A Buyers Guide to Disability Cars
You’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between modern disability cars and cars driven by the able-bodied among us. There are a couple of strong reasons for that, not least provision of vehicles for the disabled has caught up with the 21st century. No more nasty three-wheeled invalid cars. The second reason is that disabled vehicles, whether car, van or bus, start off in life as the self-same vehicle anyone might purchase from their local car showroom or garage. So, on cursory examination, would you be able to tell the difference? No is the simple answer.
A lot of thought and concerns over safety goes into the process of converting an able-bodied car, the ‘base’ car, into a wheelchair accessible vehicle – bit of a mouthful, so most people use the acronym WAV instead. In fact, a whole industry has practically sprung up supporting the conversion process, resulting in a huge choice of vehicles available to the wheelchair user, and at a range of prices to suit just about any pocket.
However, much of this growth has been driven by the highly successful Motability Car Scheme, which aims – successfully – to make the leasing of a disabled car extremely easy. Swap your disability living allowance for a car. All you have to do is choose the car and they do all the rest, including the paperwork. No assessments, credit checks or waiting lists either.
Disability cars have a number of modifications in common, not least the fitting of some kind of ramp to allow the wheelchair user easy access in and out of the vehicle. Most ramps are fitted at the back of the car and may include an optional electric winch. The winch is designed to be easily attached to the wheelchair and can greatly assist any carer push the wheelchair aboard. Obviously, the shallower the angle of the ramp, the easier the wheelchair user will be able to move up and down it.
Part of the conversion process usually involves taking out the floor of the WAV and replacing it with one which is lowered and also strengthened in order to take the extra weight of the wheelchair. The petrol tank may also have to be moved in order to accommodate the lowered floor. A lowered floor also helps to reduce the angle of the ramp. In some cases, depending on the model of vehicle, the roof is raised instead in order to create the extra headroom necessary for the disabled passenger to be able to sit in comfort throughout the journey.
Other modifications and safety features incorporated into the conversion process include the fitting of a locking system to hold the wheelchair firmly in place while the vehicle is moving, and a standard lap and diagonal seatbelt. Depending on the wheelchair users personal circumstances, the ability to remove seating and then put it all back again may also be an important consideration.
There is so much to think about when looking to acquire a WAV. But because there are thousands of disability cars available, the chances are you’ll find the vehicle that’s just right for you. It’s almost guaranteed.