France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Belgium (French)
Belgium (Dutch)
Ireland
Czechia
A wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) can make road travel for a wheelchair user safer, easier and more comfortable as you can enter, ride and exit the vehicle from the comfort of your wheelchair. Although equipped with accessibility features such as a lightweight, easy-use ramp in the rear, the overall look and feel of an accessible vehicle is no different to that of a standard car. To help you decide if a WAV is the best option for you, we’ve detailed some of the key differences between these vehicles below.
WAV vs Standard Car
| Feature | Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) | Standard Car |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Method | Lightweight ramp in the rear allows you to safely enter the vehicle and travel from the comfort of your wheelchair. | Requires the wheelchair user to transfer out of their wheelchair into a passenger or driver seat which can be physically straining for both the wheelchair user and carer/ companion. |
| Wheelchair Storage | If not travelling in your wheelchair, your chair can be securely stowed in the wheelchair travelling position, no folding or lifting necessary - simply roll the chair in and lock it into position. | Wheelchair must be folded and manually lifted into the vehicle's boot which can cause strain or injury. Additional restrictions may apply to larger wheelchairs or powerchairs that cannot fit in a standard car and require specialised wheelchair stowage systems. |
| Accessibility Features | A lightweight ramp and electric-assist winch provide safer, easier vehicle access, with the winch supporting the weight of both the wheelchair and user to minimise the risk of strain or injury. | Unlike WAVs, standard cars do not come with built-in accessibility features, so additional adaptations may be needed to make the vehicle suitable for wheelchair users. |
| Safety Features | All the safety features of a standard car plus front and rear wheelchair restraints. | Standard seat belts and airbags. |
Easy Entry and Exit
In comparison to a standard car where a wheelchair user has to self-transfer independently or with the help of a hoist or companion, entering and exiting an Allied Mobility WAV is often easier and safer due to a range of built-in accessibility features. These include:
- A lowered floor
- Lightweight, easy-use ramp in the rear
- Electric-assist winch
The specially lowered floor ensures the lightweight ramp has a low, easy gradient, while the electric-assist winch carries the weight of you and your wheelchair, gently guiding you up the ramp and into the vehicle and back down when you reach your destination. These features not only make vehicle access easier, but they also reduce physical strain for you and your companion or carer – minimising the risk of falls and injury.
Safe and Secure
Just like in a standard car, the wheelchair user is secured using a three‑point seat belt. Unlike a standard car, however, a WAV allows you to travel comfortably in your wheelchair. For added safety and stability during the journey, the wheelchair itself is securely anchored to the vehicle using high‑quality Q’Straint restraints.
Learn more about Q’Straint restraints
In addition to these accessibility safety features, our range of WAVs are equipped with many of the driver safety features found in standard cars* such as reversing cameras, speed limiters and lane assist technology.
Comfort, Style and Entertainment
The appearance and quality of disability cars have improved beyond recognition in recent years. Today’s WAVs look and feel just like standard cars with stylish exteriors and comfortable, well-equipped interiors. Features** such as air conditioning, DAB radios, Bluetooth, colour touchscreens, Mirror Screen®, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto make every journey more enjoyable.
Range of Sizes and Layouts
A WAV allows you to avoid the hassle of dismantling and reassembling your wheelchair before and after travel. Choose between travelling in your wheelchair or self-transferring to a passenger seat while you securely stow your wheelchair in the wheelchair travelling position.
Regardless of how you choose to travel, we have a fantastic range of vehicles with various seating layouts and storage space to accommodate a variety of needs.
With WAVs available in small, medium-small and medium-large, each of our vehicles includes space for one or more seated passengers so that you can travel together with your friends, family or carers.
How to Get a WAV
Allied Mobility is the UK’s leading wheelchair accessible vehicle provider with WAVs available to buy new or used, lease through the Motability scheme or hire for short or long-term.
Learn more about the benefits of an Allied Mobility WAV by tapping the button below.
If you have decided a WAV is for you, or if you need some additional advice, please call our friendly mobility advisors using the number at the top of the page – they can also help arrange a free home demonstration of your chosen vehicle.
*Driver safety features may differ in each vehicle.
**Individual WAV specifications may differ.
