If you are looking for a wheelchair accessible car for sale in Birmingham, it can be difficult to know exactly what you should be looking for.
There is no single type of wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) that suits everyone. The right wav depends on the wheelchair being used, whether the wheelchair user will travel as a passenger or drive themselves, how many people need to travel, and how the vehicle will be used day to day.
For someone travelling around Birmingham regularly, there are practical considerations too. A vehicle that works well for longer family journeys may not necessarily be the easiest choice for everyday city driving, parking and getting in and out of the car.
The good news is that there are plenty of different used wheelchair accessible cars available, from smaller vehicles such as the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner through to larger WAVs offering additional passenger space.
So, what should you look for when choosing a wheelchair accessible car?
Start with the wheelchair, not the car
It is tempting to start by looking at makes, models, prices and mileage. Those things are important, but they should not be the first consideration.
The starting point should be the wheelchair.
A manual wheelchair and a larger powered wheelchair or mobility chair can have very different requirements. You need to make sure that the vehicle provides enough space for the wheelchair to enter, enough headroom for the occupant, and a suitable position for the wheelchair to be secured safely.
Think about:
The overall length and width of the wheelchair
The height of the wheelchair user when seated
Whether the wheelchair is manual or powered
The weight of the wheelchair and occupant
How the wheelchair will enter the vehicle
Where the wheelchair user will sit
How many other passengers need to travel
Whether the wheelchair needs to remain occupied during the journey
If you already have a particular wheelchair, take its measurements with you when viewing a vehicle. If you are buying a WAV for somebody else, it is particularly important not to assume that a vehicle will be suitable simply because it is advertised as wheelchair accessible.
A vehicle can be technically accessible but still be unsuitable for a particular wheelchair or passenger.
Passenger WAV or drive-from-wheelchair?
One of the biggest decisions is whether the wheelchair user will remain in their wheelchair while travelling as a passenger or whether they need to drive the vehicle themselves.
Most used WAVs are designed to allow a wheelchair user to travel inside the vehicle without transferring out of their wheelchair. Depending on the conversion, the wheelchair may be positioned towards the rear of the vehicle or, in some vehicles, further forward.
There are also vehicles and specialist adaptations designed for people who want to drive from their wheelchair.
These are quite different requirements.
If the wheelchair user is going to drive, you may need additional adaptations such as hand controls, steering adaptations or other specialist equipment. DVLA guidance confirms that vehicle adaptations can be required depending on a driver's disability, and driving licences can contain codes relating to vehicle adaptations.
For this reason, if you are looking for a WAV that will be driven by the wheelchair user, it is worth getting professional advice about the adaptations required before choosing a vehicle.
Check the ramp or lift carefully
Getting the wheelchair into the vehicle is obviously one of the most important parts of any WAV.
Used wheelchair accessible vehicles commonly use either a ramp or a lift.
A ramp is relatively straightforward and can be particularly practical for a manual wheelchair. However, the slope and available space around the vehicle can make a difference to how easy it is to use.
A lift can make access easier for some wheelchair users, particularly where the wheelchair and occupant are heavier, but it also takes up space and adds another mechanical system to the vehicle.
When viewing a used WAV, don't just look at the ramp or lift. Try to understand how you will actually use it at home and when out and about.
For example:
Is there enough room behind the vehicle to deploy the ramp?
Can the wheelchair user comfortably approach the ramp?
Is the ramp easy for the driver or carer to operate?
Does the ramp feel secure when deployed?
Does the lift operate smoothly?
Is there a suitable way to store the ramp when it isn't being used?
If possible, have the wheelchair user actually try the access system before buying.
That is much more useful than simply looking at photographs.
Make sure the wheelchair restraint system suits you
A WAV needs more than an opening large enough for a wheelchair.
The wheelchair and its occupant need to be positioned and secured appropriately for travelling.
Different WAV conversions can have different restraint arrangements, so examine the system fitted to the particular vehicle you are considering.
Look at where the wheelchair will sit and how the restraints are attached. Make sure you understand how they operate and that they are suitable for the wheelchair you intend to use.
This is one reason buying a used WAV from a specialist dealer can be helpful. You can ask questions about the particular conversion rather than trying to work everything out from a standard car specification.
At Wholesale Car Company, our Birmingham selection includes vehicles with different seating configurations and wheelchair positions, so the important thing is to compare the individual vehicle rather than simply choosing by make and model.
Think about the number of passengers
A WAV isn't necessarily just about getting one wheelchair user from A to B.
For many families, the vehicle also needs to accommodate a partner, children, carers or other passengers.
This is where different WAV layouts become particularly important.
For example, the current Birmingham selection at Wholesale Car Company includes vehicles advertised with configurations such as three seats plus wheelchair, four seats plus wheelchair and five seats plus wheelchair.
If you regularly travel with several people, don't automatically assume that a larger-looking vehicle will give you the seating arrangement you need.
Check the actual configuration.
A vehicle with three seats plus a wheelchair is a very different proposition from one offering five seats plus a wheelchair, even if the two vehicles look similar from the outside.
Consider the size of the vehicle
Birmingham has a mixture of city streets, residential roads, car parks and longer routes around the wider West Midlands.
That makes vehicle size worth considering.
A compact WAV can be easier to manoeuvre and park, particularly if you regularly use smaller car parks or have limited space on your driveway.
Larger WAVs, on the other hand, can provide more interior room and may be a better choice for families or people who regularly travel with additional passengers.
There is a trade-off.
A larger vehicle may give you more room inside, but you should also consider its overall dimensions when parking at home and using public car parks.
This is why it is worth measuring your driveway or garage before buying if space is limited.
It is also worth checking the vehicle's height if you regularly use multi-storey car parks.
Automatic or manual?
The choice between an automatic and manual gearbox is another practical consideration.
For some drivers, an automatic can make everyday driving easier, particularly when dealing with frequent stops and starts.
This can be relevant for anyone who finds repeated clutch operation difficult or who has a vehicle adaptation that makes an automatic gearbox more appropriate.
However, there is no universally correct choice.
Your existing licence, driving ability and any adaptations you require all need to be taken into account.
If you are already driving an automatic vehicle, moving to a manual WAV may not be practical. Conversely, someone who is comfortable driving a manual may have a much wider selection of used vehicles available.
There are both manual and automatic WAVs available in the current Birmingham selection, so it is worth filtering the vehicles according to your actual requirements rather than ruling out an entire category of vehicle.
Don't overlook the everyday car itself
It is easy to focus entirely on the wheelchair conversion and forget that you are still buying a used car.
Look at the same things you would consider with any used vehicle:
Mileage
Service history
MOT history
Tyres
Brakes
Engine condition
Gearbox
Bodywork
Interior condition
Warning lights
Air conditioning
General wear and tear
Then look specifically at the WAV conversion.
Check the condition of the ramp or lift, wheelchair restraints, flooring, seat fixings and any additional equipment fitted to the vehicle.
If the vehicle has been structurally modified, it is also sensible to establish what work has been carried out and whether the necessary documentation is available. DVLA states that structural modifications to a vehicle's chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame must be notified to DVLA.
Think about where you will park
This might sound obvious, but it is one of the things that can easily be forgotten when you're excited about finding the right vehicle.
Measure the space where the WAV will normally be parked.
Remember that you need enough room not just for the vehicle itself, but also to use the ramp or lift.
A rear-entry WAV, for example, needs suitable space behind the vehicle when the ramp is deployed.
That can make a significant difference if you park on a short driveway or regularly use busy car parks.
If you use a Blue Badge, remember that the badge provides parking concessions subject to the scheme's rules; it does not mean that a vehicle can simply be parked anywhere. GOV.UK advises Blue Badge holders to check local signs and restrictions, and there are circumstances where badge holders cannot use the normal concessions.
For journeys around Birmingham, it is therefore worth thinking about the combination of the vehicle's size, access system and the places you regularly visit.
Consider your budget realistically
The cheapest WAV is not necessarily the cheapest option in the long run.
If a vehicle doesn't have the right wheelchair configuration, you may end up spending more on adaptations or changing vehicles again later.
Instead, work out what you actually need and then set your budget around those requirements.
The used WAV market covers a wide range of prices.
For example, the current Birmingham selection at Wholesale Car Company includes used WAVs ranging from smaller, older vehicles through to newer models with different seating configurations and equipment. Current examples include Citroën Berlingo, Fiat Doblo, Vauxhall Combo, Peugeot Partner, Peugeot Rifter and Ford Grand Tourneo Connect WAVs.
Prices and stock naturally change, so it is worth checking the current vehicles rather than relying on an old price guide.
Don't buy from photographs alone
Photographs are useful when narrowing down your choices, but they cannot tell you everything.
If you have found a WAV that looks suitable, arrange to see it in person.
Ideally, the wheelchair user should be able to sit in the vehicle and try the access system.
Check:
Can the wheelchair comfortably enter?
Is there enough headroom?
Is the seating position comfortable?
Can the wheelchair be secured easily?
Can the other passengers get in and out?
Is the ramp or lift manageable?
Can the person using the vehicle see comfortably?
Is there enough space for bags and other equipment?
These are questions that are much easier to answer when you're actually sitting in the vehicle.
Buying a wheelchair accessible car near Birmingham
You don't necessarily have to buy a WAV from a dealership located inside Birmingham itself.
For example, Wholesale Car Company is based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and supplies wheelchair accessible vehicles to customers in Birmingham and across the surrounding region. The dealership is on Digby Street in Ilkeston and offers a range of used WAVs for customers to view.
For Birmingham customers, the important thing is therefore not simply how close the dealership is to the city centre. It is whether the dealer has the right type of vehicle, understands WAV conversions and can help you establish whether a particular vehicle actually suits your needs.
Wholesale Car Company also offers delivery across England and Wales, which can be useful if travelling to view or collect a vehicle isn't practical.
What are the best wheelchair accessible cars for Birmingham?
There isn't one answer to this question.
A smaller WAV may make sense if you mainly need an easy-to-manoeuvre vehicle for everyday journeys and don't regularly carry several passengers.
A larger WAV may be more appropriate if you need additional seats, more interior space or regularly travel as a family.
Some people will prioritise an automatic gearbox. Others may be more concerned about the wheelchair access arrangement, seating position or price.
The important thing is to start with your own requirements and then find the vehicle that matches them.
Among the types of used WAV currently available through Wholesale Car Company's Birmingham selection are models such as the Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo, Fiat Doblo, Vauxhall Combo, Peugeot Rifter and Ford Grand Tourneo Connect.
A simple checklist before buying a WAV
Before you commit to a wheelchair accessible car, run through this checklist:
Wheelchair
Does the wheelchair fit comfortably?
Is there enough headroom?
Is the wheelchair within the vehicle's permitted loading requirements?
Can it be secured properly?
Access
Is the ramp or lift suitable?
Can it be operated easily?
Is there enough space to deploy it?
Passengers
How many people can travel?
Where will everyone sit?
Is there enough luggage space?
Driving
Is the gearbox right for you?
Are any driving adaptations required?
Does the vehicle suit your driving licence and needs?
Vehicle
Is the service history available?
What is the MOT history?
Are the tyres and brakes in good condition?
Does the WAV equipment operate correctly?
Are structural modifications documented where appropriate?
Practicality
Will it fit on your driveway?
Can you use it comfortably in the car parks you visit?
Is the vehicle height suitable for your usual journeys?
Can the wheelchair user get in and out comfortably?
And perhaps most importantly:
Has the wheelchair user actually tried the vehicle?
If the answer is no, it is worth doing that before making a decision.
Find wheelchair accessible cars for sale in Birmingham
Choosing a WAV is a personal decision, and the right vehicle is the one that fits your wheelchair, your passengers and the way you actually travel.
If you're looking for wheelchair accessible cars for sale in Birmingham, you can view the current selection of used WAVs available from Wholesale Car Company online. Stock changes regularly, so checking the current vehicles is the best way to see what's available in your preferred price range, size and configuration.
Wholesale Car Company is based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and serves customers throughout Birmingham and the wider Midlands, with delivery available across England and Wales.
If you're unsure which type of WAV is right for you, the team can also help you compare different vehicle layouts and accessibility options before you make a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wheelchair accessible vehicle?
A wheelchair accessible vehicle, or WAV, is a vehicle that has been adapted to allow a wheelchair user to travel in the vehicle without necessarily transferring from their wheelchair. Depending on the vehicle and conversion, the wheelchair user may travel in the rear or passenger area, while some specialist vehicles and adaptations allow a wheelchair user to drive.
Can I buy a used wheelchair accessible car?
Yes. There is a substantial used market for WAVs, including vehicles based on models such as the Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo, Fiat Doblo, Vauxhall Combo and Ford Grand Tourneo Connect. Availability, specification, mileage and price vary between individual vehicles.
What should I take with me when viewing a WAV?
If possible, take the wheelchair that will be used in the vehicle. Knowing its width, length and height can help you establish whether the vehicle is suitable. It is also useful to have any relevant information about the wheelchair's weight and dimensions.
Can a wheelchair user drive a WAV?
Some wheelchair users can drive a WAV, but the vehicle and any adaptations need to be appropriate for the individual driver. Depending on the circumstances, adaptations may include special controls. DVLA provides guidance on driving with disabilities and vehicle adaptations.
Do I need a Blue Badge to own a WAV?
No. A Blue Badge and a wheelchair accessible vehicle are two separate things. A WAV is a type of vehicle; the Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for eligible disabled people who travel as drivers or passengers.
Where can I find used wheelchair accessible vehicles near Birmingham?
Wholesale Car Company is based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and supplies used WAVs to customers in Birmingham and throughout the wider region. Its current selection includes a range of makes, models, sizes and wheelchair configurations.
Is a smaller WAV better for Birmingham?
Not necessarily. A compact WAV may be easier to manoeuvre and park, but a larger vehicle may provide the additional seating or interior space that a family needs. The best option depends on the wheelchair, passengers and journeys the vehicle needs to accommodate.
Final thought
Buying a wheelchair accessible car is about much more than finding a vehicle with a ramp.
The best place to start is with the person who will actually use it. Think about their wheelchair, how they transfer or enter the vehicle, who else travels with them and where the vehicle will be used.
Once you know those things, choosing between different makes, models and prices becomes much easier.
And if you're looking for a used wheelchair accessible car for sale in Birmingham, take the time to try the vehicle before you buy. A few minutes spent checking the access, seating and wheelchair position could make all the difference to whether the vehicle works for you every day.
We recommend you read our guide on wheelchair accessibility in Birmingham as it may help you make a decision on which models to look at. Contact our WAV specialist team today.