How to choose a hire WAV: things to think about when renting an accessible vehicle

How to choose a hire WAV: things to think about when renting an accessible vehicle
Mobility

If you’re thinking about hiring a wheelchair accessible vehicle, you’ll probably know that there are several different types of WAV to consider.

So, how do you find out which one you should choose? Here are some of the most important things to think about when it comes to the question of which accessible car to hire.

Choosing a wheelchair accessible vehicle to hire

Wheelchair accessible vehicles can be essential for getting on with day to day life as well as helpful for making sure you can enjoy occasions and holidays, so its important that when you’re deciding on one to hire, it’s the one that is going to work best for you. There are a few types of WAV to consider, but if you’ve never driven or hired one before, it’s difficult to know which will be the most suitable.

The good news is that most of the time, the WAV company you opt to hire with will do the choosing for you, or at least narrow down your options to some that are definitely going to work for your requirements.

They’ll take into account your mobility needs and any needs that arise as a result of your reason to hire – for example, if you are going on holiday and will have plenty of luggage with you, you’ll need your hire WAV to have plenty of space for it. At Ransome Mobility, our team of experts can offer their guidance and expertise on which vehicle might be right for you, based on your situation.

This means that it’s important to think about any information about your needs or plans that might help the hire company to suggest the best option.

What to think about when looking to hire a WAV car

Here’s our checklist of things to consider when you’re looking to hire adapted and mobility vehicles to help you navigate the rental process.

Will the wheelchair user be the driver or a passenger?

A critical consideration is knowing whether the wheelchair user will be driving or whether the car needs to be able to comfortably accommodate them as a passenger whilst someone else does the driving.

A WAV can come with many features, from steering wheel assistance and pedal alterations, to easy release gear sticks and swivel seats. Others, designed for wheelchair passengers, will focus on the space and ease of getting in and out of the vehicle, but won’t have adaptations for the driver.

If the wheelchair user will be driving, what requirements will the car will need to have in order for them to drive safely? What preferences, practicalities or mobility challenges need to be considered?

What features do you need to be included?

Think about what you will need in terms of accessibility requirements, safety and any related equipment; for example if you will need a ramp, a restraint system, hoists or a winch.

It’s also useful to consider whether someone will be there to help with operating any equipment in order for you to get in and out.

Your WAV hire company should ask about the wheelchair user and their chair, taking measurements to make sure the right size car is chosen for safety, comfort and convenience.

Where will you be parking?

Keep in mind whether there will be enough space around the vehicle for getting in and out, including the use of a ramp or a lift and whether the vehicle will need to park in a driveway or garage. This could have an effect on which side of the car is best for wheelchair entry.

Where are you going?

The length of the journey and the type of roads you’ll be driving on can also affect what kind of vehicle would be the most suitable. Think about whether you’ll be travelling short or long distances, if you are likely to be driving in the city or countryside, or if you may be travelling on any notably different terrain to your local area.

How many passengers will there be?

You will need to make sure that there is enough space for everyone that is travelling with you. If you’re only planning on using the WAV for attending appointments, you may only need space for you and one other. However, if you are travelling with family or friends, you may need a WAV with more space for everyone. If you have a dog, let the company know if you hope to bring them with you on your travels as well.

How much storage space do you need?

When choosing your car, it is important that the WAV will have enough space not just for your wheelchair but for other necessities too. If you plan on going on holiday or need a lot of equipment day to day, make sure you raise this with the mobility vehicle hire company so that enough space for your belongings will be factored in.

Do you need a drop off service or will you collect?

Will be able to collect your hire WAV, or would you rather go for a door-to-door service? Many WAV rental companies will be able to offer drop off and collection from your home, especially on rentals of a week or more – they will just add on an additional fee to cover the mileage costs.

Is there a rental mileage limit?

Depending on the company you choose to go with and you intended activities throughout the rental duration, there may be a set mileage limit in place. If you are planning on extensive travel and would prefer unrestricted journey lengths, make sure to check with the rental company during the hiring process as this can result in additional fees if breached.

How to choose a WAV hire company

When choosing an adapted vehicle hire company, you’ll likely start with some research, especially if you don’t already know of any.

Often the first thing to think about is location. For most people, finding a local company is more convenient as they don’t have to travel too far to pick up the WAV.

You should also consider the company’s reputation or reliability and good customer service, seen in reviews and testimonials. This helps you to feel secure in the knowledge that as a company they are reliable, and that the cars they provide are too.

Make sure that any companies you look into are specifically knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. An experienced WAV hire provider will have high levels of understanding of all things mobility as well as the types of wheelchair vehicles, and will therefore understand your specific considerations.

Hire a WAV with Ransome Mobility

At Ransome Mobility, we’re used to discussing your needs when hiring a WAV and matching you with an accessible vehicle that meets them. Whether you’ll be driving or are travelling as a passenger, and you need a vehicle for a day, a week or beyond, we’re always happy to assist when it comes to finding the right WAV for you.

Find out more about our WAVs for hire, or get in touch today to find out more about renting a wheelchair accessible vehicle for yourself.

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