Most used wheelchair accessible vehicles load the wheelchair from the back. Side access WAVs load from the side, usually so the wheelchair user can travel up front. The right one depends mainly on where you park, where the wheelchair user wants to sit, and your budget.
Short version: choose rear access if you have space behind the car and the wheelchair user is happy in the back; it is the widest choice and the best value. Choose side access if you park in tight spaces with room at the side, or the wheelchair user wants to sit beside the driver.
Rear and side access compared
| Rear access | Side access | |
|---|---|---|
| How it loads | A ramp folds out from the back door onto a lowered floor | A ramp or lift comes out of the side door, often powered |
| Where the wheelchair user sits | Behind the front seats or in the middle row | Often up front beside the driver, or in the middle |
| Parking space needed | Room behind the vehicle for the ramp and someone to push | Room beside the vehicle; a kerb or a wide Blue Badge bay helps |
| Ramp | Usually manual, some with powered tailgate and ramp | Often automatic door and ramp, some semi automatic |
| Choice of used vehicles | Wide: most WAVs are rear access | Smaller: fewer conversions made |
| Price | Usually lower | Usually higher, as the conversion is more complex |
Rear access WAVs
In a rear access WAV the floor behind the front seats is lowered, and a ramp folds down from the tailgate. The wheelchair is pushed or driven up the ramp and secured with tie-down straps. Most have folding or removable rear seats, so you can carry the wheelchair user plus two or three passengers.
- Good for: most families, carers who push the wheelchair, and anyone who wants the widest choice at the best price.
- Watch out for: parking bays with a car or wall right behind you. Allow roughly the length of the ramp plus room for the person pushing.
- Typical models: Peugeot Partner Tepee and Rifter, Citroen Berlingo, Volkswagen Caddy, Renault Kangoo and Ford Tourneo Connect.
Side access and up-front WAVs
A side access WAV loads through a sliding side door, using a ramp or a platform lift, and many are “up-front” conversions where the wheelchair user travels in the front passenger position. A few let the wheelchair user drive from the wheelchair, though these are specialist conversions.
- Good for: wheelchair users who want to sit beside the driver and chat, people who often park in car parks rather than on the street, and couples where one partner drives the other.
- Watch out for: needing clear space at the side of the vehicle, and a higher price. Check the door opening height carefully, as side doors can be lower than a rear tailgate.
- Typical models: Fiat Doblo up-front conversions and Ford Grand Tourneo Connect up-front, side loading conversions.
Questions to decide which suits you
- Where will you park most of the time: on a drive, on the street, or in car park bays?
- Does the wheelchair user want to sit up front, or are they happy in the back?
- How many other passengers do you need to carry at the same time?
- Is the wheelchair pushed by a carer or powered? Heavy chairs are easier with a powered ramp or winch.
- Will the same vehicle need to suit a bigger wheelchair later?
- What is your budget, including finance?
Before choosing either type, check the wheelchair will fit. Our guide Will my wheelchair fit a WAV? shows the five measurements to take.
Try both before you decide
We usually have both rear and side access vehicles in stock. Use the Wheelchair access filter on our vehicles page, or call us and we will suggest the best match and bring it to you for a demonstration.
Related: Will my wheelchair fit a WAV? · Warranty and assurance · FAQs