That is why, at McElmeel Mobility, we believe a proper WAV demonstration is so important.
We provide free Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle demonstrations at your home, school or place of work across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. You can also visit us to see and compare our range of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
And booking a demonstration is straightforward.
How do I book a WAV demonstration?
Our team of experienced Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle specialists will first talk to you about your requirements. This helps us understand what you need before recommending and demonstrating a vehicle.
You can call us on:
- England, Scotland and Wales: 0121 812 1800
- Northern Ireland: 02837 525 333
- Republic of Ireland: 04837 525 333
What questions will we ask?
There are many different types of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, and not every WAV will be suitable for every wheelchair user.
The underlying vehicle may be similar, but the conversion, wheelchair position, ramp, seating configuration and equipment can vary considerably between manufacturers and converters.
Before arranging a demonstration, we will therefore ask some straightforward questions to help establish which vehicles may be suitable for you.
Are you using Motability or buying privately?
One of the first things we will establish is how you intend to obtain your WAV.
Are you:
- Leasing through the Motability Scheme?
- Buying a WAV privately?
- Looking for financial support through the Motability Foundation?
- Considering other funding options?
What type of WAV do you need?
One of the most important distinctions is whether you need an assisted or unassisted Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
Many WAVs available through Motability are designed as assisted WAVs. This means the wheelchair user is typically accompanied by another person who can assist with tasks such as:
- Operating the ramp or tailgate
- Securing the wheelchair
- Using the wheelchair and occupant restraint system
- Helping with access to and from the vehicle
An unassisted WAV is designed to allow the wheelchair user to carry out more of the process independently.
Depending on the individual's needs, this could include an internal transfer solution with additional powered equipment or a drive-from-wheelchair vehicle.
These vehicles involve more complex equipment and may therefore have higher costs, maintenance requirements and other considerations.
This is why understanding how you intend to use the vehicle is such an important part of arranging the demonstration process.
What wheelchair do you use?
Your wheelchair is one of the most important factors when deciding whether a particular WAV is suitable.
We will ask you about your wheelchair, including whether it is:
- A manual wheelchair
- A powered wheelchair
- A mobility scooter
- Particularly heavy or large
- The width of your wheelchair
- The length of your wheelchair
- The seated height of the wheelchair user
If you are unsure about the measurements, don't worry. Our team can explain exactly what information we need.
How many people need to travel?
We will also ask about the number of people who regularly travel with you.
For example, you may need a WAV for:
- One wheelchair user and one passenger
- A wheelchair user and several family members
- A wheelchair user, passengers and a carer
- A larger family with additional seating requirements
- Mobility equipment
- Medical or care equipment
- Luggage
- Other items that are important to your everyday life
What happens during the demonstration?
Once we understand your requirements and identify a vehicle that may be suitable, we can arrange to bring it to you.
Our WAV demonstrations can take place at your home, school or place of work, making it much easier to assess how the vehicle will work in your real-life environment.
The demonstration is much more than simply showing you how the vehicle looks. We will carry out an assessment, demonstration and test drive.
We will look at things such as:
- How the wheelchair enters and exits the vehicle
- Whether there is sufficient space for the wheelchair user
- Seating positions and passenger space
- Access to ramps, tailgates and doors
- Wheelchair and occupant restraint systems
- Whether additional equipment can be accommodated
- How comfortable the wheelchair user is
- How the vehicle drives and feels on the road
- Whether the vehicle works for the people who will use it every day
Why is a proper WAV demonstration so important?
A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle can look perfect on paper and still not be right for an individual wheelchair user.
We regularly hear from people who have received a WAV from other sources only to discover that:
- The wheelchair does not fit as expected
- The access arrangement isn't practical
- There isn't enough space for essential equipment
- The seating arrangement doesn't work for their family or carers
- The vehicle simply doesn't suit their everyday needs
At McElmeel Mobility, our approach is simple:
We don't want to sell you a WAV that doesn't suit your needs.
Our job is to understand how you live, how you travel and what you need from your vehicle, and then help you find a solution that works.
Book your free Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle demonstration
If you are considering a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, whether through Motability or as a private purchase, our team is here to help.
You don't need to know exactly which vehicle you want before you contact us. That's what our specialists are there for.
We can talk through your requirements, identify the options that may be suitable and, where appropriate, arrange a free demonstration at your home, school or place of work.
You can contact us on:
- England, Scotland and Wales: 0121 812 1800
- Northern Ireland: 02837 525 333
- Republic of Ireland: 04837 525 333