Updated on August 20, 2024
What is a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV)?
A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) is a standard car or van modified specifically to accommodate wheelchair users by increasing the size of the vehicle’s interior and equipping it with a means of entry for a wheelchair; a wheelchair ramp or powered lift.
These modifications allow individuals to enter, exit, and travel safely while seated in a wheelchair.
Entry Type
There are two types of entry configurations in Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles; side-entry and rear-entry. The location of wheelchair entry affects the wheelchair seating positions, parking options, storage availability, and ability to accommodate other passengers.
Side Entry Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV)
About 65% of personal use wheelchair-accessible vehicles are side-entry configurations. There are also customised hand-controlled driving equipment for WAVs for wheelchair drivers.
Pros and Cons of Side Entry
| # | Pros | Cons |
| 1 | Ability to drive from a wheelchair or sit in the front passenger position in a wheelchair or driver position | They often seat up to 2-3 passengers only based on the total weight limit. |
| 2 | Ability to enter and exit curbside away from traffic | Ramp deployment requires an extra room or accessible parking space. |
| 3 | Usually accommodates a maximum of 5 passengers | Some driveways and garages can’t accommodate the vehicle. |
| 4 | More storage space. |
Rear Entry Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV)
Rear-entry WAVs are for attended services, i.e. wheelchair user is not the driver of the vehicle but rather a passenger.
- These types of WAVs cost less than side-entry WAVs, they are simpler, with little to no extra maintenance required.
- It has the ride and drive quality of an unconverted vehicle.
- They will fit into any garage.
- Inability to drive from the wheelchair
- Inability to have the wheelchair in the front passenger position
- Storage spaces are smaller than side-entry WAVs.
- Requirement to enter and exit in a traffic.
Buying a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Consider buying a standard vehicle (new or pre-owned) and convert it to a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. After purchasing a standard vehicle (MPV or a van), send it to a specialist to convert it into a WAV with aftermarket products to your specifications. This option costs time, money, and effort, but you get a brand-new car perfectly tailored to your personal needs.
As an alternative, it is much easier to get a pre-owned vehicle that’s already been converted to a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. This vehicle may not be perfectly suited for you, but it comes with all the aftermarket car parts you’ll need. It depends on how you see it; a pre-owned wheelchair-accessible vehicle is tried and tested. If it worked well for the previous wheelchair user, it’s safe to assume it’ll also serve you well.
Financing Options and Grants for Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles
There are a few financial options available, to help with the acquisition of a new or pre-owned WAV, or modification of a standard vehicle to a WAV. These options include grants, loans, and insurance schemes by the Australian Government and private or NGO institutions that cover some or all of the cost of a new or pre-owned WAV.
1. Government Assistance Programs for WAVs in Australia
The Australian Government prioritises accessibility in public places with enforced regulation on accessibility standards. The government also recognises how freedom and independence are important to people with limited mobility. There are several programs created by the Australian Government that offer financial assistance towards purchasing or modifying a Wheel Accessible Vehicle.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): The NDIS supports Wheel Accessible Vehicles through individual funding plans.
- Funding for Improved Daily Living (FIDL): The FIDL funds people with disabilities to purchase equipment that assists with daily living activities, which includes WAV modifications. Eligibility and funding amounts vary depending on individual circumstances.
2. Insurance Coverage
Check with your insurance provider to determine coverage options for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, including modifications and adaptive equipment. If you don not have a plan yet or your current provider doesn’t cover WAV, you can check around for a plan that suits your expectations of buying or modifying one.
3. Financing Solutions
Investigating other types of financing options may lead to the discovery of loans, leasing, manufacturer’s financing plans, mobility dealerships, or financial institutions that can also be used to further drive down the cost of buying or modifying a Wheel Accessible Vehicle.
What Is The Best Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?
Here are top three vehicle brands and models for WAV modification in Australia.
1. Kia Carnival YP
The Kia Carnival YP is the third and most recent generation of the Carnival on the Aussie market. A front-engine, four-wheel drive minivan by Kia Motors. This minivan is appreciated for its spacious inside and has five doors; caregivers and wheelchair users to enter and exit the vehicle easily, especially after modification and conversion to WAV with aftermarket parts.
2. Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is a Japanese-manufactured vehicle that comes in either the station wagon or the minivan. We are interested in the minivan version for this article. The minivan has five doors and is a functional vehicle for wheelchair users and their family members.
3. VW Caddy Range
The Volkswagen Caddy is classed as a leisure activity vehicle (LAV). However, it has a very spacious interior that is great for conversion for wheelchair accessibility. The present Caddy Range generation comes in the 3- or 4-door van, 3-door panel van, 4-door MPV and 2-door coupe utility body type.
Looking for reliable and trustworthy care services?
At Centre Disability Support, we offer tailored support services for individuals with disabilities throughout Australia. We offer housing options in Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane areas, where we provide independent supported living or assist individuals in finding suitable options for individualised living.
Additionally, we provide day-to-day support for individuals with mental health issues, complex behaviour and other types of disabilities. We also have support coordinators available to assist with planning, navigating NDIS plans, and offering casework support.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, or a loved one, or simply wish to learn more about our services, we’re here to help.
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