How to find the perfect Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) for your needs

17 April 2025

Your Guide to Choosing the Best WAV for Travel

At Open Road Access (ORA), we get it—selecting the right car for your journey is more than just picking a ride. It’s about enhancing your comfort, safety, and freedom. Whether you’re looking to book a short WAV rental or searching for the best wheelchair accessible vehicle for a longer period, each choice reflects a step towards independence. Here’s ORA’s guide to help you navigate the process of choosing the best WAV for travel.

Step 1: Assess Your Specific Needs

Understanding your specific requirements is crucial in how to choose a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Consider the following to ensure the WAV fits like a glove:

Type of Wheelchair: Manual or powered? This will impact the space and type of entry you need.
Wheelchair Dimensions: Know the size, weight, and seated height to ensure the WAV provides adequate headroom.
Passenger Count: How many people will typically travel with you? This helps determine the size of the WAV needed.
Equipment or Luggage: Need extra space in the car for medical equipment or luggage? This will impact which is the best WAV for you.

Step 2: Select the Right Size for Your Wheelchair Car Hire

Wheelchair vehicle hire comes in different sizes, each suited to unique needs:

Small WAVs: Perfect for one manual wheelchair user and a couple of passengers—ideal for city life.
Medium WAVs: These can comfortably accommodate a wheelchair user plus up to four passengers, great for family outings.
Large WAVs: Best for powered wheelchairs, multiple users, or those who need extra space for equipment or comfort.

Step 3: Key Features to Look For in a WAV

Choosing the right features is vital in a wheelchair vehicle rental to ensure you have a great travel experience:

Entry Options: Ramps or lifts? Manual or automatic? Your choice might depend on the wheelchair type and ease of use.
Seating Configuration: Safety and comfort are non-negotiable. Consider if the wheelchair user needs a companion close by.
Transmission: Automatic or manual? It boils down to the driver’s preference and what’s easier to manage.
Comfort Features: Don’t overlook climate control, storage options for medical gear, and ensuring a great view out the windows.

Step 4: Leverage ORA’s Expert Guidance

Here at ORA, we’re not just about talk—we’re about making things happen. Our experts are ready to match you with the best WAV rental for wheelchair users:

Expert Matching: We’ll help pinpoint the best wheelchair accessible vehicle for your needs.
Vehicle Demonstration: Get a hands-on demonstration to feel confident and secure about your choice.

Ready to Book Your WAV Rental?

Choosing the right accessible car doesn’t have to be a hassle. Let Open Road Access guide you from understanding your options to finding the perfect vehicle. Fill out the form here to chat with our experts. Together, we’ll find the WAV that not only meets but enhances your mobility and independence.