Used WAV vehicles (wheelchair accessible vehicles) fall into four size categories – small, medium-small, medium-large and large. Most of these used WAV vehicles offer rear access via a ramp or an electric lift. The wheelchair passenger will have the option of sitting up-front next to the driver, alongside the rear passengers in the second row, or behind the rear passengers. View all types of used WAV vehicles for sale below and contact us today for more information.
Typical examples include: Citroën Berlingo, Ford Tourneo Connect, Fiat Doblo
- Small WAVs will always come fitted with a rear ramp
- A low floor gives the wheelchair passenger more headroom
- Low angle ramp for easy entry and exit
- One or two rear passenger seats
Typical examples include: Volkswagen Caddy Maxi, Ford Grand Tourneo Connect
- More spacious than a small WAV
- Up to 3 rear passenger seats
- Option of more flexible seating positions
- Wheelchair passenger positioned behind the second row of seats
Typical examples include: Ford Custom, Peugeot Traveller, Volkswagen Shuttle.
- Suited to larger wheelchairs
- Can carry up to seven passengers including the wheelchair user and driver
- Depending on layouts conversions may allow two wheelchair users
- Low floor vehicles with a manual, lightweight ramp
Typical examples include: Peugeot Boxer, Renault Master, Mercedes Sprinter
- Commercial vehicles adapted for use as a wheelchair accessible vehicle
- Great for larger families or those travelling with medical equipment
- All are fitted with a tailgate lift
- Room for two wheelchair passengers and passengers in standard seats
Access types for entering and existing the wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Many of our used WAV vehicles for sale will have lowered floors to provide enough headroom for the wheelchair passenger. A low floor ramp also allows the angle to be gentle whilst increasing entry headroom within used WAV vehicles.
Ramps are the most popular method to access our used WAV vehicles. Most often the ramp is manually operated but can also be powered. Some are single piece and some are bi-fold requiring the carer to unfold and lower the ramp from the back of the vehicle. Some ramps are assisted to make raising and lowering easier.
If you choose a larger used WAV vehicle for sale, chances are it will have a lift in place of a ramp. This can be a benefit if you have a heavy wheelchair.
Top tips
Ensure the WAV allows for enough ground clearance on your regular routes; on some cars the low floor means care is needed over speed bumps.
Not all ramps are the same. Shorter ones will be steeper and require more effort to push a wheelchair user into the WAV.
Check that your carer is capable of pushing you up a ramp. Will they be able to do it now and for the foreseeable future.
Different types of WAV interior options and vehicle adjustments.
The room you have inside a used WAV vehicle is vitally important – not just for the passengers, but to accommodate medical equipment, shopping or mobility aids.
Most used WAV vehicles will have the wheelchair user in the rear of the vehicle where the original boot would have been, whereas others locate the wheelchair user alongside the second row passengers. The final option is to sit in the up-front position alongside the driver which will give the best travelling experience.
All used WAV Vehicles have a restraint system that has been tested as part of the conversion type approval. Every WAV will come with a four point wheelchair restraint system that keeps the wheelchair secure inside the vehicle. The front restraints are adjustable and are usually self-locking, just like a seatbelt. They are easily attached to the wheelchair to lock it in place, minimising movement when you are travelling. If you have a powerchair an automatic lock down system is available at additional cost.
The wheelchair passenger will have a seatbelt fitted to keep them safe and secure when travelling. All used WAVs are tested to meet type approval when they were originally built. Some WAVs would have been tested with a heavier wheelchair than others. It is important that we know which wheelchair you are currently using and if this is likely to change so we can recommend an appropriate used WAV vehicle.