Size of vehicle
The size of vehicle is an important consideration. A wheelchair takes up a large ‘footprint’ in the vehicle and you may need to consider a vehicle that is slightly larger than your current vehicle, particularly if there are many people travelling in the vehicle and additional equipment is to be carried as well.
For most of our customers, if there is only the wheelchair user and a couple of other people travelling in the vehicle, a SMALLER vehicle such as a Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner or a Fiat Doblo provide comfortable wheelchair access in a vehicle that suits everyday needs and can be easily parked.
The MEDIUM sized vehicles such as the Peugeot Expert or the Kia Sedona will provide plenty of room in the vehicle for the wheelchair user, their family and extra kit. They also have the bonus of generous headroom, making the travelling environment for the wheelchair user more spacious. LARGER vehicles are also more suitable if you travel on longer journeys. The down side is slightly increased running costs and as the vehicle is larger,
it can be more difficult to park.
Most obviously, the vehicle must be of a SIZE that the wheelchair user can exit and enter easily, and be able to travel comfortably.
For many of our customers, this will be their first purchase of a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. We have tried to list below some of the information that you may need to help you with your selection:
Dimensions
Will the wheelchair user fit comfortably into the vehicle?
The dimensions that you will need to take are:
- Wheelchair Width
- Total Length (from very front of the wheelchair to the very back)
- Height (from the top of the head to the floor whilst sitting)
Forward view is important to many people. As a general rule, the taller the wheelchair user the less the forward view. For most customers, we are able to suggest a suitable vehicle, but unfortunately for a few, there may have to be a compromise. However, most people are able to find a vehicle to suit.
Will your wheelchair fit into the car you have selected?
If your wheelchair bound passenger is tall, you will need a vehicle with more head-space and better forward view, otherwise they will spend the journey looking at the car ceiling.
Mobility Nationwide uses trusted partner Fish Insurance to protect your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. Please