What is a WAV?
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) are vehicles that are specially converted so a wheelchair user can travel either as a passenger or a driver. Here you can find out about different types of WAV.
How WAVs are constructed?
All Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles start as a standard vehicle and then a specialist engineering company makes a number of fairly significant alterations to allow a wheelchair user to access and remain in their wheelchair when the vehicle is moving. The size, shape, and design of the WAV will vary depending on the original vehicle used for the conversion and the specialist company that has converted it, but all WAVs have easy access and provide safe travelling for the wheelchair user.
Is a WAV right for you?
If you are no longer able to transfer from your wheelchair to a standard car seat, or if your carer is no longer able to lift you, a WAV could be the answer. We have over 28,000 WAV customers who value the independence it gives them.
Are there alternatives to a WAV?
Although WAVs offer a fantastic mobility and independence solution for a large number of our customers, they won’t be right for everyone.
If you are able to transfer out of your wheelchair without it causing too much discomfort, then a standard car fitted with adaptations may be a better choice. Adaptations such as a transfer plate, person hoist and swivel seat could help improve your access to a car. There is also a wide range of adaptations available that can help you stow your wheelchair or scooter, such as a boot hoist or rooftop storage box. Here are some of the benefits of adaptations:
- Adapted cars are based on standard cars and tend to have more features and a higher level of internal comfot than WAVs, which are generally based on vans.
- They have the benefit of enabling you to remain in the comfort of a standard car seat.
- If sitting in the front, as a passenger or driver, is important to you, access adaptations such as a transfer plate or person hoist can enable you to continue sitting in the front of the car at a fraction of the cost of a WAV converted to allow you to sit upfront next to the driver. This is especially important if you regularly travel as a couple.
- The cost of adaptations is generally less than a WAV