Is My Wheelchair Suitable for a WAV?

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles come in a range of sizes and layouts, designed for the differing needs of various wheelchair users. When choosing a WAV, a primary consideration is the overall size of the wheelchair, and wheelchair user. Whilst most WAVs are designed to carry many different types of wheelchair, not all wheelchairs are suitable for use in a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.

Crash Tested Wheelchairs

The most important factor to consider when assessing the suitability of a wheelchair for use in a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, is whether the wheelchair has been crash tested. It is recommended that any wheelchair intending to be used as a seat in an accessible vehicle should be tested to carry ISO 7176-19 compliance.

Wheelchairs which have been crash tested to comply with ISO 7176-19 typically carry an anchor point logo, which resembles a hook. They will usually have clearly visible attachment points front and back where the winch and 4-point restraint system attach.

ISO 7176-19 compliance isn’t mandatory for a wheelchair to be used in a WAV, but it is recommended. The 4-point restraint system in an accessible vehicle will be crash tested to restrain a compliant wheelchair, but cannot be guaranteed to safely restrain a wheelchair which does not have recognised anchor points.

Docking Systems

If you would prefer to use a floor-mounted Docking System for your wheelchair instead of a 4-point restraint system, you will need to check that your wheelchair is compatible.

Adapting a wheelchair to be used with a Docking System involves mounting a pin or bracket on the underside of the wheelchair, which may affect the ground clearance. So while the wheelchair loading process may be more convenient, the usability of the wheelchair over uneven surfaces may be compromised. 

Vehicles for Large Wheelchairs

The size of your wheelchair will affect which Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are most suitable for you, as each WAV vehicle will have a different entry height, internal headroom, floor length and width. So it’s important to measure your wheelchair with the wheelchair user seated, to check how much internal space you will need in your WAV.

The weight of your wheelchair will also dictate which vehicle and restraint system is most suitable for you. The minimum standard for WAVs to be tested to is 85kg, however some are tested to carry wheelchairs up to 200kg, and so it’s best to check that your accessible vehicle and wheelchair restraints are suitable for heavy wheelchairs.

The Brotherwood Ford Tourneo Custom is one of the most spacious WAVs available, designed for heavy and bariatric wheelchairs up to 200kg, with 63 inches (1600mm) of internal headroom making it ideal for taller wheelchair users.

Headrests

A headrest is recommended for a wheelchair to be comfortably used in a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. While there are no regulations mandating the use of a headrest, it can make journeys more comfortable for the wheelchair user, and provide protection against injuries such as whiplash in the event of an accident.

Powered and Manual Wheelchairs

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle are suitable for both electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs, although the restraint systems and loading procedure for the WAV might vary depending on whether the wheelchair is powered or not. Electric wheelchairs also tend to be heavier than manual chairs, so a heavy-duty restraint system may be required.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are not crash tested in the same way as wheelchairs, and so do not typically carry ISO 7176 certification. Because of this, they cannot be used as a seat in a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. However, it is possible to transport a mobility scooter in a WAV, provided it is securely restrained using the 4-point restraint system.

Choosing a WAV

Our friendly, expert team are here to help you choose an accessible vehicle that suits your wheelchair. We offer free, no-obligation home demonstrations across the UK, giving you the opportunity to try the WAV features for yourself.

Call us today on freephone 0330 1747 555, or contact us today to learn more and discuss your needs.