How to Test Drive a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

Brotherwood offer free home demonstrations of our Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles across the UK. Here’s how to make the most of your WAV test drive.

Trying a WAV: What to Look For

When testing out a new accessible vehicle for the first time, there are a few things to check. These key points will ensure that your new WAV will be completely suitable for your needs, and provide you with comfortable transport both now, and into the future.

Safely Loading the Wheelchair

First, ensure that you can easily load and unload the wheelchair user from the vehicle. If different members of your family, or carers, will be using the vehicle, it’s best to make sure everyone can safely load and secure the wheelchair user in the vehicle.

Check if the vehicle is supplied with a wheelchair winch, such as PAWRS, which can make the loading procedure faster, safer, and easier for all, by removing the need to push the wheelchair user into the vehicle.

Your vehicle demonstrator will help you to identify the anchor points on your crash-tested wheelchair, and show you how to attach the wheelchair restraints correctly. Again, ensure that the restraints fit easily and can be operated by all users.

Comfortable Ride

With the wheelchair user safely on board, it’s time to take a drive along some of your local roads. Check that the wheelchair user travels comfortably, with enough headroom to not feel cramped.

Research by the Posture & Mobility Group for the “Best Practice for the Transportation of People Seated in Wheelchairs” states that sitting centrally, as low as possible within the vehicle, with a good field of vision, communication and attendance, are key priorities in finding a comfortable vehicle.

Inclusion & Attendance

It’s important for the wheelchair user to feel included in the social or family group. Feeling excluded is linked to depression and anxiety, so it’s important to ensure that the wheelchair user can easily take part in conversations with the driver and other passengers. If the wheelchair user might need medical assistance on the move, it’s also important to ensure that carers can easily access the wheelchair location.

Visibility

Being able to see further out of the windows and windscreen can enhance the ride comfort for the wheelchair user, as well as minimising any feelings of claustrophobia or travel sickness. The wheelchair user’s eyeline should be below the top of the window line to ensure a good view out of the vehicle. With good outward visibility, you can comfortably take longer journeys without feeling fatigued.

Driving Controls

Check that the vehicle is suitable for all users – that any carers or family members can operate the vehicle easily, and that it can be manoeuvred around parking areas. Discuss whether you require manual or automatic transmission, and ensure that it can it be driven by all necessary family members or carers.

How to Book a WAV Demonstration

It’s easy to book a free, no-obligation home demonstration in any of our range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. Simply call our friendly, expert team on freephone 0330 1747 555, or enter your details to our Demonstration Request form, and we’ll be delighted to arrange a WAV Test Drive at a time and place that suits you.