3

A wheelchair accessible vehicle(WAV) can make a greatdifference for disabled drivers and passengers.

Travelling in your wheelchairmeans you don't need to transferin and out, or stow it in the boot,so you can travel more freely.

If you have someone who helpsyou, it can save them frominjuring themselves by lifting youor your wheelchair.

If your wheelchair has aspecialist seating system, you canbenefit from the support orpressure relief it gives you in thecar too.

There are a lot of things to thinkabout when you are choosing aWAV. This guide will help youdecide what you need.

We look at what WAVs are, thestandards and regulations thatapply to them and the varioustypes that are available.

We give advice about choosingand financing a suitable WAV,point you towards organisationsthat can give you morepersonalised advice and tell youhow to go about getting one.

Introduction 4Types of WAV 8Your wheelchair 16Getting a WAV 17Finance 21The legal side 24Useful organisations 26

Wheelchairaccessible vehicles

Contents

The information contained in this guide is correct at the time of goingto print (October 2011). It will be reviewed every two years.See our website for any changes since printing.

Ricability is a research charity that researches and publishesindependent information on products and services for older and disabled people.

Unit G03 The Wenlock50-52 Wharf RoadLondon N1 7EUTel: 020 7427 2460Fax: 020 7427 2468Textphone: 020 7427 2469Email: mail@ricability.org.ukwww.ricability.org.uk

Note If you are able totransfer out of your wheelchairinto the driving seat, you mayprefer to do this. For safety andcomfort it is always better totravel in a car seat if you can.There is more on this in ourguides Getting in and out of a carand Getting a wheelchair into acar (see page 31).

Note This guide does not listcompanies that make, equip orsell WAVs. For these you willneed our Mobility address list,which gives names andaddresses of suppliers andfitters and details of theservices they provide. You canalso find this list on our website – www.ricability.org.uk

4 5

have a restraint system like a regular seatbelt. Wheelchair tie-downs consist ofstraps that need to be clipped onto thewheelchair by hand, or fully automaticdocking systems that lock onto a plate orspigot attached to the wheelchair.

Drive-from-wheelchair WAVs areavailable that mean you can be completelyindependent. These are likely to be heavilyadapted and built round you and yourwheelchair. They need to have automaticdoors, ramps and docking systems toenable the driver to be fully independent.

As a guide, new passenger WAVs costfrom £12,000; drive-from-wheelchairWAVs from £25,000.

For secondhand WAVs, there are anumber of dealers or you can buy privately(see pages 19–20).

WAVsWAVs range in size from ones that will takethe wheelchair user and one other personto those that will accommodate severalother passengers as well. Others, generallyused as taxis or minibuses, have room formore than one wheelchair passenger.

WAVs are fitted with ramps or lifts toallow the wheelchair user to get in. You areeither pushed into the vehicle or youpropel yourself. Some WAVs accessed byramp are fitted with winches (NB –winches can be fitted as an aid or a safetymeasure if your helper is frail or insecure; awinch should not be fitted to compensatefor a too steep ramp – see page 13).

Once inside, the wheelchair is fixed inplace using a tie-down system and you

Regulations andstandards

All WAVs are made by converting anexisting vehicle – usually a new productionMPV or van. Although they are converted,they still need to meet the same legalstandards as unconverted vehicles.

All vehicles have to have Type Approvalto enable them to be registered. Forconverted vehicles this will be EuropeanWhole Vehicle Type Approval SpecialPurpose Vehicle, National Small SeriesType Approval or Individual VehicleApproval. This is used to ensure that thevehicle complies with the law at the pointof registration. Following this, it is thedriver's responsibility to ensure that thevehicle they are using complies with thelaw as it applies to all vehicles.

Many adaptations are fitted afterregistration. This is perfectly legal but it isyour responsibility to ensure that anyadaptations fitted comply with relevantvehicle construction and use legislation.The following steps will help:

ASSESSMENTThe adaptation company, or someone else(such as a mobility advisor) needs to

consider your needs and how they can bemet and design a vehicle around them.They must also take into account thedesign of your wheelchair and determinewhether it can be safely used in anadapted vehicle. Any adaptations must bejustified and fully assessed for risk.

DOCUMENTATIONThe adaptation company should providethe following documentation:n details of the assessment identifying

your needs and the solutions proposedfor them

n technical information about eachproduct or adaptation, showing howthey meet the requirements of yourassessment and what safeguards havebeen put in place to ensure that theirinstallation is satisfactory and safe andcomplies with relevant legislation

n accompanying documentation for anyproducts they use from othermanufacturers that specifies how they are to be fitted and used

n a schedule that describes the work theywill be carrying out, if and when anyfittings are required and when eachstage will be completed.

HANDOVERWhen you take delivery of your vehicle, theadaptation company should provide youwith copies of all documents, includingsign-off documents showing that eachpart of the schedule has been completedand checked.

They should show you how to useeverything you need to, let you have a test drive and give you time to make sureyou are happy with the vehicle before they leave.

IntroductionA wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is a vehicle that has been adapted to let you get in and out – and travel in safety and comfort – while seated in your wheelchair

The design of your WAV starts with anassessment of your needs and abilities

ACCREDITATION

As well as their legal obligations, membersof the Wheelchair Accessible VehicleConverters' Association (WAVCA – seepage 30) accept a commitment tocustomer service. WAVCA will deal withcomplaints about their membersaddressed to them through their emailaddress – enquiries@wavca.co.uk.

7

n Can you use the controls?n Is it quiet and smooth when you're

going along?n Is there good visibility for everyone in

the vehicle?

Reliabilityn Is it reliable?n What happens if it breaks down?n Do you have a dealer nearby

for servicing?

Spacen Is there room for all the people and

luggage you want to carry?n Think about times when you might

want to carry a lot of luggage orequipment (eg holidays).

Featuresn Does it have everything you need?n Think about air conditioning,

automatic transmission, electricwindows, satnav, central locking, etc.

Performancen Does it give you reasonable speed

and acceleration?n What about braking, ride

and handling?

More specifically, when choosing yourWAV, think about the following questions(more detail on pages 8–16). Many ofthese questions can only be answered bytrying the vehicle out.

Getting in and outn Will you choose a ramp or a lift?n Will you have someone to help you?n Can you get in and out without hitting

your head or having to duck?

Travelling positionn Where will your wheelchair sit?n Will you be able to see out of

the windows?n Will you be able to talk to other

people easily?

Safetyn How will you secure yourself and your

wheelchair?n How will you secure any equipment

you use to get in and out?n How will you secure anything else

(unattended wheelchair, luggage andequipment, etc)?

Reliabilityn Can you rely on the equipment you

use to get in and out?n What happens if it breaks down? n Are there manual over-rides for any

powered equipment?

Build quality n Different conversions have been built

to different standards, so some will bemore comfortable and less noisyinside than others.

n Cabin noise can really affect yourtravelling comfort, so be sure to checkthis out before buying.

6

Things to thinkabout

When you are choosing a WAV, you needto think about all the same things you dowhen you are choosing a standard car andsome other, more specific, things too. Justas when you are choosing any other car,you may need to compromise and decidewhat is most important to you.

In general, when choosing a car, thinkabout the following questions. Look inmotoring magazines and websites for the answers.

Sizen Will it fit on your drive or in your

garage? Don’t forget you need to thinkabout the space required for theramp/lift to be deployed.

n Will it be easy to drive in traffic and onthe roads you normally drive on?

Safety and securityn Consider the NCAP rating and look for

special features (www.euroncap.com)

Moneyn What's the price?n If you're buying it yourself, what's the

resale value likely to be?n What will it cost you to insure?n What's the fuel consumption like?

Environmentn What are the fuel consumption and

CO2 emission figures?n What particulate emissions standards

does it meet?

Comfort and conveniencen Can you get in and out easily?

n WAVCA and the BritishStandards Institute are producinga new standard for WAVs –Publicly Available Specification(PAS) 2012 – which is expected tobe implemented during 2012. Youwill be able to buy the PAS atwww.bsigroup.com

n This will be additional to the TypeApproval process (it will notreplace it) and the intention isthat organisations that buy a lotof WAVs such as Motability (seepage 21), and other organisationslike local authorities that licensetaxis and minibuses, will specifythat these should meet the PAS.

INTRODUCTION

n Many adaptations involvemoving the fuel tank and/ormaking it smaller.

n This means you can't go so far onone tank and sometimes affectsthe reliability of the fuel gauge.

n Be sure to ask the converterabout this.

Warning

Choosing a WAV – does it have thefeatures you want?

PAS 2012

9

n Is there enough space above your headso you don't hit the ceiling if the drivertakes a bump too fast?

n Will you be able to talk to the driverand any other passengers?

n Will your carer be able to get to you ifyou need assistance of any kind whileyou're underway?

n Ideally you should be positioned infront of the rear wheels or the ride canbe very uncomfortable. This may notbe possible in some smaller WAVs.

n If you have uncontrolled movements,make sure you are not too close tounpadded parts of the car.

Getting in and outn Make sure that you, or whoever is

helping you, can get you in and outand can safely and easily operate anyequipment.

n Make sure that you and yourwheelchair will fit along the entry andexit route without getting stuck.

Spacen Think about who will be travelling

with you.n Often some of the rear passenger

seats need to be removed to makeenough space to get the wheelchair in– sometimes they are replaced withfolding or smaller seats.

n Think about where you will stow, andhow you will secure, any luggage orequipment you will be carrying. Youcan’t use the space behind thewheelchair travelling position – it hasto be clear for you to get in and out.

n Some WAV users use roof boxes ortrailers to carry extra luggage thatwon't fit inside. Note that most WAVscannot be used to pull a trailerbecause of the way the rear of thevehicle has been modified.

8

Passenger WAVs

The most common WAVs are those wherethe wheelchair user travels as a passenger.These range from compact MPVs tominibuses that can take more than onewheelchair passenger. In larger WAVs,seats for other passengers are available ina range of different configurations. Someconverters also offer WAVs where thepassenger seats can be moved around –though this is not light work. Newpassenger WAVs start at about £12,000.

There are passenger WAVs where you

travel in the front next to the driver (up-front WAVs) and those where you travel in the back. Many wheelchair users preferup-front WAVs, because they can talk tothe driver more easily, but they are moreexpensive. They start around £26,000.

Travelling position

n Make sure you can sit comfortably and upright (ie without having to duckyour head), and can easily see out ofthe windows.

Typesof WAVThere are different types of WAV to suit different people. We discuss the maintypes here:

n Passenger WAVs n Side and rear-entry WAVsn Drive-from-wheelchair WAVs n WAVs with ramps and with lifts n WAVs for transferring inside n Small, medium and large WAVs

Up-front WAV

Passenger WAV with additional passengerseats in the back – room for all the family

n Some WAV users place stickerson the ramp or somewhere elseon the vehicle to help guidethem into the right positionwhen they are getting in.

Tip

Warning

n If the converter has fittedsmaller seats in the back of thevehicle, these may not besuitable for an adult to sit on,especially on a long journey.

n They may also not be suitablefor carrying a child seat and theymay have had any ISOFIXfittings removed. Ask theconverter about this.

Smaller passenger WAV – room for justone, narrower, seat in the back

11

Assessment and trainingn If you are going to be using adapted

controls, you may need a professionaldriving assessment and training.

n You may need to have dual controlsfitted to use when you are training.

n Your local Mobility Centre will be ableto carry out the assessment and willalso tell you about specialist drivinginstructors in your area.

Internal transfer

Some wheelchair users prefer to transferto a driving seat because it’s morecomfortable or easier to drive or becausetheir wheelchair may not be suitable fordriving from. Using the standard car seatmeans you don’t need to fit a specialistseat belt.

An internal transfer system may not besuitable if you have a specialist seatingsystem in your wheelchair.

WAVs can be adapted to allow you togo in with your wheelchair or scooter (byramp or lift), secure the wheelchair orscooter in the vehicle and transfer to thedriving seat inside. You can replace thestandard car seat with one that swivelsand slides so you can get into it more easily.

Securing the wheelchairn You will need a mechanism for

securing the wheelchair – you need tobe able to do this yourself.

10

Drive-from-wheelchair WAVs

Drive-from-wheelchair WAVs arebecoming more common.

The driving controls are adapted for youto operate from your wheelchair. Usuallythis means some form of hand controlthough other solutions are possible (seeour guide Car controls).

In a drive-from-wheelchair WAV youneed to be able to open the door, deploythe ramp or lift, get inside and secureyourself and your wheelchair withoutassistance. Most have hands-free entrysystems – you push a button on a remotecontrol to open the door and deploy theramp or lift automatically. There will alsobe an automatic docking system to secureyour wheelchair. All this will be designedaround you and your wheelchair as part ofyour assessment.

All this means that drive-from-wheelchair WAVs are usually considerablymore expensive than passenger WAVs(they start at about £25,000 but can costmuch more).

Safetyn Because you may be travelling by

yourself you need to be sure you willbe able to get out in an emergency.

n Drive-from-wheelchair WAVs aretypically fitted with fail-safe devicesfor the doors, ramps or lifts anddocking systems. These includebattery backups and manual over-rides.

n For added safety, it is oftenrecommended to fit an automatic fireextinguishing system.

Other driversn You will need to let others drive the

vehicle from time to time.n In many drive-from-wheelchair WAVs

the front passenger seat can beswitched to the driver’s side and thereis a docking system on both sides soyou can travel as a passenger.

TYPES OF WAV

n Drive-from-wheelchair WAVsare designed around the user.

n Get an assessment from anexperienced mobility advisor –for example at a Mobility Centre(see pages 26–28).

Assessment

Drive-from-wheelchair WAV

One-touch control opens door anddeploys lift

Internal transfer system

13

n Allows you to travel with passengers orluggage in the back – you can get inand out without having to move them.

Rear entryn Rear entry WAVs can be difficult for

on-street parking – you need to besure you will have space at the rear.

n Many WAV users (especially in drive-from-wheelchair WAVs) find a parkingcamera very helpful – you can see thatyou are leaving enough space behindto deploy the ramp.

12

Transferringn Transferring between the wheelchair

and the seat does take some effort –make sure you can do it even on a bad day.

n Make sure there is enough room in thevehicle to let you transfer comfortablyand that there are handholds andsupports where you need them. Youmay need to fit extra hand rails orother supports.

Entry point

Generally you go in at the back or throughthe passenger side of the vehicle, thoughthere are not as many side entry vehicles.The Wav-Evolution has a speciallyadapted front door and an extendingramp so you can go directly into the frontseat area (currently only on the passengerside). This is currently the only WAVavailable with this feature.

Which entry point you choose willdepend on how you use the car and whereyou usually park. The most importantadvice is to try the type of vehicle you arethinking of getting before you buy. Try itaround where you live and in the placesyou usually go (see pages 17–18).

Doors can slide, open upwards or opento the side. This is usually determined bythe base vehicle. Make sure you canoperate the door safely and comfortably.

Side entryn Generally better suited for use in town

– you need to be able to park alongsidethe kerb.

n Difficult to use in car parks – you needa lot of space alongside the vehicle.

n If the road slopes heavily towards oraway from the kerb (camber) or thekerb is not a standard height, the rampor lift may not deploy correctly onto it.

n If the pavement is too narrow you willnot be able to get onto the ramp or lift(you can only get on at the end).

n If you have to park on a slope, this willcause the ramp or lift surface to slopeto the side.

Ramps and lifts

There are two ways to get a wheelchairinto a vehicle – up a ramp or on a lift.

Ramps can be powered or manual. Liftsare always powered and are usuallyoperated using a wired or wireless controlpanel. Some drive-from-wheelchair WAVshave lifts that deploy automatically whenyou unlock the vehicle.

Some WAV users have told us they feelexposed and vulnerable on lifts; othersfind them easier than ramps, because theydon't have to reverse down a slope.

Most powered wheelchairs will be ableto get up a ramp into the car under theirown power, but you may need more help.If you have someone travelling with you,they will be able to attach a poweredwinch to the wheelchair to help you upthe ramp, but if you want to be able totravel independently a winch will not be suitable.

Costn Lifts are usually more expensive than

ramps.

Spacen Ramps generally take up more room

outside the vehicle.

Slopen A ramp mustn't be too steep (not

more than 13° or about 1 in 4), or youwill not be able to use it safely.

n A long ramp is less steep than a shortone, but is harder to deploy – it'sheavier and takes up more roomoutside the vehicle.

TYPES OF WAV

Positioning the wheelchair on the lift toexit backwards – this vehicle is fitted withfolding seats in the back

Transferring from the car seat into the wheelchair

Side entry lift

14 15

Safetyn Ramps and lifts should have raised

edges to help prevent you falling off.n Make sure there is enough space to

accommodate your wheelchair safely.n You should never travel across the line

of the slope in your wheelchair – yourisk turning over.

n In some vehicles there is room to turnthe wheelchair round inside thevehicle but in most cases you (orwhoever is helping you) will have toreverse the wheelchair out – this canbe tricky on ramps.

Widthn When a ramp, or the channel for the

wheelchair to follow inside the vehicleis narrow, it can make it difficult tochange direction, particularly when itcomes to reversing out – the castorson your wheelchair need room toswivel round.

Operationn Make sure you can safely operate the

ramp or lift, including any mechanismyou need to secure it.

n Ramps can be heavy and folding rampsneed to be locked into place beforethey can be used.

n Loose components of ramps and liftsneed to be secured when you aretravelling. Talk to the converter abouthow best to secure them.

Size of WAV

The smallest WAVs are made usingcompact cars like the Fiat Qubo, SkodaRoomster or Vauxhall Zafira. There isroom for one wheelchair passenger andsometimes one or two other passengers inthe back – though it may not be possibleto fit in the other passenger seats if thewheelchair is large.

Medium sized WAVs are made withlarger van-style cars like the CitroenBerlingo, VW Caddy or Peugeot Partner.Some drive-from-wheelchair WAVs areavailable in this size range.

Larger WAVs are made with largervehicles like the Chrysler Grand Voyager,Peugeot Boxer or Renault Master. Manydrive-from-wheelchair WAVs are in thissize range.

n Many people would like to have thesmallest vehicle possible, for betterfuel consumption, moremanoeuvrability and easier parking.

n Space is limited inside smaller WAVs,particularly as much of the space istaken up by the wheelchair entryroute. This affects the number ofpassengers and how much luggageyou can carry.

n Also, the smaller the vehicle, thesmaller the doorways, which limits the size of wheelchair you can get in.

n Lower vehicles have less headroom.This may still be a problem even if youcan get inside and sit in the travellingposition without ducking your head,because if your eyes are above the topof the windows you won't be able tosee out comfortably. Apart from beingunpleasant, this can make motionsickness worse. Some WAVs havelowered floors to solve this problem.

n Some WAVs have speciallylowered (and sloping) floors,which act as a continuation ofthe ramp so the outside part canbe made shorter. Sometimes thismeans that the wheelchair istipped back in the travellingposition which can beuncomfortable. It also canreduce the ground clearance ofthe vehicle, which makes bumpsin the road a problem.

n Another solution is to fitlowering suspension, which isavailable on some WAVs.

Warning

Wheelchair in back of Vauxhall Zafira

Peugeot Expert

Mercedes Sprinter High TopThis ramp is just wide enough

Wireless lift control

TYPES OF WAV

16 17

Automatic docking systems require aspigot or plate to be fixed to thewheelchair. These are incompatible withsome wheelchairs and with others theydecrease the ground clearance of thewheelchair, which can make them difficultor impossible to drive over uneven terrain.You need to ask your wheelchair providerabout this, as well as the conversion company.

Not all wheelchairs are suitable for use ina WAV, and some are incompatible withsome tie-downs. Discuss this withwhoever is doing your assessment andwith the converter.

If you are getting a new wheelchair,discuss this with your wheelchair service(if you have one) or the supplier. Theyshould be able to advise on the suitabilityof any wheelchair for use in a WAV.

Some wheelchairs have beenspecifically safety tested for use in avehicle (this is sometimes known as ‘crashtesting’), but not all manufacturers dothis. Just because a wheelchair has notbeen tested does not necessarily mean itisn't suitable. However, the wheelchairdoes need to have dedicated attachmentpoints for tie-downs if you're using them.On newer wheelchairs these will beclearly indicated.

It is also important to have a headrestraint to help prevent whiplash injuries.

It is important to think carefully aboutwhat you need from a WAV and to do yourresearch to find out what is available. Theright vehicle can help you be moreindependent, but the wrong WAV couldbe worse than useless.

You can get information from theorganisations listed on pages 26–30. Theconverters will also be able to tell youwhat features are available in theirproduct range. It's a good idea to speak tomore than one and ask them to show yousuitable vehicles.

You can buy a new WAV directly from aconverter (see our Mobility address list).Usually this will involve several stagesincluding one or more demonstrations, anassessment, conversion and the fitting ofadaptations. Of course you should beprepared for this to take some time.

Some converters, and some othersuppliers, sell secondhand WAVs. You canalso get secondhand WAVs from thesources listed on page 19. This will becheaper and you will not have to wait forthe vehicle to be converted, but you maynot be able to find one that meets yourneeds straight away.

There are also companies that offer arental service. You can get a WAV on ashort or a long term rental agreement.This may suit you if you are only going tobe using a wheelchair temporarily, or youneed a vehicle to cover while anotherWAV is being serviced. If you have veryspecialised needs it is unlikely that youwill be able to hire a suitable vehicle.

Test drive

You must try out any WAV you arethinking about buying - it's also a goodidea to try more than one, from more thanone converter. Converters expect this, andthey will be happy to bring a vehicle toyour home for a demonstration. You areunder no obligation to buy.

It will take some time for you to try itout properly. You need to try everythingyou will need to be able to do yourself,and also get anyone that will regularly usethe vehicle to do likewise. Take your timeto try it out properly and make sure youwill be comfortable. Think of places whereyou will be going often, and try a tripthere.

Sales staff will be happy to let you tryout anything you need to, and will provideyou with any additional information youask for.

Some demonstrators are very helpful,and like to do things for you, but it'simportant that you understand howeverything works and know you can do it.Insist that they let you operate the ramp,tie-downs and restraints yourself.

Wheelchair fitted with docking system

n WAV users tell us it's advisableto choose your wheelchair firstif you can. That way you canmake sure the WAV will fit yourwheelchair.

n Think about any changes to yourcondition and your wheelchairduring the lifetime of the WAV.

Tips

Your wheelchair

Wheelchair with head restraint

Getting a WAV

Try the tie-downs yourself

18 19

If you need a heavily adapted vehicle, itmay not be possible to try out all thefeatures as these will be made to measurefor you and the converters may not havethem on their demonstration vehicles. Youshould at least be able to view a similarvehicle to try out the off the pegequipment and assess it for comfort.

Choosing yoursupplier

Almost all suppliers offer simplepassenger WAVs where the passengertravels in the back. Fewer suppliers offerup-front WAVs, drive-from-wheelchairWAVs and internal transfer systems.

Similarly, only a few converters offercomplex adaptations like hand controls.Some companies specialising in adaptedcontrols buy converted vehicles fromother suppliers and adapt them for you.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUTServiceDifferent suppliers offer different levels ofservice. All of them should:n bring a WAV to you so you can have a

demonstration, without putting youunder any obligation to buy

n deliver the vehicle to you if necessaryand make sure you can use all theequipment

n extend to you all the usual (andstatutory) consumer rights.

However, they may not all provide otherservices to the same extent. Ask whetherthey can carry out a full assessment andwhat guarantees or maintenance plansthey offer. WAVCA members (see page30) commit to a customer service code.

SafetyIt is the supplier's responsibility to provide you with a safe and legal vehicle(see pages 5-6), but you need to makesure they are taking active steps to meetthis responsibility. Ask them for anassessment of your needs and ask aboutall the documentation listed on page 5.

Build qualityDifferent suppliers have different qualitystandards. We can’t advise which suppliersproduce the highest quality vehicles. Useyour demonstration to look at the vehicle.Check that components are robust, firmlyattached and nicely finished, check thatequipment is easy to operate and listenfor road noise, squeaks or rattles whendriving along.

Other servicesIf you need specialist equipment (eg handcontrols), you should choose a supplierthat is able to fit these themselves. Oftenthis will be a specialist adaptationcompany, rather than a WAV converter.See our Mobility address list for moredetails.

Converters andsuppliers

CONVERTERSFor full details of UK WAV converters andthe vehicles and services they provide, seeour Mobility address list.

BUYING SECONDHANDYou can buy adapted vehicles andequipment secondhand from someconverters, and from the sources listedbelow. If you have specialist needs, youmay not be able to find a suitablesecondhand vehicle.

Anything you buy secondhand may beaffected by safety and reliability issues.The seller may have had an inspectioncarried out and/or offer a warranty. If not,you may want to think about carrying outyour own inspection.

Classified advertisements – thefollowing websites carry listings for WAVs.Also see Disability Now (see page 29).

Autotraderwww.autotrader.co.ukDisability Equipment Registerwww.disabilityequipment.org.uk Disabled Gearwww.disabledgear.comebaywww.ebay.co.ukJustmobility www.justmobility.co.ukPrelovedwww.preloved.co.uk

Secondhand dealers – the followingcompanies sell secondhand WAVs. Pleasenote that we have not evaluated them forreliability or service.

The Accessible Motor CompanyTel: 01865 300361www.amcwav.com

AutobilityTel: 0800 298 9290www.autobility.co.uk

Clarke MobilityTel: 01622 793079www.clarkemobility.com

Mobility NationwideTel: 01824 707773mobilitynationwide.co.uk

Silverline MobilityTel: 0844 800 9421wheelchair-accessible-vehicle.co.uk

Southern Mobility VehiclesTel: 01243 586444 (Sussex)Tel: 01883 624041 (Surrey)www.southernmobilityvehicles.co.uk

Wheelchair Accessible MotorCompanyTel: 01384 370530www.twamco.co.uk

Wheelchair Accessible VehiclesTel: 01325 389900www.wheelchairaccessiblevehicles.co.uk

GETTING A WAV

2120

RENTALThe companies listed here provide WAVson short or long term rental. Please notethat we have not evaluated them forreliability or service. You can also hireWAVs from many of the converters listedin our Mobility address list.

Adapted Car HireTel: 0845 68 62 007www.adaptedcarhire.co.uk Adapted Vehicle Hire LtdTel: 0845 257 1670www.avhltd.comThe Barbara Bus FundA charity which owns two vehicles – atStoke Mandeville Hospital and in theGwynedd area.Tel: 020 8416 0733www.barbarabus.comDIG Car Hire SchemeA charity run by volunteers.Tel: 01224 311905Hertfordshire Action on DisabilityThe Welwyn Garden City Mobility Centre– service available nationwide.Tel: 01707 375159www.hadnet.org.ukMobility Vehicle HireTel: 0845 293 2799www.mobilityvehiclehire.netPyehireTel: 01524 598598www.pyemotors.co.uk/pyehire/mot.phpWheelchair Car HireTel: 0800 298 9290www.wheelchaircarhire.co.ukWheelchair TravelTel: 01483 233640www.wheelchair-travel.co.uk

MOTABILITY

If you receive either the Higher RateMobility Component of the DisabilityLiving Allowance or the War Pensioner’sMobility Supplement you are eligible forthe Motability Scheme. Your allowancegoes towards the cost of a car, scooter orpowered wheelchair of your choice.

Leasing through Motability You can use your mobility allowance tolease a new WAV from Motability for fiveyears (it's three years for a standard car).

Maintenance and servicing costs,insurance for two drivers (a third driver canbe added for a fee) and RAC breakdownassistance are included. There is a mileageallowance of 100,000 miles over a fiveyear lease (additional miles are charged at5p per mile).

You can choose a WAV fromMotability's list of approved vehicleconversions. WAVs cost more than iscovered by the mobility allowance, so youmake an advance payment (from £695 toover £40,000) to make up the difference.This money is not returned.

Motability have a new scheme offeringnearly new WAVs on a three year lease.

The scheme will also contribute to thecost of adaptations. Motability has a list ofadaptations available, with costs attached.They operate a Managed AdaptationsProgramme which can make the processboth easier and cheaper. You can only

make use of this programme when you areordering your new car.

If you want to fit your own adaptationsduring your lease, or fit something notavailable through the programme, you willhave to fund this yourself. Motabilityadminister a number of funds (see Grantsbelow) which may be able to help. Anyadaptations must be supplied and fitted bya Motability Adaptations Partner.

GrantsMotability administer a number ofgovernment funds as well as having theirown Charitable Fund.

If you are considering the MotabilityScheme you can apply for a grant forthings like adaptations, advancepayments on more expensive vehiclesand driving lessons (for people under25). You have to provide details of yourcircumstances, which will be checked.Motability can only help towards theleast expensive solution that meets yourneeds. They will assess your needs (theymay refer you to a Mobility Centre) andmake suitable recommendations.

Contact Motability Operations formore information about this or anyother aspect of the Motability Scheme.

Motability OperationsCity Gate House22 Southwark Bridge RoadLondon SE1 9HBTel: 0845 456 4566Textphone: 0845 675 0009www.motability.co.uk

FinanceGETTING A WAV

2322

VATYou do not pay VAT on products designedand sold specifically for disabled people.This means all adaptations, installation,repair and maintenance are zero rated.

What kind of adaptations count?n those which make it possible for you

to get in and out of the vehicle, such as a swivel seatn those which make it possible for you to

drive, such as hand controls for primarydriving controls and infra red systems forsecondary controls – note that standardextras such as automatic transmissionwould not be enough to qualifyn those which enable a wheelchair to

be carried in the vehicle, such as a hoist. Trailers, roof or rear racks wouldnot count as they are not vehicleadaptations.

Adaptations have to be permanent – which means in practice that they have to be welded or bolted on. Repair andmaintenance to the vehicle is also zerorated. The supplier of the vehicle has to be satisfied that you qualify, and youwill have to sign a form declaring yourdisability.

Wheelchair and stretcher usersAdditionally, if you use a wheelchair orstretcher you may not have to pay VAT onthe price of the car or for its repair ormaintenance.

To qualify you must:n be a wheelchair user – temporary

users do not count and nor do scooterusers orn need to be carried in a stretcher.

The car must:n have been designed or substantially

and permanently adapted for theperson who normally uses a wheelchairor stretchern carry no more than 12 peoplen be for domestic or personal use.

Vehicles owned and run by businesses donot qualify. However you can use aqualifying adapted vehicle for work if it isincidental to its main private use.

VAT relief applies only to new cars, so ifyou are buying a car with the intention ofhaving controls fitted, it may be worthyour while to consider buying a new carrather than a secondhand one as you willnot have to pay VAT on the car.

More information: VAT Notice 701/7 VATrelief for people with disabilities fromHMRC national advice serviceTel: 0845 010 9000www.hmrc.gov.uk.

OTHER SOURCES OFFINANCECharitiesSome charities give grants to individuals.n Your local library should be able to help

you find sources, such as the RoundTable, Rotary or Lions Club and otherlocal charities.

n Try your appropriate disability groupsuch as Scope, the MS Society or theMuscular Dystrophy Campaign, whomay know of sources of help.

nCharity SearchProvide a free service for people aged 50or over, to help you find a grant-givingcharity.

Freepost (BS 6610)AvonmouthBristol BS11 9TWTel: 0117 982 4060 (9:30 to 2:30 Mon–Thurs)Email: info@charitysearch.org.ukwww.charitysearch.org.uk

n The Family FundHelps families with severely disabledchildren aged 17 and under, whosehousehold income is less than £28,000a year. They may be able to contributetowards the cost of adapting a car orwith driving lessons. They do not usuallyhelp with the cost of buying a car.

4 Alpha CourtMonks Cross DriveHuntingdonYork YO32 9WNTel: 08449 744 099Fax: 01904 652 625Textphone: 01904 658 085Email: info@familyfund.org.ukwww.familyfund.org.uk

n Turn2usProvide a free service to help you findfinancial support in the form of welfarebenefits, grants and other help tailoredto your circumstances.

Tel: 0808 802 2000(8am to 8pm Mon–Fri)www.turn2us.org.uk

Statutory sourcesn Social services

May be worth trying, especially if you donot get Disability Living Allowance or ifyou have already used your mobilitycomponent to lease or buy a vehicle.Contact your local authority.

nAccess to WorkIf you are in work or about to start work,you may be able to get help from theAccess to Work scheme. They may coverthe cost of adaptations to a vehicle ifthis is the only or most cost effectiveway for you to get to work. Cases areassessed on an individual basis. Contactyour local Jobcentre Plus or visitwww.direct.gov.uk/disabledpeople.

FINANCE

2524

INSURANCEUnder the Disability Discrimination Act,insurers are not allowed to refuse disableddrivers insurance or charge extra withoutjustifying evidence. Premiums must bebased on a reasonable assessment of risk.Insurers will take account of any DVLArestrictions on your licence, but this is notin itself justification for a higher premium.However, you may have to pay more:

nwhile you are adjusting to a newdisability if there is evidence that thiswill increase the riskn to cover any extra cost of repairing

an adapted vehicle.

As with all insurance, shop around to get thebest deal. If you feel you are being chargedmore for your policy than other drivers insimilar circumstances, ask the insurancecompany for details of why they consideryou to be a greater risk. Mobility Centres andorganisations of disabled drivers have lists ofspecialist insurance companies.

We know of the following companieswhich specialise in motor insuranceservices for disabled people, including WAVs:

n Chartwell 0800 089 0146n En-route 0800 783 7245n First Senior 01582 840067n Fish Insurance 0800 088 3050nMobility Insure 01942 403613

BLUE BADGE SCHEME

The Blue Badge Scheme offers parkingconcessions for disabled people withsevere walking difficulties who need topark close to their destinations. Thescheme also applies to registered blindpeople, people with severe upper limbdisabilities in both arms who regularlydrive a vehicle and children under threewith specific medical conditions.

You can use designated disabled parkingbays in car parks and on the street, park forup to three hours on single and doubleyellow lines and often park for free in localauthority car parks and bays (check first, assome local authorities still charge). InCentral London boroughs parking is only indesignated bays.

The scheme is administered by localauthorities which deal with applicationsand issue badges.

For more information contact your local authority or:blue.badge@dft.gsi.gov.ukwww.dft.gov.uk – follow the Access forDisabled People link

DRIVING LICENCEMobility Centres or disabled drivers’organisations will be able to help you finda driving instructor who specialises inteaching disabled drivers. They use carswith adapted controls or will teach you in your own vehicle.

Drivers of adapted cars take the sametest as everyone else. If you drive anadapted vehicle and you have advised the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency,details will appear in code form on yourlicence. The adaptations recorded are:modified transmission, modified clutch,modified braking and accelerationsystems, modified control layouts,modified steering, modified rear viewmirrors and modified driving seats. Youcan only drive cars with similarequipment.

There’s no top age limit to driving. You have to renew your licence at 70 and every three years after that. A formwill be sent to you by the DVLA.

You must tell them of any disabilitywhen applying for a licence for the firsttime. You must also tell them if you have a new medical condition or one which hasgot worse since passing your driving test orsince your last licence was issued.Conditions you have to tell them aboutinclude fits or blackouts, seizures, diabetes,angina attacks which are provoked bydriving, memory problems, stroke, braininjury, brain surgery, pacemaker, difficultyin using your arms or legs and any visualcondition which affects both eyes.

You may be sent a questionnaire and willbe asked to give permission for theMedical Advisor to contact your doctor or specialist. If your driving licence is forautomatic vehicles only, you must makesure the clutch pedal is removed if youhave adapted a manual gearbox. Furtherinformation from www.dvla.gov.uk or inWhat you need to know about drivinglicences from a post office.

VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY (ROAD TAX)You don’t have to pay Road Tax if you get the Higher Rate Mobility Componentof the Disability Living Allowance or theWar Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement.

If you are not the driver you have toprovide the name of whoever will drive for you. The vehicle must be registered in your or your nominee’s name. It must beused only by you or for your benefit – suchas to do your shopping. Anyone can drive itas long as they are insured.

To claim, get an exemption certificatefrom the Disability Living Allowance Unitof the Department for Work and Pensions(08457 123 456) or the Veterans Agency(0800 169 2277). You can then get yourfree tax disc at post offices which issueroad tax, or by post. If the dealer isregistering your new vehicle for you, youwill need to let them have your certificate.Renewals can be made online.

Motability Contract Hire vehicles don’tneed a certificate – the tax disc will bearranged by Motability.

The legal side

2726

DerbyshireDerby DrivAbilityKingsway Hospital, Derby DE22 3LZTel: 01332 371 929Email: driving@derbyhospitals.nhs.uk www.derbydrivability.comServices: I D P T

HampshireWessex DriveAbilityLeornain House, Kent RoadPortswoodSouthampton SO17 2LJSatellite centre: Salisbury (Wilts) Tel: 023 8051 2222Email: enquiries@wessexdriveability.org.ukwww.wessexdriveability.org.ukServices: I D P T

HertfordshireHertfordshire Action on DisabilityThe Woodside CentreThe CommonsWelwyn Garden City AL7 4DDSatellite centre: Dunstable (Beds)Tel: 01707 384263Email: driving@hadnet.org.ukwww.hadnet.org.ukServices: I D P W T

KentSouth East DriveAbilityCobtree Ward, Preston Hall HospitalLondon RdAylesford ME20 7NJSatellite centres: Hailsham, Herne BayTel: 01622 795 719Email: wk-pct.sedriveability@nhs.netServices: I D P T

LancashireWrightington Mobility CentreWrightington HospitalHall LaneWiganLancashire WN6 9EPSatellite centre: Tyldsley (Manchester)Tel: 01257 256 409Email: mobility.centre@alwpct.nhs.ukServices: I D P

NorfolkEast Anglian DriveAbility2 Napier PlaceThetfordNorfolk IP24 3RLSatellite centres: Coggeshall (Essex),

Spalding (Lincs)Tel: 01842 753 029Email: mail@eastangliandriveability.org.ukwww.eastangliandriveability.co.ukServices: I D P W T

North EastNorth East Drive MobilityWalkergate Park Centre for Neuro-rehabilitation and

Neuro-psychiatry Benfield RoadNewcastle upon Tyne NE6 4QDSatellite centre: Penrith (Cumbria)Tel: 0191 287 5090 Email: northeast.drivemobility@ntw.nhs.ukwww.ntw.nhs.ukServices: I D P T

MOBILITY CENTRESYour first stop is likely to be a MobilityCentre – for telephone advice or for anassessment of your needs, for example.There are 16 Mobility Centres in the UK.They give practical and independentadvice and assessment to disabled driversand passengers. They will assess yourability to drive, advise you about vehiclesthat might suit you and about anyadaptations you may need. They are wellinformed on motoring and disability issuesgenerally. Each centre has expert andfriendly staff who are likely to have metand solved similar problems before. Theyare non commercial and impartial.

An assessment for a driver referring himor herself will cost from £50 to £130(depending on the centre). In Scotlandassessment is free if referred by a GP. Costsfor assessment as a passenger are lower –generally around £20 – £50. Motabilitycustomers may qualify for a freeassessment under the ManagedAdaptation Programme.

Mobility Centres are accredited by theForum of Mobility Centres and havecertain minimum standards. For moreinformation on the centres contact:

The Forum of Mobility Centresc/o Providence Chapel, WarehorneAshford, Kent TN26 2JXTel: 0800 559 3636Email: mobility@rcht.cornwall.nhs.ukwww.mobility-centres.org.uk

Useful organisationsKey to servicesThe centres vary in size and in the services they offer. Here we detail some of the services offered:I free information serviceD advice on choosing a vehicle, driving it,

driving controls and learning to driveP assessment and advice about getting in

and out of vehicles, loading of wheelchairs and other equipment

W advice on selecting and using awheelchair or scooter

T driving tuition for new drivers, peoplereturning to driving and those who willbe using different controls

A fitting adaptations for drivers orpassengers

BristolLiving The Vassall CentreGill Avenue, FishpondsBristol BS16 2QQSatellite centre: Sparkford (Somerset)Tel: 0117 965 9353Email: mobserv@thisisliving.org.ukwww.thisisliving.org.uk/mobilityServices: I D P W T

CornwallCornwall Mobility CentreTehidy House, Royal Cornwall HospitalTruro, Cornwall TR1 3LJTel: 01872 254 920Email:

enquiries@cornwallmobilitycentre.co.ukwww.cornwallmobilitycentre.co.ukServices: I D P W T A

2928

OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Assist UKNational network of centresoffering advice on independentliving equipment. Your local

centre can advise about wheelchairs and accessories.Tel: 0161 238 8776Email: general.info@assist-uk.orgwww.assist-uk.org

Blue Badge NetworkHas up-to-date information, news andideas relating to parking concessions inparticular and disability issues in general.11 Parson’s Street, Dudley DY1 1JJTel: 01384 257001Fax: 01384 257317Email:

headoffice@bluebadgenetwork.org.ukwww.bluebadgenetwork.org.uk

DirectgovA website providinginformation about

public services. They have useful sectionson motoring and on disability.www.direct.gov.uk/disabledpeople

Disabled LivingFoundationAdvice and information

on disability equipment. They have adatabase of products and suppliers. 380–384 Harrow RoadLondon W9 2HUTel: 0845 130 9177(weekdays 10am to 4pm)www.dlf.org.ukwww.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Disability NowA monthly newspaper published by SCOPEwith reviews by disabled people andclassified advertisements. Subscribe ororder from your newsagent. Tel: 0844 249 0228Email: dnsubs@servicehelpline.co.ukwww.disabilitynow.org.uk

Driver and Vehicle Licensing AgencyDrivers Medical GroupDVLASwansea SA99 1TUTel: 0300 790 6806Fax: 0845 850 0095Email: eftd@dvla.gsi.gov.ukwww.direct.gov.uk/driverhealthNorthern IrelandDriver and Vehicle Agency Drivers Medical

SectionCounty Hall, Castlerock RoadColeraine BT51 3TBTel: 0845 402 4000Email: dvlni@doeni.gov.ukwww.dvani.gov.uk

Disabled Motoring UKThe campaigning charityfor disabled motorists.They run the Baywatch

campaign against parking abuse andrepresent disabled people’s needs at anational level. Membership, £20 per year(£30 for joint members), includes amonthly magazine, advice service and benefits.Ashwellthorpe, Norwich NR16 1EXTel: 01508 489449Email: info@disabledmotoring.orgwww.disabledmotoring.org

SurreyQEF Mobility ServicesDamson WayFountain DriveCarshalton SM5 4NRTel: 020 8770 1151Email: mobility@qef.org.ukwww.qef.org.uk/our-services/mobility-

servicesServices: I D P W T

West MidlandsRegional Driving Assessment CentreUnit 11 Network ParkDuddeston Mill RoadBirmingham B8 1AUSatellite centres: Cannock (Staffs), Hull,

Northampton, OxfordTel: 0845 337 1540Email: info@rdac.co.ukwww.rdac.co.ukServices: I D P T

West YorkshireThe William Merritt CentreDisabled Living Centre and Mobility ServiceSt Mary’s HospitalGreen Hill RoadArmleyLeeds LS12 3QETel: 0113 305 5288Email: mobility.service@nhs.netwww.williammerrittleeds.orgServices: I D P W

NORTHERN IRELANDDisability Action, Portside Business Park189 Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9EDSatellite centres: Ballymena, Dungannon,

Londonderry, NewryTel: 028 9029 7880Email: mobilitycentre@disabilityaction.orgwww.disabilityaction.orgServices: I D P T

SCOTLANDScottish Driving Assessment ServiceAstley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange LoanEdinburgh EH9 2HLSatellite centre: Mobile Driving Assessment

ServiceTel: 0131 537 9192Email:

marlene.mackenzie@nhslothian.scot.nhs.ukServices: I D P

NORTH WALESNorth Wales Mobility and Driving

Assessment ServiceGlan Clwyd Hospital Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire LL18 5UJSatellite centre: Newtown (Powys)Tel: 01745 584 858Email: mobilityinfo@btconnect.comwww.wmdas.co.ukServices: I D P W T A

SOUTH WALESSouth Wales Mobility and Driving

Assessment ServiceRookwood HospitalFairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YNSatellite centre: Pembroke Dock (Dyfed)Tel: 029 2055 5130Email: helen@wddac.co.ukwww.wmdas.co.ukServices: I D P

USEFUL ORGANISATIONS

3130

Ricability guides

n For full details of the Motability Insurance range visitwww.motability.co.uk or call direct:

Motability HOME InsuranceMotability PET InsuranceMotability TRAVEL Insurancen For every policy sold, the insurance providers will

pay a proportion of the premium in commission toMotability to help disabled people remain mobile.

Motability has teamed up with leading home, pet and travel insurers

0800 783 00610800 369 90940800 519 9957

Spring 2011

Ricability is a research charitythat publishes independentinformation on products and services for older and disabled people

RicabilityUnit G03 The Wenlock50–52 Wharf RoadLondon N1 7EUTel: 020 7427 2460Fax: 020 7427 2468Textphone: 020 7427 2469e-mail: mail@ricability.org.ukwww.ricability.org.uk

ISBN: 978-1-907408-04-5© Ricability2011

ricabilityricability

A guide for older and disabled people

Getting in and out of a car

2011

Ricability is an independentresearch charity that publishesinformation on products and services for older and disabled people

RicabilityUnit G03 The Wenlock50–52 Wharf RoadLondon N1 7EUTel: 020 7427 2460Fax: 020 7427 2468Textphone: 020 7427 2469Email: mail@ricability.org.ukwww.ricability.org.uk

Research: Jasper HolmesPhotography: Robin BeckhamCover illustration: Michael MundayDesign: Price WatkinsPrint: WPG

ISBN: 978-1-907408-08-3© Ricability2011

ricabilityricability

A guide for older and disabled people

Car controls

ricabilityricability

Ricability is a research charity that publishes independent informationon products and services for older and disabled people

RicabilityUnit G03 The Wenlock50–52 Wharf RoadLondon N1 7EUTel: 020 7427 2460Fax: 020 7427 2468Textphone: 020 7427 2469e-mail: mail@ricability.org.ukwww.ricability.org.ukwww.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk

ISBN: 978-1-907408-03-8© RicabilityAutumn 2010

A guide for older and disabled people

Getting awheelchair into acar

2010

EDITIO

N

Ricability is an independentresearch charity that publishesinformation on products and services for older and disabled people

RicabilityUnit G03 The Wenlock50–52 Wharf RoadLondon N1 7EUTel: 020 7427 2460Fax: 020 7427 2468Textphone: 020 7427 2469Email: mail@ricability.org.ukwww.ricability.org.uk

Research: Jasper HolmesPhotography: Robin BeckhamCover illustration: Michael MundayDesign: Price WatkinsPrint: WPG

ISBN: 978-1-907408-07-6© Ricability2011

ricabilityricability

A guide for older and disabled people

Choosing a car

2011

CHOOSING A CARThings to think about ifyou have a disability, details of features thatmay help you and waysof adapting a car to suityour needs

GETTING AWHEELCHAIR INTO A CAREquipment to help youstow or carry awheelchair in a car,including ramps, hoists,racks and trailers

CAR CONTROLSInformation on types ofadaptations and how toget them; it covers simple andmore complexconversions andcontrols

GETTING INAND OUT OF ACARTechniques that mayhelp as you get older;helpful equipment anddetails of lifting systemsif you need more help

All these guides are available in print and online at www.ricability.org.uk. Our website also has a searchable database of car measurements called Find a car.

ricability

Mobilityaddress list

June 2010

Mob addressesFINAL WPG:Layout 1 23/06/2010 09:21 Page i

MOBILITYADDRESS LISTAddresses of alladaptation suppliers,fitters and converters inthe UK and the servicesthey offer

SEVEN SHORTER GUIDESn Motoring after amputationn Motoring after brain injuryn Motoring after a stroken Motoring with arthritisn Motoring with cerebral palsyn Motoring with multiple sclerosisn Motoring with restricted growth

MobilityRoadshowsHave a wide range of

adapted cars and mobility products to seeand try. Manufacturers and organisationsare on hand to give advice anddemonstrations. Roadshows are free.In England and Scotland: Mobility ChoiceTel: 0845 241 0390Fax: 0845 241 2136Email: choice@gtnet.gov.ukwww.mobilityroadshow.co.ukIn Northern Ireland: Disability ActionTel: 028 9029 7880Fax: 028 9029 7881Textphone: 028 9029 7882Email: marketing@disabilityaction.orgwww.disabilityaction.org

Motability One Big DayMotability run these regional events forusers or prospective users of the scheme –you can see and try cars, and equipmentTel: 0800 953 4002www.motabilityevents.co.uk

RemapA voluntaryorganisation ofengineers who

invent, design and make devices or carryout adaptations to help disabled people tobe more independent or to enjoy leisureactivities.

England, Wales and NID9 Chaucer Business ParkKemsing, Kent TN15 6YUTel: 0845 130 0456Fax: 0845 130 0789Email: info@remap.org.ukwww.remap.org.uk

Remap ScotlandThe website has a useful map showing thelocations of local groups.Forgue House, Forgue, Huntly AB54 6DATel: 01466 730 736Email: remap-scotland@btconnect.comwww.remap-scotland.org

Service CallA service that allows disabledpeople to use petrol stations and

other services that are difficult to access.You carry an infrared transmitter (£14.95inc p&p), which you use to signal that youneed assistance at participating outlets,which include thousands of petrol stations,banks, supermarkets, shops and others.Tel: 0800 458 3008Email: info@service-call.netwww.service-call.net

Wheelchair AccessibleVehicle Converters’Association

The trade association for companies whomake and sell WAVs. WAVCA aims toimprove the quality and safety of WAVsand lobbies for legislation for wheelchairpassenger vehicles

Members must: n have been trading for at least 2 yearsn offer at least 3 years warranty n have passed safety tests on restraints

and seat beltsn demonstrate a commitment to

customer service.

Email: enquiries@wavca.co.ukwww.wavca.co.uk