Best wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) 2025
For many disabled people wheelchair accessible vehicles — known as WAVs for short — aren't desirable luxuries but essential tools for personal mobility, regardless of whether public transport and its infrastructure is up to the job of providing convenient, comfortable and dignified travel.
WAVs are available in both passenger-carrying and drive-from-wheelchair guises, with a variety of adaptations to suit users' specific needs.
While many of them are derived from van-based MPVs, there are options for luxury and off-road freedom as well. Most WAVs on the British market are available through Motability dealers, though many require a substantial advance payment.
This guide is specifically focuses on WAVs that can be accessed without leaving the wheelchair as the driver or passenger. Choosing the best WAV for your needs may be partly constrained by the adaptations required but it's still important to start with a base vehicle that you like and will enjoy using. It's also important to search for reviews and independent feedback for the different WAV conversion companies.
Here are the best WAVs available which are suitable for a variety of different needs.
Best WAVs |
Dacia Jogger WAV by Sirius
- Six-seater conversion with low roof and subtle appearance
- Rear ramp with lowered floor and discreet improved headroom modifications
- Wheelchair accessible for one passenger, retains second-row Isofix
A unique offering among British WAVs, the Dacia Jogger adapted by Sirius retains the relatively low and sleek appearance of the original estate car and two of its three rows of seats, making this a practical family vehicle. Compared with van- or MPV-based conversions the Jogger's headroom is limited for adult wheelchair users, yet it's ideal for younger wheelchair users and large families on a restricted budget.
When fitted with the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrole engine, the Jogger is economical with good handling and decent refinement. Build quality is also better than you'd expect of a budget brand and the level of on-board technology might surprise you if your first impression of the brand was the original, stripped-out Dacia Sandero.
The Dacia Jogger is already an excellent choice, while the clever conversion by Sirius that retains all but one of the passenger seats means it's one of the most family-friendly WAVs on the market as well.
Ford Grand Tourneo Connect WAV by Sirius
- Much is shared with the VW Caddy
- Extensive dealer network for support
- Good refinement and economy, impressive interior space
If you want to drive without transferring from your wheelchair, the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect is one of the best options currently on the market. Its underpinnings, engines, most of the bodywork and interior are largely shared with the Volkswagen Caddy Sirius produces drive-from-wheelchair, internal transfer and even driver/passenger swappable up-front models, plus there are several options for passenger-only WAV conversion including rear- and side-access designs.
With the Tourneo Connect is offered in five- and seven-seater options, many converters prefer the longer-bodied Grand Tourneo Connect as it provides extra space for wheelchair access and passengers. Typically you can choose the 1.5-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engine versions with an automatic gearbox available on both. So far the plug-in hybrid versions aren't available as WAV conversions due to the under-floor position of the high-voltage battery pack.
Specification levels are generous, more so than with the VW-badged equivalents, with the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect Active featuring SUV-like rugged styling additions and a panoramic roof.
Citroen Berlingo WAV — best for towns and cities
- Short wheelbase, agile handling and affordable deals
- Variety of passenger layouts on offer
- Electric e-Berlingo models also available as WAVs
As the most affordable WAV on Motability, the Citroen Berlingo — and its Stellantis-made siblings — is available in two wheelbase legths allowing for more luggage or passenger space. Multiple seating arrangements are available and the ones that are on offer include one of the smallest drive-from-wheelchair options. These are usually accessed from the rear via ramp, with passenger seating folding up sideways.
The Berlingo's rugged exterior is matched by a utilitarian yet stylish interior. Its array of interior storage facilities prove useful, while for WAV passenger adaptations the longer Berlingo XL can be designed to retain the optional three separate seats in the second row, each of which has Isofix making it an extremely versatile car for growing families with mixed-care needs.
No matter who is in the driving seat, they'll find the Citroen Berlingo and others based on it have good levels of comfort and handling that makes them easy and relaxing to drive. While versions most share the same dashboard design you should note that the Peugeot Rifter features a unique layout with high-positioned instruments and a much smaller than average steering wheel, which may not suit everyone.
Ford Tourneo Custom WAV - best all-round passenger van
- Ford's Transit Custom has been a versatile benchmark-setter for years
- Passenger-focused Tourneo Custom offers flexible adaptations
- Not all engine options are available — yet
It should be the clear winner in a group of WAVs — the Ford Tourneo Custom is pleasant and comfortable to drive, thoroughly modern and well-equipped. It also highlights why the latest generation of the much-loved Volkswagen Transporter is now based on the Tourneo Custom's commercial vehicle twin — the Ford Transit Custom. It's that good.
WAV converters are still getting to grips with the Tourneo Custom's potential and the challenges it presents for modification. At the moment there are several variants for tailgate ramps and lowered-floor passenger WAV models but drive-from-wheelchair and internal transfer versions are lagging behind.
We're also yet to see any conversions on the market that take advantage of Ford's plug-in hybrid-assisted engine or the fully electric E-Tourneo Custom. The battery pack and other changes under the skin mean it's more of a challenge to adapt the floor and suspension accordingly but with a wave of electric WAVs potentially possible from Korean and Chinese electric van designs, it seems likely that Ford will be working hard to get the environmentally preferable options into converters' workshops as soon as possible.
Vauxhall Vivaro Electric WAV — best e-WAV
- Larger Stellantis van is well-supported by Vauxhall network
- Reasonable range for the available space, fast charging
- More affordable than Mercedes EQV
If you want an electric wheelchair accessible vehicle, there's not a lot of choice. In terms of potential range, passenger space, and overall value for money then the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric just nips ahead of its Stellantis clones wearing Citroen, Fiat and Peugeot badges due to being favoured by a wider range of WAV converters and offered at the most competitive prices.
Drive-from-wheelchair conversions usefully mean that the Vivaro Electric's primary weakness is all but eliminated. Before modifications the Vauxhall's driving position is offset but this is remedied when adapting for wheelchair use. It's a quick and quiet van, albeit with a slightly bouncy ride on rougher roads. This can be improved in WAV conversions using air suspension for the rear wheels.
Citroen SpaceTourer WAV — most affordable large vehicle
- Low advance payment, flexible configurations
- Electric eSpaceTourer is also available
- An easy option for drive-from-wheelchair users
As with the smaller Stellantis van-based MPVs, the Citroen SpaceTourer is alternatively available as the Peugeot Traveller, the Toyota Proace Verso and the Vauxhall Vivaro Life, differing only in minor details. Citroen's version tends to attract the best deals, while its spacious interior makes it a popular model for up-front passenger or drive-from-wheelchair WAV conversions.
Usually offered with a diesel automatic, the SpaceTourer and Stellantis stablemates can be ordered in fully-electric form. These don't offer quite the same range as the smaller Citroen e-Berlingo but can still achieve 150 between charges in real-world use when fitted with the 75kWh battery, plus their taller bodywork, increased interior volume offer greater flexibility for bespoke WAV adaptations.
Volkswagen Multivan WAV by Lewis Reed — best plug-in hybrid
- Passenger WAV with the latest style and technology
- Car-like driving experience and refinement
- VW's reinvented MPV could be the perfect WAV
Swift and secure through bends, with a commanding view of the road and stylish, lavishly trimmed interior, the Volkswagen Multivan reboots the MPV genre for the 2020s — complete with a distant windscreen framed by slim pillars ahead and versatile seating behind.
Yet it's surprisingly rare on the WAV converters' price lists despite the Multivan assuming roles both previously played by the Transporter-based Volkswagen Caravelle and that airport taxi favourite, the Volkswagen Sharan.
Like the Sharan, the existence of the Multivan is partly down to Ford — though, unlike the Sharan, it's a wholly VW product. Ford's role is in a new shared platform for Transporter and Transit Custom, leaving VW the freedom to create an MPV from scratch without commercial vehicle design constraints.
The Multivan is related to the VW Golf and other MQB platform-based models. That means it's available with a 1.4-litre petrol plug-in hybrid option — and yes, that combination is also available from WAV specialists Lewis Reed.
Mercedes V-Class WAV — upfront and personal
- Large, luxury MPV offers as much flexibility as it does space
- The ultimate drive from wheelchair solution
- Upmarket but not uniquely so
For front passenger or driving-from-wheelchair, the bigger the vehicle the easier the access and more comfortable the results. As such, the Mercedes Vito van's passenger-focused sibling, the Mercedes V-Class, lends itself to conversion for flexible family use. It can accommodate two wheelchair users as passengers, or one passenger and one driver. Depending on layout, the V-Class can hold up to eight seats overall.
Excelling at flat-floor, drive-from-wheelchair modifications is a win but the V-Class is also usefully sized for internal transfer use. It allows side and rear access conversions with ramps or lifts and is easy to drive. Most trim feels luxurious, though the ride and handling can sometimes reveal its van origins.
Shop around if a V-Class appeals. Most convertors can offer something based around the Mercedes MPV (and van) but they're not cheap options, attracting high advance payments on Motability. You'll want either a perfect fit, or a great deal, when paying that much for your WAV.
Volkswagen Crafter 4Motion WAV by Brook Miller
- No-compromise approach to passenger WAV freedom
- Large, spacious van with 4x4 and off-road tyres
- Camping or event comfort, bespoke facilities available
Although one of the most expensive vehicles in this list it's worth noting that an approved-used model is under £60,000 and new conversions are available from around £63,000 including 4Motion-equipped four-wheel drive models. Take away the 4x4 capability and yes, it's cheaper — but there are far more alternatives. Brook Miller's Liberation VC motorhome conversions with wheelchair accessibility are almost unique.
These vans will cost at least £24,000 up front on Motability but compared with a new small campervan that's still great value. If you want a front-row seat at outdoor events, a home-from-home on longer trips, and a chance to get out into the wilderness – and get back again – in safety and comfort the Volkswagen Crafter 4Motion with off-road tyres, plus a good WAV conversion is pretty much unbeatable.
LEVC TX Access WAV — best for carers and hospitality
- Range-extender electric London Taxi with WAV features
- Not cheap but a fun, car-like vehicle with side-entry ramp
- Costs around the same as a Volkswagen Multivan PHEV
To the best of our knowledge, the LEVC TX Access isn't on the private Motability lease list — but if it were, it's one of the best daily use passenger WAVs out there. It uses the same technology as the LEVC VN5 van and standard TX taxi models — a reasonably-sized battery for fully electric operation in cities and short trips between charging, plus a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a genertor, allowing a combined range of 330 miles and no fear of congested charging stations and long delays.
It's a car suited to professional drivers, with a focus on agility and efficiency. For long-term carers, private care firms and taxi firms with wheelchair users as regular clients, as well as tourist and leisure locations, the LEVC TX Access is an attractive, easy to use and comfortable alternative to the standard small van with rear ramp or lift. It can also be an effective marketing tool standing out wheel among everyday vehicles.
Built in Britain but backed by China's huge and successful Geely corporation, the LEVX TX Access incorporates elements of Volvo design and technology and has a proven track record, expanding the appeal of the 'black cab' well beyond the confines of London's streets. If LEVC's forthcoming L380 MPV is considered for adaptation, it could put the Coventry factory at the cutting edge of luxury WAVs.
Accessing your WAV
The popular route to converting a WAV is to choose a van and add a ramp at the back. It’s more sophisticated than it sounds, involving installation of a powered floor and adaptation of the vehicle's suspension system to work around these changes.
Rather than producing a ramp that corresponds to the original interior floor height, the vehicle is adapted internally to hide the ramp when out of use, provide more room, as well as to guide and secure the wheelchair.
For drive-from-wheelchair versions the ramp and lowered floor can be extended into the whole passenger compartment, with passenger seats that fold up out of the way or which can be removed entirely. Other WAV conversions are available that allow access from a side door.
Internal transfer vehicles are good for users who want to drive from the standard car seat but carry their wheelchair inside the vehicle. They’re safer than transferring by the roadside and also more comfortable and convenient in bad weather. Most conversions include power operation of doors, seat runners and locks to allow full independence.
Ramp location is critical depending on your use case. Side-entry vans often lose a lot of passenger space but in return they allow access from the pavement, have less risk of being blocked-in when parked on the street and left potentially inaccessible, plus are less visually ‘adapted’ from the point of view of following traffic.
The shape of WAVs to come
- Bespoke electric van platform derived from EV9 technology
- Fully integrated wheelchair accessible features part of the concept
- Initial concept falls short of potential
Modular, wholly electric designs offer incredible scope for adaptation — and the Kia PV5 Passenger WAV concept shows that manufacturers are taking accessibility and different needs seriously. With DC inverters and vehicle-to-load (V2L) connectors able to take advantage of the huge amount of potential energy stored beneath the average electric vehicle, e-WAVs could be used to recharge powerchairs and mobility scooters.
This is only the beginning — as autonomous features evolve and improve, the ability of a driven-from-wheelchair WAV to allow a user to disembark at the kerb, then find its own parking space, before being recalled to the kerb to pick up the driver is technically within reach. It just needs a firm brave enough to dive in and deliver it.
Can you get electric WAVs?
Yes. Not all electric vans are suitable for conversion because the battery packs occupy the space that would be used for ramps but as bespoke alterations are developed for MPVs and smaller vans, there will be better solutions with tighter integration.
Fortunately several of the most popular WAVs are based on models that offer an electric option, such as the Citroen e-Berlingo and Mercedes eVito. As these are bespoke conversions, ask your dealer if there are plans for a hybrid, PHEV or or full EV WAVs based on your preferred vehicle if they're an option for unmodified versions.
Can you drive a WAV from your wheelchair?
Yes. There are many converters offering drive-from-wheelchair options. These do require a suitable crash-tested and approved wheelchair but they provide the greatest degree of independence. Historically there have been pillarless conversions with lifts and hoists for driver’s door access but the majority now feature access from a rear door with a ramp.
To assist with ramps and doors, most drive-from-wheelchair models get extra remote control accessories for tailgates and doors, as well as an on-board fire extinguisher to improve safety when access is restricted.
Can other drivers use your adapted WAV?
Usually. Most drive-from-wheelchair conversions adapt both front seating positions and include a fixed seat with a good range of adjustment. This means that the wheelchair user can ride as a passenger if desired.
It’s worth noting that the Motability Scheme’s included insurance can include additional drivers, family members or carers, so if you’re not feeling up to a drive you can share the journey and the driving as well.
Are WAVs always equipped with alternative controls?
Only if needed. The control layout of a WAV will depend on the user’s individual needs but rarely involves removing any of the traditional controls. Modern drive from wheelchair conversions can include high-tech touch-screen control for gear selection and hard to reach features, with familiar solutions such as steering balls or cable-operated hand controls.
Technology is advancing all the time but approval and safety testing is expensive so it can be a slow process for advances to reach the market. Solutions already exist that allow drive-by-wire for powerchair users, such as the system offered by German firm Paravan.
For users reliant on adaptations to control their WAV, it’s worth shopping around for a new model rather than assuming any compromises needed are a fixed price point — technology, customisation and understanding of users' needs is always evolving.
Who makes WAV conversions in the UK?
There are several firms producing WAVs most of which offer the conventional tailgate and ramp low-floor conversions but with their own specialist solutions for in-vehicle transfer, drive-from-wheelchair and multiple wheelchair users.
Don't worry f you're only able to use one WAV converter — they all have to meet safety standards and type approval regulations. Your vehicle will be safe and legal. Where you have a choice look at the quality of the controls, the strength of their customer service and the dealer network's reach as well as their service facilities.
Here are the WAV converters you're most likely to encounter when shopping for a new or used vehicle.
Allied Mobility
Founded in 1993, Allied Mobility offers a broad range of conversions based on popular cars, MPVs and vans. It also offer hire services. Allied Mobility performs over 3000 conversions per year.
Automotive Group
Over 45 years of experience converting and maintaining WAVs makes Automotive Group one of the leading providers in the UK. It currently offers conversions of Citroen, Ford and Renault van-based MPVs.
Brook Miller
Brook Miller's holistic approach to mobility from walking to driving, largely focuses on passenger van conversions with base vehicles from Renault, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. Notably, Brook Miller offers WAV motorhomes such as the Liberation VC conversions which can be applied to vehicles such as the Volkswagen Crafter 4Motion for true go-anywhere freedom.
Brotherwood
One of the oldest firms currently offering conversions, Brotherwood has been producing WAVs for a wide variety of needs since 1985, including the first modern electric WAV. The Nissan e-NV200 remains part of the e-WAV range from Botherwood alongside the Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric.
GM Coachwork
GM Coachwork's GM Mobility brand offers a range of WAVs based on Citroen, Ford, Mercedes and Volkswagen having pioneered a low-floor VW Transporter conversion in 2008. They also convert the Mercedes eVito as an electric passenger WAV.
Gowrings Versa
A pioneer in wheelchair accessible vehicle design, Gowrings has been converting vehicles for different needs since 1963. With the acquisition of Bristol Street Versa in 2020 it became GowringsVersa.
Lewis Reed
Established in 1999, Lewis Reed specialises in luxury MPV conversions. Alongside the Mercedes V-Class and derviatives, it's the first firm offering the Volkswagen Multivan as a wheelchair accessible passenger vehicle, including plug-in hybrid versions.
McElmeel
For the Northern Irish market, McElmeel has been converting WAVs for over 70 years. It specialises in Ford conversions.
O&H
A relatively new converter, O&H was acquired by Gowrings in 2019. It specialises in conversions for emergency services such as ambulances and patient transport.
Sirius Automotive
Specialists in power ramp and tailgate installations and conversions, as well as support for wheelchair use when sitting in the car's original seats such as transfer plates and roof box storage. Sirius Automotive offers the unique Dacia Jogger passenger WAV for users who want conventional car looks, rather than a van.
TBC Conversions
TBC has offered bespoke, specialist conversions since 2005. It currently offers much the same range as other manufacturers but being based on Northern Ireland provides an alternative to McElmeel as well as building vehicles for the whole UK market.
Volta Mobility
As the name suggests, Volta Mobility offers electric WAVs as well as conventionally-powered options.
Wilson Healey
Specialists in passenger-in-front WAVs and Fiat conversions, Wilson Healey began as sports and classic car restorers before pioneering an innovative side-access front passenger WAV based on the Fiat Doblo. This pillarless design with an angled ramp is distinctive and genuinely clever, retaining much of the luggage and passenger capacity of the original vehicle including the ability to use a towbar.
