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Disability History Month is a great time for reflection and today we’re looking back at the incredible progress that has been made in wheelchair accessible transport over the last few decades.
In the Beginning…
The production of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) roughly began in the1950s following a rise in disabled servicemen after World War II.
However, right up to the early 2000s owning a wheelchair accessible car was rare due to a lack of convertors capable of converting disability cars at a large scale and the high cost of conversions.
Unfortunately, trains, buses and even taxis were not particularly accessible at this time either with wheelchair passengers commonly left to travel facing sideways with their wheelchair unsecured and with no passenger seat belt.
Moving Forward
Thankfully, today options for travelling in your wheelchair have significantly improved. Public transport is, for the most part, more accommodative to the needs of wheelchair users and private disability cars have improved beyond recognition in terms of appearance and quality.
Most importantly, wheelchair accessible cars have become much more affordable to the average disabled person thanks to an increase in convertors like Allied Mobility converting at scale.
Our WAVs Through the Years
At Allied Mobility, we’re proud of the part we’ve played in creating affordable, safe and well-crafted wheelchair accessible vehicles that positively impact the lives of our customers.
Over the course of our history, two WAVs have proved most popular amongst our customers, Peugeot Horizon™ and Ford Independence™ and with good reason too!
Meet Horizon™: The UK’s most popular WAV
Horizon™ has had conversion improvements and facelifts throughout the years to keep it safe, sleek and stylish for modern drivers and passengers alike.
Today, based on the Peugeot Rifter Allure, Horizon™ comes with an impressive specification as standard, excellent wheelchair accessible features and, of course, the comfort and style associated with Peugeot. Ideal for able-bodied and wheelchair passengers, Horizon™ offers fantastic space with maximum accessibility.
With features such as a 10″ 180° colour reversing camera, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® 10″ colour touch screen, Mirror Screen® and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto – Horizon™ doesn’t only look good on the road, it provides safety, comfort and entertainment.
Also available in long wheelbase, our Horizon™ Plus provides even more space for both additional able-bodied passengers and for a larger wheelchair / powerchair.
Find Your Independence™ with Allied Mobility and Ford
With a determination to continuously improve, Independence™ has also been subject to conversion improvements and facelifts to keep up with the changing needs and wants of today’s drivers and passengers.
Suitable for manual wheelchairs and powerchairs alike, all-new Ford Tourneo Custom Independence™ provides optimum accessibility for the wheelchair passenger. With a 810mm ramp entry width, Independence™ is the perfect option if you have a larger wheelchair or powerchair.
With a top of the range entertainment system, impressive safety and convenience features and safety-inspired but stylish LED interior channel floor lighting, Independence™ is a WAV that stands out from the crowd.
Coming in three different models, there is a range of seating layouts available, including space for two wheelchair users in our Independence™ Twin.
Be a Part of Our History
Whether you’re looking to lease with the Motability Scheme, hire for long or short term or buy direct, with a wide range of new and used WAVs available, be a part of our history and find the right WAV for you by calling the number above or by browsing our website.
