If you use a wheelchair or other mobility equipment, choosing the right vehicle can make everyday journeys significantly easier.
Two options you may come across when looking for an adapted vehicle are a boot hoist and a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).
Although both can help make travelling with a wheelchair more practical, they work in very different ways.
The simplest way to understand the difference is:
A boot hoist helps you transport a wheelchair or mobility equipment in your vehicle, while a wheelchair accessible vehicle is adapted to allow a wheelchair user to travel in the vehicle without necessarily transferring out of their wheelchair.
So, which option is right for you?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a Boot Hoist?
A boot hoist is a vehicle adaptation designed to help lift and load a wheelchair or other mobility equipment into the boot or rear storage area of a vehicle.
Instead of manually lifting a heavy wheelchair, the hoist can assist with moving it into the vehicle.
A boot hoist can be particularly useful for wheelchair users who are able to transfer from their wheelchair into a vehicle seat but find lifting or loading their wheelchair difficult.
Depending on the type of hoist and vehicle, it may be possible to load a wheelchair into the boot or another suitable storage area.
How Does a Boot Hoist Work?
The exact operation depends on the type of hoist installed, but the basic process generally involves:
- Positioning the wheelchair or mobility equipment beside the vehicle.
- Connecting the equipment to the hoist.
- Using the hoist mechanism to lift it.
- Guiding it into the vehicle’s boot or storage area.
- Securing the equipment for travel.
The aim is to reduce the amount of physical effort required to load mobility equipment.
A boot hoist does not, however, turn a standard car into a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
The wheelchair is normally transported as equipment rather than being used as the driver’s or passenger’s seat during the journey.
What Is a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?
A wheelchair accessible vehicle, often shortened to WAV, is a vehicle that has been adapted to allow a wheelchair user to enter and travel in the vehicle while remaining in their wheelchair.
Instead of transferring from a wheelchair into a conventional vehicle seat, the wheelchair user can travel in a designated wheelchair position inside the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle, a WAV may feature:
- A wheelchair ramp
- A wheelchair lift
- An accessible entrance
- A designated wheelchair position
- Wheelchair restraints
- Passenger restraints
- Additional interior space
- Lowered or modified flooring
The exact configuration varies between different wheelchair accessible vehicles.
What Is the Main Difference Between a Boot Hoist and a WAV?
The biggest difference is how the wheelchair user travels in the vehicle.
Boot Hoist
With a boot hoist, the wheelchair is loaded into the vehicle and stored while the wheelchair user generally transfers into a standard vehicle seat.
The wheelchair travels in the vehicle as mobility equipment.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
With a WAV, the vehicle is designed or adapted so that the wheelchair user can enter and travel in the vehicle in their wheelchair.
The wheelchair user travels in their wheelchair inside the vehicle.
This distinction is important when deciding which type of adapted vehicle is appropriate for your circumstances.
Boot Hoist vs WAV: Which Is Best?
There isn’t one option that is best for everyone.
The right choice depends on your mobility requirements, whether you can transfer into a vehicle seat, the type and size of your wheelchair and how you use your vehicle.
A boot hoist may be more suitable if:
- You can transfer from your wheelchair to a vehicle seat.
- You mainly need assistance loading your wheelchair.
- You want to use a conventional car.
- Your wheelchair can be safely transported in the vehicle.
- You want an adaptation focused on loading and unloading mobility equipment.
A WAV may be more suitable if:
- You need or prefer to remain in your wheelchair while travelling.
- Transferring into a conventional vehicle seat is difficult or unsuitable.
- You require additional accessible space.
- You need a ramp or lift for wheelchair access.
- You regularly travel with a wheelchair user who needs to remain in their wheelchair.
These are general considerations rather than rules. Individual requirements can vary considerably.
Can You Have a Boot Hoist in a WAV?
A wheelchair accessible vehicle and a boot hoist serve different purposes, so a boot hoist is not normally required to enable a wheelchair user to travel inside a WAV.
However, a vehicle may have additional storage requirements for mobility equipment, and different adaptations may be available depending on the vehicle.
If you use additional equipment alongside your wheelchair, such as a mobility scooter or other mobility aids, it is worth discussing your requirements before choosing a vehicle.
Can a Boot Hoist Be Fitted to a Normal Car?
A boot hoist can potentially be fitted to a suitable standard vehicle, depending on the vehicle’s boot space, weight capacity, configuration and the specific hoist required.
However, not every boot hoist is suitable for every car.
Factors that may need to be considered include:
- Boot dimensions
- Boot opening
- Available storage space
- Weight of the wheelchair
- Type of wheelchair
- Hoist capacity
- Vehicle design
- How the wheelchair is secured
It’s important that the adaptation is properly assessed and fitted for the vehicle and equipment being used.
Do I Need a WAV if I Use a Wheelchair?
Not necessarily.
Being a wheelchair user does not automatically mean that you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
If you can comfortably and safely transfer into a standard vehicle seat and your main difficulty is loading your wheelchair, a boot hoist or another loading adaptation may be worth considering.
If you need to remain in your wheelchair during travel, a WAV may be a more appropriate option.
The decision should be based on your individual mobility needs rather than simply the fact that you use a wheelchair.
What Should I Consider When Choosing Between a Boot Hoist and a WAV?
Before choosing an adapted vehicle, consider how you use your wheelchair and what you need from your vehicle.
1. Can You Transfer From Your Wheelchair?
If you can transfer into a standard vehicle seat, a conventional car with an appropriate wheelchair-loading adaptation could potentially work for you.
If transferring is difficult or unsuitable, a WAV may provide a more accessible solution.
2. Do You Need to Remain in Your Wheelchair?
This is one of the most important questions.
If you need to travel while remaining in your wheelchair, you will generally need a vehicle designed or adapted to accommodate the wheelchair inside the passenger compartment.
3. What Type of Wheelchair Do You Use?
Wheelchairs vary significantly in size, weight and design.
A powered wheelchair, for example, may have different storage and access requirements from a lightweight manual wheelchair.
Make sure the vehicle can accommodate your wheelchair safely.
4. How Often Do You Travel?
Think about your typical journeys.
Do you mainly make short local trips, or do you regularly travel longer distances?
Do you travel alone, with family or with carers?
Your usual journeys can help determine which vehicle layout is most practical.
5. Do You Need Additional Mobility Equipment?
If you regularly carry additional equipment, you’ll need to consider where it will be stored.
This could include:
- Mobility scooters
- Walking frames
- Walking sticks
- Medical or mobility equipment
- Shopping
- Luggage
Storage requirements can influence which vehicle is most suitable.
Boot Hoist vs Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Comparison
| Feature | Boot Hoist | Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Helps load mobility equipment | Allows wheelchair user to travel in their wheelchair |
| Wheelchair user transfers to a car seat | Generally yes | Not necessarily |
| Wheelchair travels in the boot/storage area | Yes | Generally no |
| Wheelchair user can travel in their wheelchair | Generally no | Yes |
| Suitable for conventional cars | Potentially | Usually requires an adapted vehicle |
| Helps with wheelchair loading | Yes | Access is generally via ramp or lift |
| Suitable for people unable to transfer | May not be suitable | Can be suitable |
| Requires accessible interior space | Less than a WAV | Yes |
| Vehicle choice | Depends on hoist compatibility | Depends on WAV availability and requirements |
Are Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles More Expensive?
The cost of a wheelchair accessible vehicle can vary considerably depending on the vehicle, its specification and the adaptations required.
Likewise, the cost of installing a boot hoist can vary depending on the type of hoist, vehicle and mobility equipment.
It’s therefore important to compare the overall solution, rather than simply looking at the cost of one adaptation.
A vehicle subscription can provide another way of accessing an adapted vehicle without purchasing the vehicle outright.
Can I Get a Boot Hoist or WAV Through a Vehicle Subscription?
AVC offers adapted vehicles and wheelchair accessible vehicles through its vehicle subscription options, subject to availability and suitability.
Available adaptations can include options such as:
- Boot hoists
- Hand controls
- Secondary controls
- Left-foot accelerators
- Wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions
- Other adaptations where available
If you require a specific adaptation, it’s important to discuss your requirements with AVC before selecting a vehicle. The availability and suitability of a particular adaptation will depend on the vehicle and your individual requirements.
Is Insurance Included With an Adapted Vehicle Subscription?
Insurance options may be available with AVC vehicle subscriptions, but insurance is subject to the applicable terms, eligibility and requirements.
It should not be assumed that insurance is automatically included with every vehicle or subscription.
If you require insurance as part of your vehicle subscription, speak to AVC about the options available for your chosen vehicle and circumstances.
Which Is Right for You: Boot Hoist or WAV?
Ultimately, the choice between a boot hoist and a wheelchair accessible vehicle comes down to how you need to use your vehicle.
If you can transfer into a standard car seat but need assistance loading your wheelchair, a boot hoist could provide a practical solution.
If you need to remain in your wheelchair while travelling, a WAV could be more appropriate, as it provides space for the wheelchair user inside the vehicle.
The best option is the one that works around your individual needs, lifestyle and mobility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a boot hoist and a wheelchair accessible vehicle?
A boot hoist helps lift and store a wheelchair in a vehicle, while a wheelchair accessible vehicle allows a wheelchair user to enter and travel in the vehicle while remaining in their wheelchair.
What is a boot hoist for a wheelchair?
A boot hoist is a vehicle adaptation that helps lift a wheelchair into the boot or storage area of a vehicle, reducing the need to manually lift it.
Can I use a boot hoist if I cannot transfer from my wheelchair?
A boot hoist is generally intended for situations where the wheelchair user can transfer into a vehicle seat. If you need to remain in your wheelchair while travelling, a WAV may be a more suitable option.
What does WAV stand for?
WAV stands for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. It is a vehicle adapted to allow a wheelchair user to enter and travel inside the vehicle in their wheelchair.
Can I travel in my wheelchair in a normal car?
A standard car is generally not designed for a wheelchair user to remain in their wheelchair while travelling. If you need to travel in your wheelchair, a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle may be required.
Can I get a boot hoist on an adapted vehicle?
Potentially, depending on the vehicle, wheelchair and hoist requirements. Not every vehicle is suitable for every adaptation, so suitability should be checked before choosing a vehicle.
Can I get a wheelchair accessible vehicle through AVC?
Yes. AVC offers wheelchair accessible vehicle options through its vehicle subscription range, subject to availability and suitability.
What other adaptations are available for disabled drivers?
Depending on the vehicle and individual requirements, adaptations can include hand controls, secondary controls, left-foot accelerators, boot hoists and other accessible vehicle adaptations.
Looking for an Adapted Vehicle?
Whether you need a boot hoist, wheelchair accessible vehicle, hand controls, secondary controls or another vehicle adaptation, choosing the right setup can make everyday travel easier and more practical.
AVC offers flexible vehicle subscription options, with adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles available subject to vehicle availability and suitability.
If you’re unsure whether a boot hoist or WAV is right for you, speak to AVC about your requirements and explore the options available.
AVC Vehicle Subscription
Phone: 0330 123 9122
Email: hello@avcsubscription.co.uk
Website: avcsubscription.co.uk
AVC is part of the Mobility Vehicle Hire Group
