Choosing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle is a big decision, and the right one for you will depend on your individual needs and requirements now and in the future. Here, Vicky Crees from Upfront Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle specialist Sirus Automotive tells us more about the unique range of vehicles available for wheelchair users who want to travel upfront as either a passenger or the driver.
If you are looking for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) but prefer to drive or travel upfront as opposed to sitting the rear, there are a number of innovative vehicle conversions available.
Suitability will depend on:
Drive From Wheelchair
This option enables you to drive whilst remaining in your wheelchair. Your wheelchair is secured safely using an automated wheelchair locking system and bespoke driving adaptations are fitted. The tailgate and ramp are fully automated, so it is the perfect solution for independence.
Internal Transfer WAV
Expertly designed to enable a wheelchair user to drive from a standard driver seat, also with a fully automated tailgate and ramp. Transfer is assisted by a powered rotating a six-way seat base fitted to the OEM driver’s seat and the wheelchair is safely secured behind the passenger seat.
Upfront Passenger WAV
An increasingly popular choice for wheelchair passengers, this conversion enables you to sit up front next to the driver and remain in your wheelchair, so you can enjoy travelling next to your companion. Choose from a manual or automated tailgate and ramp and wheelchair locking system.
Combined Drive and Travel Upfront WAV
Drive from your wheelchair with the option to switch to upfront passenger. The removable front seats allow you to swap places with your companion. Learn more about Sirus’ latest conversion.
Your vehicle conversion company should come to your home in a demonstration vehicle (unless the vehicle you are interested is second-hand, then there may be a different process). Make sure you do not feel pressured during your demonstration, take your time and consider your options before you go ahead and order.
Before you book a demonstration, consider the following to help you decide which is the right Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle for you:
During your demonstration test drive, consider the following:
Motability customer Amy travels in her second Sirus Volkswagen Upfront Passenger vehicle.
“My car has given me so much freedom. It's so much better sitting in the front because I want to chat with the driver, or maybe even have a sing-along! It's much better than being stuck in the back of a vehicle. My Sirus car has also given me the confidence to travel without worrying about having enough room as it's compact but spacious inside. I often holiday in the UK and travel to wheelchair football tournaments where it’s essential that I take lots of equipment, including my sports chair, everyday chair, hoist, shower chair plus my luggage which all fits easily into my car. I have two fold-down seats in the back so I have space for up to five people”.
To ensure peace of mind, ask your converter about the following:
Warranty And Service
Enquire about the conversion company’s aftersales service. They should carry out an annual service on all conversions and include a 3-year warranty on all new vehicles. A Mobile Engineer should come to your home to fix any problems.
Vehicle Testing
All Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles should be PAS Approved and meet all of the requirements of the PAS Accreditation for M1 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles.
Motability And Charitable Grants
Most new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are available on the Motability Scheme. Many people apply for a charitable grant towards the cost of their Advance Payment and adaptationsmore
