If you or someone close to you has experienced a recent change in mobility, you may be considering a new vehicle or vehicle adaptations to support it. WAVs and adapted vehicles are widely available, with many unique variations to suit a large scope of needs, but it can be tricky to decide which is best for you.
In this article, we’re going to help you better understand what these different vehicles can offer, and give you the confidence to know whether a WAV or adapted car is the right choice for you and your requirements.
What is a WAV?
WAV stands for wheelchair accessible vehicle, and it is a car or van that has been permanently adapted to accommodate full-time wheelchair users. This is done in several ways, including vehicles with one or all back seats removed, converted boot spaces, front passenger seat removal and adaptations, and even driver seat removal and adaptations. WAVs take many forms to suit different needs and requirements.
Who is better suited to using a WAV?
WAVs are for people who use wheelchairs full-time, whether they are the driver or a passenger, such as a partner with mobility limitations or a disabled child. A permanently adapted vehicle is typically essential for the safe and comfortable transportation of wheelchair users who cannot make the transfer from the side or back of the vehicle to their seat.
What is an adapted vehicle?
An adapted vehicle is a car, van, or other road vehicle that has had adaptations added to make it operational for those with mobility limitations, but who don’t use a wheelchair full-time. These range widely, from left-sided foot pedals to push and pull hand controls for those who need to use their hands to control the vehicle instead of their feet. It also includes hoists, so that a wheelchair user could sit in the vehicle’s seat with the chair folded in the back.
Who is better suited to using an adapted vehicle?
Adapted cars and vans are ideal for those with reduced mobility who don’t necessarily require full-time wheelchair use. This could be amputees, people with reduced limb strength, people with limited dexterity, or families and carers who transport people with reduced mobility or disabilities. Adapted vehicles are perfect for those who need support but don’t need their vehicle permanently adapted for an on-board wheelchair.
Many adaptations are removable or reversible, which makes them attractive to those who may wish to sell their vehicle, or when one vehicle has multiple drivers with different abilities.
Comparing wheelchair accessible vehicles and adapted vehicles
We’ve put together a helpful comparison chart for those of you considering which type of vehicle is best for you or your passenger.
| WAV | Adapted Vehicle | |
| Primary purpose | To allow a wheelchair user to travel while still seated in their chair. | To allow a person with limited mobility to operate or enter a standard car. |
| Structure | Highly modified. Often includes lowering floors, removing seats, and adding ramps or lifts. | Low to moderate modification. Usually involves adding components such as hand controls via simple installation. |
| Typical user | Full-time wheelchair users who find transferring out of their chair difficult or impossible. | Individuals with some mobility or those who prefer to sit or drive in a standard car seat. |
| Seating | Certain seats are removed so that the wheelchair acts as the seat. | The user transfers to the original vehicle seats. |
| Chair storage | Plenty of room for even the bulkiest of wheelchairs or powerchairs. | Chairs are typically folded and stored in the boot. |
| Flexibility | Not flexible for non-disabled drivers if the driver’s seat has been removed. | Highly flexible, as many adaptations still allow for standard pedal use. |
Wheelchair accessible vehicles and vehicle adaptations from Ransome
Whether you’re ready to make your decision between a WAV or vehicle adaptations, or you’re still on the fence about which is for you, we’re here to help. You can get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team with your questions, or come and visit us at our Ipswich showroom. We’re dedicated to customer satisfaction and will do all we can to ensure you walk away with the right information or the best vehicle for your needs.
We’ve been in the mobility solution industry since 1981, so we’re more than confident in our abilities to support you. If a WAV isn’t the right choice for you, our sister company Ransome Mobility has a wide range of vehicle adaptations and equipment to make your car or van more suited to your needs.