When exploring the different types of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), it’s important to identify the right size for your requirements.
Things like how many people you usually travel with, plus any equipment that you need to take regularly will help you decide what size you need.
Our WAV search tool sorts WAVs into four size groups: small, medium-small, medium-large, and large. Here’s what makes each one different and which vehicles are available.
Things to think about when exploring different types of wheelchair accessible vehicles:
Before you begin your WAV search, it’s good to consider that each vehicle has a different layout depending on how it’s converted.
Your supplier will help tailor a WAV to your needs. So, if you need extra seats, space for an additional wheelchair user, or prefer side entry, talk to your supplier about your options.
All WAVs include a restraint system and occupant seatbelt as standard for your safety and comfort.
WAVs may not be suitable for everyone. For some people, a car with adaptations may be a better fit.
Small WAVs
The most compact option allowing you to travel whilst seated in your wheelchair as a passenger.
Features:
- Driving experience: Feels most like driving a standard car
- Seats: Can carry up to five people, including the wheelchair passenger and driver
- Parking: Will usually fit in standard disabled spaces and most car parks
Considerations:
- Limited headroom and space for larger wheelchairs or multiple mobility aids
- Less storage for additional equipment like oxygen tanks or luggage
- Small WAVs are not available with powered lifts and only use ramps
Great for:
- Solo travellers, couples or smaller families
- Urban environments with narrow roads and limited parking space
- Those who need a compact, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-manoeuvre vehicle
Base vehicles include: Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter, Ford Tourneo Connect and Volkswagen Caddy
Citroën Berlingo
Medium-small WAVs
These vehicles are usually the slightly longer wheelbase versions of those found in the small category, allowing increased room for additional rear seats or extra space for the wheelchair user.
Features:
- Driving experience: Feels more like a car than larger WAVs
- Seats: Can carry up to six people, including the wheelchair passenger and driver
- Parking: Will usually fit in standard disabled spaces and most car parks
Considerations:
- Larger wheelchair users may still feel cramped
- Not as much space for equipment as larger WAVs
Great for:
- Those with larger wheelchairs or where more seats are needed
- Those who want a balance between compactness and extra space
Base Vehicles include: Citroën Berlingo XL, Peugeot Rifter LWB, Dacia Jogger, Volkswagen Caddy Maxi, Ford Grand Tourneo Connect, Vauxhall Combo XL
Dacia Jogger
Medium-large WAVs
Medium-large WAVs are the next step up in vehicle size and have a similar footprint to larger SUVs. They are the most common WAV for larger wheelchairs.
Features:
- Driving experience: Tend to have a higher driving position and more flexibility with seating layouts
- Seats: Can carry up to nine people, including the wheelchair passenger and driver
- Parking: There may be restrictions as to where you can park with vehicles of this size, but will also still be okay in many car parks
Considerations:
- Bigger than standard cars, making parking and city driving a little trickier
- Higher fuel consumption than small WAVs
- Larger WAVs require a higher advance payment
- Smallest size you will need to opt for a powered lift instead of a ramp
Great for:
- Larger families
- Those who need extra space for luggage or equipment
- Those with larger wheelchairs or more advanced mobility needs
Base Vehicles include: Citroën Space Tourer, Renault Trafic, Ford Tourneo Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro-e, Volkswagen Multivan, Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Mercedes-Benz V Class, and Mercedes-Benz EQV
Ford Tourneo Custom
Large WAVs
These are the largest types of WAV available. They are usually required when there are lots of additional passengers or essential equipment to be carried, or for customers with very specific requirements who need extra room.
Features:
- Driving experience: Feels most like a commercial vehicle
- Seats: Can carry up to eight people, including the wheelchair passenger and driver
- Parking: There will be limitations to where you can park
Considerations:
- Harder to drive and park in urban areas
- Requires a larger driveway or parking space
- No side access point available
Great for:
- Larger families
- Those requiring lots of space for additional equipment
- Those travelling in the largest or heaviest wheelchairs
Base Vehicles include: Peugeot Boxer, Renault Master and Volkswagen Crafter
Renault Master
How to apply for a WAV
Once you have decided on your WAV preferred WAV type, it’s time to arrange a demonstration.
The supplier will let you test drive the vehicle and show you how all the features work, like ramps, lifts and tie-downs.
Once you’ve had a test drive and you’ve decided which vehicle is right for you, your supplier will order it for you and help with any paperwork.
Find out if you’re eligible
Use our simple tool to see if you or someone you know is eligible for the Motability Scheme.
We’ll ask about the allowance you get and how long you have left on your allowance.
Check to see if you’re eligible. It only takes a minute.
Related articles
My experience of a breakdown in my WAV
Moving from a car to a WAV: my experience on the Motability Scheme
