Buying a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV)
A WAV is one of the most significant purchases a disabled person or carer will make. This guide covers everything - from types and costs to inspections and funding.
Types of WAV
Rear-entry WAV
Ramp or lift at the back. Most common type. Passenger travels rear-facing or forward-facing in their wheelchair.
Side-entry WAV
Ramp on the side, often a sliding door. Allows forward-facing travel. Common in VW Caddy and Ford Tourneo conversions.
Front-entry / Kneeling van
Lowered floor at the front. Less common but excellent for independent drivers who transfer to a seat.
Driver adaptation
Standard car adapted with hand controls, joystick steering, or left-foot accelerator for drivers with limited mobility.
New vs. second-hand
New WAVs can cost £25,000–£80,000+. Second-hand vehicles offer significant savings, but require careful inspection. Look for vehicles with documented conversion history and known mileage.
✓ Advantages of second-hand
- • Significant cost saving (30–60%)
- • Faster availability
- • Proven reliability record
- • Some depreciation already taken
⚠ Things to watch for
- • Conversion may not suit your wheelchair
- • Older ramp mechanisms may need servicing
- • Verify DVLA records and MOT history
- • Check for clocking or accident history
Funding options
Motability Scheme
Use your PIP Enhanced Rate Mobility Component to lease a new WAV. No deposit on most vehicles. Includes insurance, servicing and breakdown cover.
VAT exemption
WAVs purchased for personal use by a disabled person are exempt from 20% VAT. Can save thousands of pounds.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Local councils in England can award grants of up to £30,000 for adaptations including vehicle aids.
Access to Work
If you use a WAV to get to work, you may qualify for an Access to Work grant from the government.
What to inspect before buying
Always have a second-hand WAV inspected by a specialist mobility converter or engineer before purchase. The conversion itself must comply with M1 vehicle type approval.
- Ramp or lift - operation, hydraulic lines, safety auto-stop
- Floor anchors and wheelchair restraint points - check for corrosion
- Lowered floor - inspect for rust especially around wheel arches
- Roof raise (if applicable) - seals, water ingress, structure
- All standard vehicle checks: tyres, brakes, engine, electrics
- DVLA V5C matches the vehicle, and conversion is listed
- MOT history via GOV.UK checker
- HPI check for outstanding finance or write-off history
Legal requirements
- •Wheelchair passengers must be secured with appropriate restraints - both the wheelchair and the occupant.
- •All modifications must be disclosed to your insurer or your policy may be void.
- •Drivers with adaptations (hand controls etc.) must have this noted on their driving licence (code 78).
- •WAVs used commercially to carry passengers need a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence.
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