Things to consider

When you are a wheelchair user the whole process of buying a new wheelchair access car or wheelchair access van can be quite daunting. Obviously your choice is limited to the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles on the market and of course there are additional factors you'll need to consider depending on your individual circumstances.

Buying new has cost advantages

One of the major advantages of choosing a new wheelchair accessible vehicle is that you will not have to pay the VAT element on the cost of the vehicle or on the cost of the conversion. In addition, when you take your wheelchair car to be serviced or repaired, that charge will also be VAT free.

If you register a new car first, and then undertake the conversion work afterwards, this dispensation does not apply.

If outright purchase from new is not possible, our nearly new wheelchair accessible vehicles mean you can save a huge amount of money without compromising on quality. This route may also be an option to consider if you need your wheelchair accessible vehicle quickly and cannot wait for the full conversion process.

View our range of nearly new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Different types of mobility vehicles

There are many different types of wheelchair accessible vehicles each designed to offer wheelchair users a convenient and efficient mobility solution. The most popular are rear access conversions which are designed so that the wheelchair user enters the vehicle via a rear located ramp or lift system.

Understanding your needs

Photo of a man and women enjoying a picnic in a park

Over recent years we've all come to expect a lot more from our vehicles as standard. Items such as a CD player, air conditioning, electric windows, power steering, and state of the art audio systems are no longer considered optional extras. Modern vehicles now offer much higher levels of comfort to all occupants. For wheelchair users comfort has other implications such as, Is there enough room for you and your wheelchair? Do the windows give you a good view of the surroundings? Is the heating system effective enough to keep you warm in the winter and is there adequate ventilation to keep you cool on hot sunny days when travelling at the rear of the vehicle? It's important also to take into account the wheelchair accessible vehicle's versatility, usability and interior space, especially if you need to carry a lot of luggage and disability aids. Other considerations will include how many people will be travelling in the vehicle at any one time. After all, there is no point buying a vehicle that can only accommodate 3 people other than the wheelchair user, if you are a family of five.

Using your mobility allowance

Motability logo

If you are in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, the Motability Scheme can help you with leasing or buying a wheelchair car.

More information about the Motability Car Scheme

Even if you do not drive yourself, you can apply for a wheelchair car or a wheelchair van as a passenger and propose two other people as your drivers. For example, you can apply for a car on behalf of a child aged three or over who is entitled to the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.

You can use your mobility allowance towards the cost of either a new or used wheelchair accessible vehicle or you can choose a contract hire option which may be more affordable.

For more information on mobility allowances visit www.direct.gov.uk

Comfort and Safety

Photo of a women secured in a wheelchair accessible vehicle

Is there enough room for you and your wheelchair? You don't want to feel cramped. Do the windows give you a good view of the surroundings without straining? Does the heating system keep you warm enough in winter? On hot summer days, can you get adequate ventilation? That's particularly important if you are travelling in the back of the vehicle.

Rear access vehicles require a strong, non-slip ramp that is not too steep. Once the wheelchair is in the vehicle, it needs to be securely restrained so that it does not move during the journey. The chair should also be secured so that it is protected in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Will you be carrying a lot of luggage, as well as a wheelchair? That determines the type of vehicle you choose. How many other people might want to travel in the vehicle as well as the driver and the wheelchair passenger?

Conversion is a specialist job and our aim is to make the vehicle as safe and comfortable as possible for the wheelchair user, driver and any other passengers.