available in standard cars and WAVs.
If you’re interested in fitting adaptations to your wheelchair accessible vehicle, please speak to your mobility advisor.
Wheelchair Stowage
WAV
A major advantage of a wheelchair accessible vehicle is its suitability for a wide range of wheelchairs and powerchairs. Thanks to generous entry dimensions and a specially engineered lowered floor, WAVs provide the width and headroom space needed for many larger wheelchair and powerchairs.
Whether you choose to travel in your chair or transfer inside your vehicle to a passenger or six-way Turny seat, a WAV eliminates the need to fold, lift or dismantle your wheelchair before every journey. Your wheelchair can then be secured safely using high-quality restraints or docking system, helping make day-to-day travel simpler, more comfortable and more convenient.
Standard Car
In a standard car, your wheelchair must be stored separately during the journey. For some users, this may be as simple as folding the wheelchair and placing it in the boot. However, this isn’t always practical, particularly if the wheelchair is heavy or there is limited storage space available.
Common solutions include boot hoists for lifting wheelchairs into the vehicle and rooftop boxes for carrying them externally. However if you use a large powerchair that cannot be folded and secured for travel, it would be impossible to transport it in a standard car.
As these solutions involve additional loading and unloading steps, they may require greater physical effort, assistance from another person, or both. The right option will depend on your mobility, the type of wheelchair or powerchair you use and how frequently you travel.
Your Future Mobility
When choosing between a WAV and a car with adaptations, it’s important to think about your future needs as well as your current ones. A vehicle that works perfectly today may become more challenging if your mobility changes over time. Many customers choose a WAV because it offers greater flexibility and can continue to meet their needs for years to come.
Allied Mobility WAV Features
- Electric-assist winch for supported entry as standard
- Privacy glass for more discreet travelling as standard
- Range of seating layouts & travelling positions
- Dedicated shoulder & diagonal wheelchair user seat belt
- SafeStep slip-resistant flooring
- 85kg, 150kg or 200kg wheelchair restraints
Stylish Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Besides accessibility, people often question whether WAVs are as stylish as standard cars but with an Allied Mobility WAV, you needn’t worry.
Our wheelchair accessible vehicles are converted from manufacturers including Peugeot, Ford, Volkswagen, Citroën, Vauxhall and Renault and are packed full of modern specifications – from heated seats and steering wheel to infotainment touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
So, if you’re in search of a modern vehicle with the bonus of wheelchair accessibility, we can help!
Is a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Right for You?
If you think you or someone you love would benefit from the accessibility of a WAV, then let our expert mobility advisors help find the vehicle that’s right for you.
Benefits of an Allied Mobility WAV
- HomeStay™ Mobile Service
- Free home demonstrations UK-wide
- Free nationwide delivery
- Ongoing support
Whether you’re looking to lease via the Motability Scheme, buy new or used, or hire for short or long term, with a wide range of WAVs to choose from, let our expert mobility advisors find the wheelchair accessible vehicle that’s made for you!
Give us a call using the number at the top of the page or tap the button below.
