Buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle is a big decision. It is not just about finding a car or van with a ramp. It is about choosing a vehicle that is safe, comfortable and practical for the individual with the wheelchair and the driver, along with any passengers. You want a vehicle that suits your everyday life.
At Roy Wood Transits, we help people across Berkshire and beyond find the right wheelchair accessible vehicle, often known as a WAV.
Based in Winnersh, Berkshire, we are an independent specialist in Transit vans, campers, wheelchair access vehicles and electric vans, with decades of hands-on experience in light commercial vehicles and mobility solutions. Our business was established in 1970, and our background includes extensive experience with specialist wheelchair accessible vehicles, Ford Transit models and practical vehicle conversions.
Whether you are looking for a used WAV in Berkshire, a nearly new Ford Tourneo Custom wheelchair accessible vehicle, a mobility camper, or advice on ramps, lifts and seating, we are here to help you make sense of it all.
New or Used WAV: Which Is Best?
One of the first decisions is whether to buy a new or used wheelchair accessible vehicle.
A new WAV may offer the latest safety features and have been freshly converted. A used WAV can offer excellent value, especially when it has been well maintained and carefully checked. Many customers come to us because they want a quality second-hand wheelchair accessible vehicle in Berkshire without compromising on safety, comfort or usability.
We supply new and used wheelchair accessible vehicles for sale or lease, and our stock often includes Ford-based WAVs, disabled access vans and specialist mobility vehicles. We also encourage customers to talk to us about their requirements, because the right vehicle may not always be the first one they see online.
Key Things to Check Before Buying a WAV
When buying a WAV, we recommend looking carefully at the whole vehicle, not just the access ramp.
Important points include:
Access type: Some vehicles use a manual ramp, while others have an electric winch. Others have a rear, cassette lift or tail lift. A gas strut assisted bi-fold ramp can be a simple, cost-effective option, while an electric or hydraulic passenger lift may be more suitable for heavier wheelchairs or people who need extra support.
Wheelchair position: Think about where the person using the wheelchair will sit. Some conversions place the wheelchair user in the second row, while others position them further back. Headroom, visibility and communication with the driver all matter.
Restraints and safety: A good WAV should include proper wheelchair and occupant restraints. These are not optional extras. They are essential for safe travel.
Seating layout: Consider how many passengers you need to carry alongside the wheelchair user. Some vehicles have fixed seats, fold-flat seats or removable seats, which can make the vehicle more flexible.
Ramp angle and parking: A ramp that works well on a forecourt may feel different at home. Check whether you have enough space behind the vehicle or whether a side access solution would be better.
Daily practicality: Think about shopping, school runs, appointments, holidays, pets, luggage and mobility aids. A WAV needs to work for real life, not just for test drives.
Why Ford-Based WAVs Are Popular
We have a long history with Ford Transit and Ford Tourneo models, and for many customers these vehicles make a lot of sense. Ford-based wheelchair accessible vehicles can offer useful space, strong practicality and flexible layouts.
As independent Transit specialists, we are used to advising on the details that matter, including vehicle size, roof height, access equipment, service history and long-term usability.
Wheelchair Accessible Campers and Mobility Campers
For some customers, mobility is not only about appointments and daily journeys. It is about freedom, weekends away and time with family.
Roy Wood Transits is also a dealer for Auto Campers, and our background in wheelchair accessible vehicles allows us to support customers looking for wheelchair accessible campers and mobility camper solutions. Auto Campers’ Day Van and MRV models can include features such as tracked wheelchair flooring, removable fold-flat reclining seats, bed systems, approved restraints and access options including ramps or lifts.
We have also worked on bespoke mobility camper projects, including wheelchair access solutions with passenger lifts, wheelchair restraints and practical interior equipment. For customers who want a vehicle for both everyday use and leisure, this can open up far more possibilities.
VAT Relief and Advice on Mobility Vehicles
Some wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptations may qualify for VAT relief, depending on the customer’s circumstances and whether the vehicle meets the relevant criteria. On our mobility camper information, we explain that VAT may be zero-rated where HMRC Notice 701/7 conditions are met and where a permanent and substantial conversion provides wheelchair access.
This can be a confusing area, so we always recommend speaking to us early in the process. We can help explain what may apply, what information is needed and how it relates to the vehicle or conversion being considered.
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.