Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles for Occupational Therapists
For occupational therapists, accessible transport can play an important role in supporting a client’s independence, mobility and participation in everyday life.
When a client uses a wheelchair, choosing suitable transport involves more than finding a vehicle with enough space. Wheelchair dimensions, transfers, access, passengers, mobility equipment and typical journeys can all affect which vehicle is appropriate.
This guide covers the key things OTs should know about wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).
What Is a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?
A wheelchair accessible vehicle, commonly known as a WAV, is a vehicle designed or converted to allow a wheelchair user to enter and travel while remaining in their wheelchair.
Depending on the vehicle, features may include:
- Wheelchair ramps or lifts
- Lowered floors
- Wheelchair restraint systems
- Passenger restraints
- Additional headroom
- Flexible seating configurations
WAVs come in different sizes and layouts, so the right vehicle will depend on the individual.
What Should OTs Consider When Choosing a WAV?
When discussing wheelchair accessible transport with a client, consider the complete journey rather than simply whether their wheelchair fits.
Wheelchair Size and Type
Manual and powered wheelchairs can vary considerably in dimensions and weight. The vehicle needs sufficient space for the wheelchair and its user.
Transfers
Can the client transfer into a conventional vehicle seat, or do they need to remain in their wheelchair?
If they can transfer, an adapted vehicle with a boot hoist may potentially be an alternative to a WAV.
Vehicle Access
Consider how the wheelchair user will enter and exit the vehicle. Depending on the WAV, this could involve a rear ramp, side ramp or wheelchair lift.
Other Passengers
Will family members, carers or children regularly travel too? Make sure the vehicle provides sufficient seating once the wheelchair position is occupied.
Equipment and Storage
Consider wheelchairs, walking aids, medical equipment, shopping and luggage. A WAV may accommodate the wheelchair comfortably but leave insufficient space for everything else the client needs.
Small, Medium or Large WAV?
Small WAVs can be practical for everyday journeys where fewer passengers and less equipment need to be carried.
Medium WAVs offer additional passenger and storage space and can be particularly suitable for families.
Large WAVs provide greater internal space and may suit more complex requirements or situations where additional passengers and equipment need to be accommodated.
Bigger isn’t automatically better. The vehicle should be appropriate for the client’s actual lifestyle and requirements.
WAV vs Adapted Car: What’s the Difference?
A wheelchair accessible vehicle and an adapted car are not the same thing.
A WAV generally enables someone to travel while remaining in their wheelchair.
An adapted car uses equipment to make driving or travelling easier and could include:
- Push-pull hand controls
- Left-foot accelerators
- Secondary controls
- Steering aids
- Boot hoists
For example, someone who can transfer from their wheelchair into a standard vehicle seat may find a car with a boot hoist more appropriate than a WAV.
Practical Questions OTs Can Ask
When discussing a vehicle with a client, consider:
- Is there enough space at home to deploy the ramp?
- Can the client or carer operate the ramp and restraints?
- Is there sufficient headroom?
- Is the wheelchair position comfortable?
- Is there enough room for other passengers?
- Where will luggage and equipment go?
- What journeys will the vehicle normally be used for?
- Could the client’s mobility requirements change?
These practical considerations can help determine whether a vehicle will work in everyday life, rather than simply looking suitable on paper.
What If a Client Doesn’t Need a WAV Every Day?
Not every client needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle 365 days a year.
They may only require one for appointments, family days out, holidays, visiting relatives or other occasional journeys.
AVC’s Bronze, Silver and Gold plans are designed for people who don’t necessarily require a vehicle every day, providing an allocation of vehicle-use days throughout their subscription.
For customers requiring a vehicle every day, our Diamond Plan provides a permanent vehicle option.
Standard, adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles are available, subject to suitability and availability.
Accessible Transport and Independence
For an OT, the important question isn’t always simply:
“Does this client need a WAV?”
It can be:
“What transport solution best supports this person’s independence, mobility and everyday life?”
That could be a WAV, an adapted car, a vehicle with a boot hoist or flexible access to different vehicles depending on their requirements.
Understanding the different options can help OTs have more informed conversations with clients and families about accessible transport and independent mobility.
Supporting Your Clients With Accessible Transport
AVC works with occupational therapists, case managers, clients and families to explore suitable accessible vehicle options.
If you have a client who requires a wheelchair accessible or adapted vehicle, our team can discuss their requirements and the options available.
📞 0330 123 9122
📧 hello@avcsubscription.co.uk
🌐 avcsubscription.co.uk
Vehicle suitability and availability are subject to individual requirements and applicable terms. Insurance options are subject to eligibility and underwriter approval.
If your client needs a 1 off hire, we recommend specialistvehiclerental.co.uk
