A wheelchair accessible vehicle, or WAV, is a vehicle adapted to allow a wheelchair user to travel whilst remaining in their chair. Access is via a ramp or a tail lift, depending on the vehicle, and the wheelchair is secured inside using a restraint system designed to keep you safe throughout the journey.
WAVs are not all the same. Your wheelchair primarily determines vehicle size and how many passengers you need to carry, rather than the type of journey you are making. At ORA, there is no price difference between vehicle sizes, so you can choose the vehicle that suits your needs rather than your budget.
If you want to go deeper on vehicle types, read our guide: What Is A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle? A Guide For Hirers
How Does The Hiring Process Work?
The process is straightforward. Here is what to expect at each stage.
1. Get a quote
You start by telling us about your hire: the dates you need the vehicle, where you need it delivered, and a little about your wheelchair. That last part matters. Not every vehicle suits every wheelchair, so knowing whether you use a powered or manual chair, and giving us a rough idea of its dimensions, helps us match you to the right vehicle from the start.
Get a quote here, and we will come back to you with available options.
2. Confirm your booking
Once you have chosen a vehicle, you confirm the booking and sign a hire agreement. Hire agreements of three months or more are FCA-regulated, which means they meet a defined legal standard and set out your rights and responsibilities clearly. If anything is unclear, ask before you sign
3. Delivery to your door
ORA delivers nationwide, directly to your address. You do not need to collect the vehicle from a depot. On the day of delivery, a member of the team will show you how to operate the ramp or lift, how to secure the wheelchair, and how the vehicle controls work. Take your time with this. There is no rush, and it is important that you feel confident before driving away.
4. During your hire
All-inclusive hire means delivery, collection, insurance, and breakdown cover are included in your hire price. If something goes wrong with the vehicle during your hire period, you are covered. You do not need to arrange your own insurance or worry about breakdown costs. If your plans change, hire periods can be extended; contact ORA as early as possible.
5. Collection at the end
When your hire period ends, ORA collects the vehicle from your address. You do not need to return it anywhere.
What do you need to provide?
To hire a WAV with ORA, you will typically need:
- A valid UK driving license
- Your wheelchair make, model, and approximate dimensions (or as much detail as you have)
- Your delivery address and hire dates
- Anyone who will be driving the vehicle will need to provide their driving licence details so we can run the necessary insurance checks.
FAQs
How far in advance should you book?
As early as you reasonably can. WAV availability is not the same as a standard car hire pool, and the best-suited vehicle for your wheelchair may not always be immediately available. Booking ahead gives you the most choice and the most certainty. For short-notice needs, it is always worth calling us on 0800 045 05 directly.
What if you have never driven a WAV before?
Most WAVs drive like a standard automatic vehicle. The main difference is the size and height. If you are used to driving a smaller car, it is worth taking five minutes to get a feel for the vehicle before your first journey, particularly for parking and reversing. The delivery handover is a good time to ask about anything that concerns you. If the wheelchair user will be driving themselves, that is also possible with the right vehicle configuration. Let us know at the quote stage, and we will advise on suitability.
What if your needs change mid-hire?
Life changes. Hire periods can be extended; different needs can arise. If your circumstances shift during a hire period, contact ORA as early as possible. We hire from one day to one year, so there is flexibility built into the service.
Can I hire a WAV for just one day?
Yes. ORA offers hire from a single day upwards. There is no minimum commitment beyond that.
Is breakdown cover included?
Yes. Breakdown cover is included in ORA’s all-inclusive hire price. You do not need to arrange this separately.
Does it matter what type of wheelchair I use?
It does, because not every vehicle suits every wheelchair. Powered wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs have different dimensions and weights, and some vehicles are better suited to one than the other. Giving ORA your wheelchair details at the quote stage means we can match you to a vehicle that will work for you.
Can a carer or family member drive the vehicle?
Yes, provided they hold a valid UK driving licence and are named on the hire agreement. Speak to us at the booking stage to confirm the details.
What is included in the hire price?
ORA’s all-inclusive hire includes delivery, collection, insurance, and breakdown cover. There are no hidden costs for standard use.
How many drivers can be insured on the vehicle?
Hire includes one named driver as standard; subscription includes two. Additional drivers can be added at any time. For hire, this is £5 per day per driver. For subscription, it is £50 per month per driver, or £150 per month for unlimited drivers. There is no cap on the number of drivers you can add. If you hold a non-UK licence, that is not a barrier — ORA can insure drivers with non-UK licences too.
Can I use the vehicle in Europe?
Yes, with the EU add-on. This extends your insurance and breakdown cover across the EU for the duration of your hire. Speak to ORA at the booking stage to add this to your hire.
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Is there an upfront payment?
A refundable deposit of £60 is required to confirm your booking. This is separate from your hire cost. If you’re looking for wheelchair accessible vehicle hire, get a quote.
About Open Road Access
Open Road Access (ORA) is a UK-wide wheelchair accessible vehicle hire company. We offer flexible hire from one day to one year, with nationwide door-to-door delivery and collection. Every hire includes insurance, breakdown cover, and a full vehicle handover so that you can move freely and independently without the complications. Hire agreements of three months or more are FCA-regulated, and there is no price difference between vehicle sizes. Whether you need a vehicle for a single trip or an extended period, ORA is built around your needs.
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