Autobility only sell Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, sometimes known as disabled vehicles or wheelchair cars, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always available to answer any questions you may have regarding your mobility needs.

Some of the things you will need to consider when buying a WAV are listed below.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are cars that have been converted to carry passengers travelling in their wheelchair, features include built in ramps or lifts, wheelchair tie downs and seat belts for the wheelchair passenger.

To enable the wheelchair user to have access and space to remain in the wheelchair, WAV's will either have a high roof or a lowered floor conversion.

There are also more complex WAV's which can allow the wheelchair passenger to travel beside the driver or indeed drive from the wheelchair itself.

Should you opt for a passenger disabled car it is important that your driver/s feels comfortable and confident driving and operating the vehicle. WAV's tend to be based on larger vehicles and when the wheelchair passenger is in the car the driver will need to adapt their driving style to suit the journey.

Which WAV is best for me?

The first and most important thing to consider is will the wheelchair and passenger sit comfortably in the accessible vehicle?

To help us advise you correctly on the best vehicle with regards to comfort and vision for the wheelchair passenger, we would ask you to take the following measurements:

1) Wheelchair width

2) Wheelchair length (To include footrests)

3) The wheelchair passengers seated height in the wheelchair

These dimensions will help us advise you on the best vehicle to suit your needs. If you require further assistance on this please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

How will I get in and out?

WAV's come fitted with either a ramp or lift and access will either be from the side but mainly the back of wheelchair vehicles.

Consider your family member or carers needs

To make use of your WAV as pleasant an experience as possible it is also important to consider the person who will be assisting the wheelchair passenger. For example if the wheelchair passenger travels in a manual chair it may be worthwhile considering a WAV that has a winch assist system fitted.

How many people can travel with me?

Most WAV's are based around a single wheelchair passenger, who will usually be situated in the rear of the vehicle. Seating in addition to the wheelchair passenger's space can vary depending upon the vehicle type and space available. Most will come with at least 1 seat along side the wheelchair space, however some disabled cars can accommodate more.

Room for luggage or medical equipment?

Consider what medical equipment if any you will need to have with you as well as any luggage you may wish to carry.

Seating positions?

Seating layouts will vary and you will need to consider what position is best for you. The 2 most important things to consider are your comfort and your vision whilst sitting in the vehicle.

VAT

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are subject to 0% VAT assuming the vehicle is being used for the purpose of the wheelchair user and subject to a suitable VAT decleration being completed. If the vehicle is being used for a commercial purpose or by a local authority etc the vehicle will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20%.

All our used vehicles are priced assumming VAT for the wheelchair user at 0%.

Road Fund License

You can apply for exemption from Road Fund License by applying for a DLA 404 exemption certificate from:

Disability & Carer Benefits Directorate

Tel: 0845 712 3456

If your require any further help in choosing your WAV please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.