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Wheelchair parking paint marking

How to select the right size WAV for you

8 October 2024

Before hiring a wheelchair accessible vehicle, it’s worth considering how large a vehicle you really need. We have the largest range of WAVs available anywhere in the UK, so you have plenty of options. But what’s most important is that the WAV you hire meets your needs. Our customer service team can help recommend the right WAV for you. Here are a few things to think about before you get in touch. 

A compact run-around or something more substantial?

All our wheelchair accessible vehicles have been specially adapted to make it easier for you to travel. Broadly speaking, they fall into 3 categories – small, medium, and large. The size of the WAV you hire will depend on what you want it for. Are you looking for something to get you from A to B for a few days, or are you planning a longer trip, perhaps with several people?

Whatever you go for, you’ll find our WAVs let you travel comfortably without needing to get out of your wheelchair. 

How many people are you travelling with?

It might be just you plus another person to drive the WAV. Our smaller wheelchair-accessible vehicles have plenty of room for two, plus a wheelchair user. If you’re looking 

How much luggage are you carrying?

If you need to carry a bag for your medical needs and perhaps a suitcase, you need good storage space. Likewise, if you’re traveling with a few friends, you’ll want enough room for everyone’s luggage. All our WAVs have been cleverly configured so that there’s ample room for you to travel comfortably – with plenty of luggage space.

How big is your wheelchair?

One thing you do need to do before you hire a wheelchair accessible vehicle is check the dimensions of your wheelchair. There can be quite significant differences in size between manual and powered wheelchairs. Once we know the size of your wheelchair, we can match you with a WAV that’s easy for you to access.

All you need to do is measure the widest part of your wheelchair. Then, from the edge of the back wheels to the edge of the front wheels. And finally, from the ground to the top of the headrest or back support.

Find out how to measure your wheelchair for a WAV in this article.

Who’s doing the driving?

Everyone feels differently about driving. Some people are comfortable in a small and compact car but find driving a large vehicle a bit daunting. Some of our WAVs come with handy features like parking sensors and sat-navs to make driving a more comfortable experience. Plus, we can cover you for multiple drivers so several people can share the driving.

How would you prefer to enter and exit the vehicle?

Depending on the kind of wheelchair you use, and your mobility needs, you might be ok using a ramp to enter and exit the WAV you hire. If you need extra assistance, we can arrange a WAV with a lift for you, which makes accessing the WAV smooth and seamless.

What’s your budget?

As you might expect, the bigger the wheelchair-accessible vehicle you hire, the more expensive it tends to be. But if you’re planning to go away with a few friends or family, and you’re splitting the cost, you’ll find that hiring one of our larger WAVs is pretty cost-effective.

We offer WAVs for hire in 3 sizes 

You can hire a WAV from us for a day, a year, or anywhere in between. Everything is included: breakdown cover, insurance, delivery and collection. 

1. Small WAVs 

Ample room for one wheelchair user, one driver and another passenger. More compact than our larger WAVs, these wheelchair-accessible vehicles are comfortable to drive and easy to park.

2. Medium WAVs 

Our roomier WAVs can seat one wheelchair user, one driver and three passengers. More spacious than our small WAVs, these wheelchair-accessible vehicles would suit families traveling together.

3. Large WAVs 

Our largest WAVs are super-spacious and can easily accommodate one wheelchair users, one driver plus 5 passengers. Opt for a larger WAV hire if you’re considering a day trip or short break with a group of friends.

Our fleet of wheelchair accessible vehicle rentals includes popular models such as the Ford Connect, Ford Custom, Peugeot Horizon and Renault Trafic. There are various different seating options and layouts available too. So, when you call, our helpful team will recommend the WAV that best accommodates you and the people you’re travelling with.

Give us a call today on 0300 045 4505 or request a callback here, and we’ll be happy to chat through your WAV hire options. 

Shape the Future of Accessible Air Travel webinar

Thursday 7th November 2024

12:00 PM (1hr event)

Join Open Road Access and the Rights on Flights campaign for a crucial discussion which will shape the future of air travel. We need to hear from members of the community to create a plan for change and make accessibility not just a promise, but a necessity.