Function and Freedom

Linda Ling on choosing a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).

The right choice of WAV can make life much more enjoyable for all concerned. A WAV is a conversion carried of a standard production car, to allow a wheelchair user to travel in their own manual or powered wheelchair as their seat in the car. The conversion usually involves a reconstruction of the car to support a wheelchair securing system, as well as a reconstruction of the car to lower its floor and fit a wheelchair ramp for easy access. Most popular WAVS have rear access and the wheelchair user sits among other rear seat passengers. Depending on the width of the wheelchair and the height of the passenger, it is possible in some adapted models to sit in the front passenger position, although this is a more extensive conversion and therefore more expensive.

It's important to be certain that the needs of all users of the vehicle have been considered, from the wheelchair users to the walking passengers and the driver and other carer attendants. Safety and comfort are critical to the success of any trip. You will also want to be certain that the vehicle will meet all current automotive and safety legislation and your driver licensing requirements.

Ten or eleven thousand WAVs are built every year, and these range from small to medium and large WAVs, that are all different, so that even two WAVs made from the same car model won't be the same necessarily. This makes researching and finding the most appropriate WAV for the wheelchair user and their chair far more complicated than choosing an ordinary car.

Car Parks

Large WAV models are based on minibus sized vehicles that usually have lots of space for a versatile seating layout and include other movable seats which are fixed into tested tracking, with access via a rear tail-lift. Some of these vehicles may be

About the author

Linda Ling MBE has a 40-year career in the WAV industry and is a champion of the sector throughout UK and Europe. She is the Director of Fleximobility and draws on her knowledge and experience as an expert witness in courts.

fleximobility.co.uk

Travelling becomes less stressful

too high to access multi-storey and some gated outdoor car parks. It's important to note that some large conversions offer a double reel belt for the wheelchair user. These should be avoided in favour of a vehicle that offers an upper mounting point for the seatbelts and then wheelchair tie-down systems can be fitted easily in good positions in the vehicle. This is usually a strengthened rail with a choice of lock-up points and is part of the conversion. It cannot be fitted afterwards.

WAVS are safer for both the carer to transfer (less strain on the back) and for the wheelchair user from transfer ( less risk of them being dropped) through to travel. This gives peace of mind to all involved and allows people who have been anxious about socialising to be in control of the travelling environment, rather than trusting taxis, community vehicles or other forms of transport.

Wheelchair users report being tipped into London type taxis that are accessible from the side and even expected to travel sideways, without the wheelchair being locked down. The wheelchair user should travel backwards against the bulkhead, with the wheelchair tie down system used and wheelchair passenger seat belt.

Access to a WAV allows people to continue life as normal, to take a trip to the shops, or get to an appointment, or explore somewhere new : It opens up the world instead of it getting smaller and smaller. The transfer time in the car or van is smoother and takes less time. This means there is more time and less stress for all involved.

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