Buying any type of car is a decision that needs to be made with a lot of care and consideration. Nevertheless, when it comes to selecting a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) for your Motability scheme, the need for greater contemplation is enhanced. A lot of individuals who purchase a vehicle for Motability in Essex state that they would have selected a different WAV if they had spent more time doing research. This article is here to help make sure you select the right WAV by providing you with the main areas of consideration…
How much room did you need?
The most important thing you need to bear in mind is definitely how much room you are going to require. You shouldn’t just think about the room in relation to the dimensions of your wheelchair. You need to think about how you are going to move around and position your wheelchair as well. The best way to see whether a WAV is suitable is to try it out yourself. In addition to this, one thing a lot of people tend to forget about is whether the wheelchair in question is likely to be changed throughout the duration of the lease. This is something that is especially likely to be the case if a child is the wheelchair user.
How are you going to get in and out of the vehicle?
There are several different options when it comes to getting in and out of a WAV. Firstly, you will have the choice of either a lift or a ramp. The latter tends to be the most common option however a lift is used for bigger vehicles. In addition to this, you also have to consider whether you want to access the vehicle from the back or the side. One of the things you should think about when contemplating this attribute is where you normally park. Would rear access or side access be easier? Will there be enough room for the lift or ramp in question?
What additional features are required?
Only you know the answer to this. Do you need automatic transmission? What about parking sensors? It is crucial to acknowledge that any additional features could end up coming at an extra cost. Yet, if it makes you feel safer and more comfortable, it is certainly worth it.
How many people are likely to be travelling with you? And, how will they be seated?
Aside from the two points that have already been mentioned, you need to think about how many people are likely to be travelling in the vehicle. The first point which has an influence is whether the wheelchair user is going to be the driver or not. If so, you can have additional seats fitted in the back of the vehicle, yet you may incur costs in order for this to be the case. There are also various different seating layouts for you to bear in mind. It is all about ensuring you are comfortable.
Can you see?
Last but not least, a very simple question, yet one many people forget about. Are you able to see from your position? It is important to ensure you can. There are several factors that determine whether you will be able to. This includes whether the vehicle has been lowered, the floor’s slope and of course the size of the windows.
About Author: Patricia Anderson has been involved in the automobile industry for 30 years. For the past seven years she has specialised in the design of vehicles for Motability in Essex.