Choosing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) needs to be done with care. This is because you are going to make a decision that will heavily affect your future. To ensure safety and value for money, you need to find the right car mobility solution that works for you. The vehicle that you choose has to work for your short-term situation but also your long-term situation. There are several basic things that you will have to bear in mind during the buying process. These are some of the basics you need to consider.
Before you go out to find a vehicle, it is important for you to define how you expect it to serve you. Its functionality is a good place to focus your attention. This is where you need to not only think of your current needs but also what the future ones. Think of things like:
• Will the wheelchair user be the driver or will it be the caregiver?
• How many people do you want to often carry?
• Do you need a large power wheelchair or extra room for height/ weight?
• Do you prefer a rear-entry or a side-entry vehicle?
• Do you want a slide-out ramp or a fold-out ramp?
These details will make it easier for you to identify the functionality that you need in your WAV.
Now that you have identified your needs, it is time for you to explore the vehicles that have these features. The best place to start is with the lift options and vehicle accessibility available on the vehicles you identify. You have to compare the ease of access as well as how different lift options function to find the right solution for you.
It is important to thoroughly examine each feature while prioritising what suits you the most. An in-floor is of high priority based on whether it is the caregiver or the person with disabilities to be driving. Do not forget to check the hand controls and how you are able to operate them with ease.
You need to find a reliable partner who will provide you with a quality Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle that is durable and safe. There are certain organisations such as PB Conversions that advocate for the quality and safety of disabled cars. Make sure you choose a dealer that is certified to make safe modifications of these vehicles.
Before you buy the vehicle, make sure you are aware of how much it will cost you in the long run. This can include things such as:
• Insurance for the vehicle
• Fuel
• Cover for license, registration, and taxes
• Pay interest and finance charges
• Maintain and repair
These are the main points that will determine the real cost of your car.
With the above in mind, you will be able to evaluate whether your budget will enable you to afford it. There are various models out there that you can choose from. They have different features that may serve you just fine. Just be sure to follow the checklist carefully so that you don’t miss some important aspects that will fail you in the future.
If you found this information useful then you should check out our other blogs. If you are looking for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle that suits your needs then feel free to contact us or call us on 01525 850588.
In 4 years I have found everyone from Paul to Technicians the most helpful and obliging. Don't hang about neat and professional.
Always very friendly and helpful/ And if you do have a problem they will do their best to sort it out. Thank you.
You and your staff do a wonderful job, everyone is very friendly, efficient and professional and any work you undertake leaves me feeling safe and secure, Here's to many more years using your company
Thank you for fixing my car so I can get back on the road and gain freedom.
Thank you so much for all your advice, help and very professional job on adapting our car. Without your advice I would never have known to apply for a grant. You were excellent, thank again.
Just had controls fitted to my car to help drive further, very helpful and very friendly, would certainly recommend them.
Very helpful and friendly staff, No complaints at all, excellent service.
Absolutely excellent, all the staff were tremendous. Thank you.
If you are a disabled driver, or know a disabled driver in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Northamptonshire, please contact PB Conversions for a free no obligation quote to assess what products would benefit you.