Most rear-entry wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) have a lowered floor. The converter cuts out the original floor behind the front seats and replaces it with a new, lower floor pan. It’s what makes it possible to travel seated in a wheelchair in a car-sized vehicle.
Why a lowered floor helps
- More headroom: the wheelchair user can sit upright and see out of the windows.
- A gentler ramp: a lower floor means a shorter, less steep ramp, which is easier to push up or winch.
- A normal-sized vehicle: you get van-like headroom without needing a van.
Things to know before you buy
| Consideration | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Lower ground clearance | Take speed bumps, kerbs and steep driveways slowly and at an angle to avoid scraping |
| Fewer seats | The floor and wheelchair space take the place of some rear seats |
| Ramp space | You need room behind the vehicle to lower the ramp, roughly 2 metres for most |
| Floods and deep water | Avoid driving through standing water; the floor sits closer to the road |
| Snow and ice | Clear the ramp before use; it can be slippery even with its non-slip surface |
| Extra maintenance | The ramp, winch and restraints need regular checks alongside the vehicle service |
| Valuables on view | With no hidden boot space, keep valuables out of sight or take them with you |
| Less choice | Fewer models are converted than standard cars, so be flexible on make and colour |
The conversion also adds to the cost of a new WAV. Buying used is one of the best ways to get a lowered-floor vehicle for less.
Tips for everyday use
- Attach the winch or electric front straps before pushing the chair up the ramp, so it can’t roll back.
- Park on level ground where possible, and check the space behind before lowering the ramp.
- Approach speed bumps slowly, and avoid high kerbs.
- Keep the floor tracks and ramp hinges clean of grit and stones.
- Have the conversion checked at each service, not just the vehicle.
Try one for yourself
The best way to judge a lowered-floor WAV is to try it with your own chair. We’ll bring a vehicle to your home or you can visit our Thornbury showroom. Browse our current stock or call 0333 200 8593.
Related: How wheelchair straps work · Wheelchair car or van? · Do WAVs need an MOT?