Why do Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Have a Lowered Floor?

Most Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) are fitted with a lowered floor (sometimes referred to a a dropped-floor) design that creates several benefits for the wheelchair user when travelling.

There are several advantages of this type of wheelchair access conversion.

More Space

A typical Brotherwood WAV conversion features a unique full length, flat, level lowered (or dropped) floor. By lowering the floor, more interior space is created for the wheelchair user, for a more enjoyable travelling experience. WAVs will a lowered floor will usually have more internal headroom and entry height, making them more accessible for taller wheelchair users.

Superior Visibility

Lowering the vehicle floor for wheelchair access also creates better visibility for the wheelchair user, who can enjoy a clearer view out of the windows and windscreen of the vehicle. Many wheelchairs, especially power chairs, sit higher than an average car seat – making travelling on a standard height floor WAV cramped and harder to see out. Ensuring the wheelchair user’s eyeline is below the top of the windows and windscreen enables them to see further out of the vehicle, reducing the sensation of speed and lessening the likelihood of travel sickness.

Postural Support

Lowering the floor of the WAV provides more space for the wheelchair user to travel comfortably, without feeling cramped. An important factor to also consider is the angle of the floor. A flat, level lowered floor will enable the wheelchair user to travel in a natural, neutral posture, when compared to travelling on a sloping surface. Reducing postural discomfort enables the wheelchair user to enjoy longer journeys and arrive at your destination without feeling fatigued.

Composed Ride

By lowering the floor that the wheelchair travels on, the centre of gravity for the wheelchair user is also lowered. This considerably reduces the sensation of body roll as the converted vehicle leans from side to side when cornering, making every journey more enjoyable and enabling longer journeys without discomfort.

Inclusive Experience

Lowering the floor creates an equal head-height for able-bodied and wheelchair seated passengers alike; this enables easier conversation and promotes the feeling of inclusion for the wheelchair user. Sitting between the rear passengers, the central wheelchair position enables the wheelchair user to travel as part of the family. A central wheelchair location can also help should the wheelchair user need medical assistance or intervention on the road.

Easier Access

A lowered floor is not only better when travelling; the wheelchair loading procedure is also made much easier for all. By lowering the floor, the gradient of the access ramp is reduced. This makes loading and unloading the wheelchair user easier and safer, and means that the ramp can be shorter, making it easier to deploy and use in any parking space.

Our expert, friendly team are on hand to help you explore our range of lowered-floor WAVs. With free, no-obligation home demonstrations across the UK, it is easy and convenient to try an accessible vehicle for yourself, to see how inclusive, comfortable and safe accessible vehicles can be.