A Guide To Second-Hand Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)
Choosing a second-hand Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) is a big decision. There are many impo...
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) and specially adapted cars can be rented on a long- or short-term basis, with the option home delivery and collection plus a comprehensive range of driving adaptations, seating options and accessibility features. If you have a disability (or care for someone who has) and you need an adapted vehicle, hiring one is the fastest and easiest way to get mobile.
People with a disability should be able to enjoy traveling and independence as much as everyone else, but it can be complicated without the right method of transport. Good companies that offer WAV and adapted car hire can sometimes be difficult to find, and we’ve been told that it’s often hard to hire the right adapted vehicle at the right time.
There are many regional and nationwide companies that specialise in the hire of adapted cars and WAVs with household names like Enterprise rent-a-car and Hertz operating alongside specialist firms such as Specialist Vehicle Rental and Angel Vehicle Hire. Many new and second-hand WAV dealers like Gowrings Mobility and WavsGB also offer vehicle hire.
Specialist Vehicle Rental are a WAV and adapted car rental company that hires affordable vehicles on flexible short- and long-term rentals. They offer every customer an individual telephone consultation to make sure they choose the right vehicle and adaptation. Specialist Vehicle Rental provide a nationwide service and their pick-up and drop off service covers the whole of the UK.
Competitive rental rates
Flexible and customisable rental terms
Knowledgeable staff
Nationwide delivery & collection service
Extensive range of vehicle adaptations, cars and WAVs in stock
Specialist Vehicle Rental stock a huge range of large, medium and small adapted rental vehicles and can advise you on the best one to suit your needs.
If you’re not sure which vehicle you'll need, simply give them a call today on 01922 624 967 or visit their website and their friendly team will help you to choose the right vehicle.
All the WAVs available to hire will come with either a powered lift or a ramp with a powered winch. Many of the vehicles will also feature a lowered rear floor to give you more room inside the vehicle and there will be anchor straps to secure wheelchair user in place, meaning everyone can travel safely and comfortably.
Smaller WAVs including the Citroen Berlingo, the Peugeot Partner and the Ford Connect Freedom (or similar) can generally accommodate one wheelchair passenger and then three other passengers (including the driver).
Medium-sized WAVs, including adapted vehicles like the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi and the Citroen Dispatch (or similar), are larger and can generally accommodate one wheelchair passenger and then between three and five other people (including the driver).
Larger WAVs are Minibus-sized and include vehicles like the Volkswagen Transporter, Renault Master and the Vauxhall Vivaro. These vehicles have more room and can sometimes transport more than one wheelchair user plus other passengers and the driver. Wheelchair users would typically access at the rear of the vehicle via a ramp or hydraulic lift and they are often fitted with removable seats, making them even more practical.
In addition, many specialist wheelchair rental firms also hire out even larger vehicles that can accommodate as many as four wheelchair users and even luxury 'prestige' vehicles, including adapted models like the Volkswagen Caravelle and the Mercedes-Benz Vito and V-Class.
Adapted mobility cars can be hired for drivers and passengers with a range of different needs and disabilities. Vehicles are typically adapted especially for the hirer and you can choose between hiring a smaller, cheaper car or from a range of larger, more expensive vehicles.
Many hire firms include simple adaptations (like a left foot accelerator or hand controls) in with the hire price. Other more complex mobility adaptations may cost extra.
Push / Pull Hand Controls
With a hand control adaptation, the driver can control the speed of the hire vehicle with a push/pull lever instead of the pedals. Electronic devices are sometimes available that require less effort.
Left Foot Accelerator
A left foot accelerator fitted to the hire vehicle lets the driver control the speed and braking with their left foot instead of their right.
Steering Wheel Aids
Adding an aid like a steering ball to the steering wheel means the driver can steer the hire car with one hand and minimal effort.
Indicator Crossover Bar
An Indicator Crossover bar shifts the operation of the indicator stalk from the left side to the right, allowing the driver to indicate with their right hand instead of the left.
General Mobility Aids
Many specialist hire firms offer other simple mobility aids like an easy release handbrake, foot pedal extensions, vehicle seat modifications and more complex adaptations like hoists to help make driving and travelling in the hire vehicle as comfortable as possible.
There are many reasons why people choose to hire an adapted car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle:
Whichever hire company you choose, we recommend checking these important points with your advisor before you agree to hire any vehicle:
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