What Exactly is a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV)?
A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) represents a specialized mobility solution designed for total freedom. These are standard cars or vans that have undergone professional, expert conversion to safely and comfortably accommodate a wheelchair user, whether they are traveling as a passenger or taking the wheel.
The key to a WAV lies in its bespoke modifications, such as specialized ramps, mechanical lifts, and re-engineered interiors that streamline the entire process of entering, securing, and exiting the vehicle. WAVs are fundamentally about independence, and they come in numerous shapes and sizes to suit every individual’s precise requirements.
Your Guide to WAV Ramps
Understanding the specific type of access system available is key to making the right choice, particularly when considering ramps. The choice between a manual, powered, or assisted system depends entirely on the user’s mobility and the caregiver’s strength.
Manual Ramps
Commonly found in smaller or mid-sized WAVs, manual ramps are the most straightforward access method.
- Operation: They are lightweight and often incorporate a spring-assist feature, allowing for easy folding and unfolding by hand.
- Benefits: Highly cost-effective and low maintenance. Some designs can be folded completely flat when the wheelchair user is not present, improving rear visibility.
Powered Ramps and Winches
For users who require less physical effort during entry, or for heavier power wheelchairs, powered assistance is ideal.
- Powered Ramps: These ramps are deployed and retracted automatically via a button or remote control, providing exceptional convenience. They can be integrated with a powered tailgate for fully automated rear access.
- Powered Winches: A valuable addition to any ramp, a winch gently and smoothly pulls the wheelchair up the incline, significantly reducing the strain and effort required from caregivers.
WAV Lifts and Platforms
When the vehicle floor is higher, or for larger, heavier powerchairs, a mechanical lift is often the most stable and controlled solution.
Chairlifts
These mechanical devices are designed to smoothly raise or lower the wheelchair and occupant, providing a stable platform for transfer.
- Usage: Lifts are beneficial for heavier powerchairs or scooters and are typically installed inside larger vehicles (like converted vans) at the rear or side door.
Specialised Options: Fiorella Lifts are noted for their compact, modern design, folding neatly to maximise interior space when not in use.
Underfloor Wheelchair Lifts
For maximum cabin flexibility and a clean interior aesthetic, underfloor lifts are innovative and discreet.
- Concealment: These lifts are stored entirely out of sight beneath the vehicle chassis when not in use.
- Deployment: They typically deploy from a side door, creating a flat platform that raises the wheelchair directly to the vehicle floor height.
- Advantage: This ensures the maximum number of standard seats can be retained, preserving the vehicle’s original interior look and passenger capacity.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Finding the perfect WAV might seem daunting, but with so many options from simple manual ramps to sophisticated underfloor lifts there’s one to suit every requirement and budget. For more help and advice regarding wheelchair accessible vehicle look at the Jubilee Mobility buyers guide https://www.jubileemobility.co.uk/help-advice-and-more/wav-buyers-guide/
Jubilee Automotive Group’s team of ‘WAV People’ are ready to guide you. The Jubilee team are experts at matching people with the right vehicle and committed to making the selection process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Jubilee Mobility offers nationwide delivery and an RAC Platinum warranty for added convenience.
Who is Jubilee Automotive Group?
Jubilee Automotive Group provides one of the UK’s most comprehensive selections of WAVs, with over 250 accessible cars in stock and ready for delivery. Backed by over 30 years of experience and a prestigious Outstanding rating on RAC Judgeservice, you can expect truly high-quality customer service from Jubilee. Whether your preference is a newly converted vehicle for private purchase or a quality RAC approved used WAV, they offer a solution. Jubilee’s team are experts at matching people with the right vehicle, committed to making the selection process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Ready to start your WAV journey? Explore the full range of Jubilee Mobility wheelchair accessible vehicles and advice
www.jubileemobility.co.uk or tel: 0121 502 2252
