Advantages of a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

A wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) offers numerous benefits to individuals with mobility challenges. Here are some of the key advantages of using a wheelchair access vehicle:

1. Enhanced Mobility: Wheelchair accessible vehicles provide increased mobility and independence to individuals who use wheelchairs. They allow wheelchair users to easily and comfortably travel to various destinations, including medical appointments, work, social events, and recreational activities. WAVs can also allow people who use wheelchairs to travel independently, without having to rely on others for transportation. This can give them a greater sense of freedom and control over their lives from commuting, running errands, to travelling long distances. They can also be used to transport wheelchair users to medical appointments, social events, and other activities.

2. Easy Entry and Exit: WAVs are designed with features such as ramps or lifts that allow easy entry and exit for wheelchair users. Getting in and out of a WAV is much faster than transferring from a wheelchair to a standard car seat. This can save you a lot of time, especially if you have a busy schedule. These accessibility features eliminate the need for individuals to transfer from their wheelchair to a car seat, reducing the risk of falls or injuries.

3. Flexibility and Convenience: With a wheelchair access vehicle, individuals have the freedom to travel on their own schedule without relying on specialised transportation services. It provides greater flexibility and convenience in planning trips, making it easier to accommodate personal preferences and needs. You may be able to save money on transportation costs by owning a WAV. For example, you may no longer need to pay for taxis or Ubers.

4. Inclusion and Integration: Having a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) can improve your quality of life by giving you more freedom and independence therefore adds to social inclusion and integration. It allows individuals with mobility impairments to participate in community activities, visit friends and family, and engage in everyday experiences that contribute to an improved quality of life. Ultimately you will be able to go more places and do more things, which can lead to a more fulfilling life.

5. Comfort and Safety: Wheelchair access vehicles (WAVs) are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for wheelchair users. They often feature adjustable seating options, ample space for wheelchair manoeuvrability, and various assistive technologies such as ramps and lifts that are designed to prevent accidents, and the seats are typically equipped with restraints to keep wheelchair users in place during travel. These factors ensure a comfortable and secure journey for both the wheelchair user and other passengers.

6. Carer Support: Wheelchair-accessible vehicles can provide relief to carers by reducing the physical strain associated with transferring a person with mobility challenges in and out of a vehicle. The ease of entry and exit simplifies the process, making it more manageable for caregivers to transport individuals with limited mobility. Transferring from a wheelchair to a car can be difficult and tiring, especially for people with limited mobility. WAVs make this process easier and more efficient, which can help to reduce pain and fatigue.

7. Resale Value and Future Proofing: Owning a WAV can be a wise investment. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles tend to retain their value well, and should you decide to sell or upgrade your vehicle in the future, it can provide a good resale value. Additionally, having a WAV future-proofs your transportation needs should you or your loved ones experience changes in mobility requirements over time.

If you are considering purchasing a WAV, we encourage you to do your research and talk to other wheelchair users who own WAVs. This will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not a WAV is right for you. It's worth noting that the specific benefits of a wheelchair access vehicle may vary depending on the vehicle itself, conversion changes carried out and individual needs.