Choosing a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) starts with one very practical question: will my wheelchair or scooteractually fit? Our WAV Sizing Calculator helps you answer that from the comfort of your own home, before you spend a day travelling to viewings. Tell it about the wheelchair/mobility scooter, who’s travelling with you and how you’d prefer to get in and out of the WAV, and it will show you which types of vehicle should work, and, just as usefully, which ones won’t.
Please do treat the results as a guide rather than a final answer. Every wheelchair or mobility scooter is different, every user is different, and internal dimensions vary between converters, model years and conversion types. There is no substitute for a proper conversation and seeing a vehicle in person. So, before you make any decision, get in touch, send us your results or give us a call, and we’ll check them against the used wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) we actually have in stock and confirm what really fits.
Exceptional care is what we’re known for, and this tool is part of that. Our aim isn’t simply to sell you a WAV, it’s to make sure the one you drive away in is right for your comfort, right for the practicalities of daily life, and right for your mobility needs. On paper and in person.
Tell us about your wheelchair
Measure with the person sitting in the wheelchair as they would travel. Not sure of a number? Give your best estimate — you can adjust and recalculate.
Send us your results — we'll check them against our stock
Your measurements come through with the enquiry, so we can tell you which of the wheelchair accessible vehicles we have in right now actually fit. No obligation, no pressure.
Or call us on 07568 740684 · info@accessibleauto.co.uk
We reply to most enquiries the same working day.
Common questions about WAV sizing
How do I measure my wheelchair for a WAV?
Measure with the person sitting in the wheelchair exactly as they would travel, including any cushion, headrest or footplates. You need four numbers: overall length from the front of the footplates to the back of the wheels, overall width at the widest point (usually the wheels or armrests), seated height from the ground to the very top of the person's head, and the combined weight of the chair plus the occupant.
Why does seated height matter so much?
Headroom is the measurement that rules out the most vehicles. A converted compact WAV typically gives around 1,400 mm of internal headroom in the wheelchair position, while a large van conversion can give 1,470 mm or more. If the user's seated height is close to that figure, the ride will feel cramped and every speed bump is uncomfortable — so we always want a little clearance, not a bare fit.
What is the weight limit on a wheelchair accessible vehicle?
The limit comes from the ramp or lift and the tie-down system, not the vehicle itself. Compact WAVs are usually rated to around 200 kg for the chair and occupant combined, mid-size to about 250 kg, and large van conversions to about 300 kg. Powered wheelchairs alone can weigh 120 kg or more, so this is worth checking carefully.
Do I need a ramp or a powered lift?
Most used WAVs use a rear ramp, which is lighter, cheaper to maintain and fine for the majority of manual and powered chairs. A powered lift is generally worth it for heavier powered chairs, for a carer who cannot push safely up a ramp, or where the vehicle is a large van with a higher floor.
How accurate is this calculator?
It uses typical converted dimensions for each class of vehicle, so it is a reliable way to narrow a long shortlist down to two or three realistic options before you travel. It is not a substitute for a physical assessment: internal sizes vary by converter, model year and conversion type. Send us your results and we will check them against the exact vehicles we have in stock.
Can I try the vehicle with my own wheelchair before buying?
Yes, and we would encourage it. Bring the wheelchair and the person who will be travelling in it, and try the full journey — up the ramp, into the travelling position, clamps on, doors shut. That is the only way to be certain a vehicle is right.