Hi Can anyone give me some advice?
My daughter's nearly 3 and has cerebral palsy (amongst other things!). I'm looking at getting a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle as she'll be entitled to mobility allowance. Has anyone got any suggestions, at the moment I've got a Citroen Berlingo and I'd quite like something of a similar size.
Also is there anything that I need to know - ramp or lift, side or rear entrance etc I'm not sure what else to look for.
What are your recommendations?
cheers
Doon

Side entrance on vechicles would make it easier when parking up on street such as a city centre disabled bay whereas a rear loading wheelchair access would make it easier in a supermarket carpark as there is limited space even in a disabled bay for a wheelchair ramp,so what do you reckon you would use it for most?
Do also remember if the car you choose through Motability has a downpayment you can apply for a grant from Motability in order to fund this.
Also are you looking at the leased option through motability or the purchase through Hired Purchase as if you were looking to keep the car afterward using the hired purchase plan you could consider a nearly new WAV and you can ask them for a list of nearly new wheelchair accesable cars (WAV) which are normally under 2 years old.
Just to also mention that the WAVS are usually a 5 year agreement as opposed to a 3 year lease.
My advice normally is to go for the biggest car possible providing you feel comfortable driving it as as your child grows so will the wheelchair and other equipment,this is also very important if buying the car rather than leasing the car.
Another important thing to possibly mention is if buying a very large car/van think about multi story car parks as many people have issues getting into them.....

Some typical WAVS include:

Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo/Freedom , Peugeot Expert, Boxer and Partner, Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter. Consider other suitable vehicles. Expert, Boxer & Vito which can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers. Vito, Expert & Transporter conversions can offer side access.

Some Motability dealers that can offer adaptions and advice are as follows:

• * Adaptacar
Pathfield Business Park
South Molton
Devon
EX36 3LH
Tel: 01769 572785
Fax: 01769 575979
Email: info@adaptacar.com
Web: http://www.adaptacar.co.uk
Consider any suitable vehicle.
• *Alfred Bekker
Kellythorpe
Driffield
East Yorkshire
YO25 9DJ
Tel: 01377 241700
Fax: 01377 241767
Email: alfred@alfredbekker.com
Web: http://www.alfredbekker.com
Consider any suitable vehicle.

• Allied Vehicles Ltd
230 Balmoral Road
Glasgow
G22 6LJ
Tel: 0141 336 3211
Fax: 0141 336 7263
Email: info@alliedvehicles.co.uk
Web: http://www.alliedvehicles.co.uk
Convert Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo/Freedom , Peugeot Expert, Boxer and Partner, Mercedes Vito, VW Transporter. Consider other suitable vehicles. Expert, Boxer & Vito can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers. Vito, Expert & Transporter conversions can offer side access.
• Aspect Conversions
The Courtyard
195b Portland Street
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 6LU
Tel: 01704 546600
Fax: 01704 546414
Email: enquiries@aspectconversions.co.uk
Web: http://www.aspectconversions.co.uk
Convert Renault Kangoo & Kangoo Assist -internal transfer into driver's seat, Fiat Doblo .

• *Atlas Conversions
3 Aysgarth Road
Waterlooville
Hampshire
PO7 7UG
Tel: 02392 265600
Fax: 02392 245599
Email: sales@atlasconversions.co.uk
Web: http://atlasconversions.co.uk
Convert Renault Kangoo, Trafic & Master, Fiat Scudo & Ducato, VW Vivaro & Transporter. Citroen Relay, Mercedes Sprinter & Vito, Peugeot Expert . Other minibuses. Master, Expert & Trafic can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers. Vito is available as Drive from Wheelchair option. Will consider other suitable vehicles
• *Auto Mobility Concepts Ltd
Unit 2
Maxted Corner
Eaton Road
Maylands Avenue Industrial Estate
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP2 7YJ
Tel: 01442 270202
Fax: 01442 260360
Email: sales@automobilityconcepts.com
Web: http://www.automobilityconcepts.com
Convert Chrysler Voyager, Mercedes Sprinter & Vito, Kia Sedona, VW Caravelle and will consider any suitable vehicle.

• *Automotive Group
Segedunum Domus
Fisher Street
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Tyne & Wear
NE6 4NH
Tel: 0191 262 8090
Fax: 0191 262 8345
Email: automotivegroup@btconnect.com
Convert VW Sharan & Caddy , Fiat Doblo , Toyota Previa - drive from wheelchair option available and wheelchair passenger up front by driver. Previa is also available with a sliding seat to make it drive from wheelchair or upfront WAV as required. Previa can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers
• Bewick Mobility
3F Princess Court
Low Prudhoe Industrial Estate
Prudhoe
Northumberland
NE42 6PL
Tel: 01661 833913 / 0870 2413371
Fax: 01661 830701
Email : info@bewickmobility.co.uk
Web: http://www.bewickmobility.co.uk
Can arrange conversion of Renault Kangoo but do not do conversions themselves.

• Brook Miller Mobility
Ability House
Owler Ings Road
Brighouse
West Yorkshire
HD6 1EH
Tel: 01484 721772 / 0800 0644454
Fax: 01484 401242
Email : office@brookmiller.com
Web: http://www.brookmiller.co.uk
Convert Kia Sedona
•Brotherwood Automobility Ltd
Lambert House
Pillar Box Lane
Beer Hackett
Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 6QP
Tel: 01935 872603
Fax: 01935 872853
Email: sales@brotherwood.com
Web: http://www.brotherwood.com
Convert Citroen Berlingo, VW Sharan & Caddy, Mercedes Vaneo, Fiat Multipla (available with wheelchair passenger up front by driver and as drive from wheelchair option) Peugeot Partner & Nissan X-Trail.

• CJ Conversions
55 Chieftain Way
Tritton Road Trading Estate
Lincoln
LN6 7RY
Tel/Fax: 01522 576600
Email: info@cjconversions.co.uk
Web: http://www.cjconversions.co.uk
Consider any suitable vehicle. Can convert suitable vehicles to take two wheelchair passengers, side access or upfront wheelchair passenger travel as required.
• City Motor Services ( Cardiff ) Ltd.
Unit C10
Springmeadow Business Park
Springmeadow Road
Wenloog
Cardiff
CF3 2ES
Tel: 029 2036 4800
Fax: 029 2036 4900
Email: info@citymotorservices.co.uk
Web: http://www.citymotorservices.co.uk
Convert high top Fiat Doblo and other vehicles that do not require a cut away floor. Also Toyota Previa .

• Constables Ltd
Mountney Bridge Business Park
Westham
Pevensey
East Sussex
BN24 5NJ
Tel: 01323 767574
Fax: 01323 767603
Email: info@constablesmobility.com
web: http://www.constablesmobility.com
Convert Renault Kangoo, Peugeot Expert, Partner & 807 .
For Carchair conversion: Ford Focus, Peugeot 307 & 807, BMW Mini, Mercedes V Class, Chrysler Voyager. & Toyota Corolla.
Will consider suitable vehicles.
• *CoTrim
Newton Road
Churchfields Industrial Estate
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP2 7QA
Tel: 01722 324524
Fax: 01722 343888
Email: sales @cotrim.co.uk
Web: http://www.cotrim-van-conversions.co.uk
Convert Mercedes Vito & Viano, Volkswagen Shuttle (available with Wheelchair passenger up front by driver.)

• Davis of Sevenoaks
Otford Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN14 5EG
Tel: 0800 018 1740
Fax: 01732 457361
Email: sales@davisofsevenoaks.com
Web: http://www.davisofsevenoaks.com
Convert Renault Kangoo, Espace & Trafic.
• *D S & P Mobility Electronics
Unit 8C Upper Barn Farm
Bicester Road
Westcott
Buckinghamshire
HP18 0JX
Tel: 01296 658508
Fax: 01296 658510
Email: sales@dsp-mobilityelectronics.com
Web : http://www.dsp-mobilityelectronics.com
Convert Kia Sedona, Chrysler Voyager & Grand Voyager

• *Gleneagles Conversions Ltd
95 Bonnygate
Cupar
Fife
KY15 4LG
Tel: 01334 657722
Fax: 01334 657711
Email: sales@gleneaglesconversions.co.uk
Web: http://www.gleneaglesconversions.co.uk/
Consider any suitable vehicle. Home visits can be arranged
• GM Coachwork Ltd
Teign Valley
Trusham
Newton Abbot
South Devon
TQ13 0NX
Tel: 01626 853050
Fax: 01626 853083
Email: sales@gmcoachwork.co.uk
Web: http://www.gmcoachwork.co.uk
Convert Fiat Doblo & Scudo, Kia Sedona, Peugeot Expert, VW Shuttle & Ducato & a range of minibuses. Ducato & Shuttle can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers. Shuttle can be converted to offer side access.
• Gowrings Mobility
Bone Lane
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 5EU
Tel: 0845 6088020
Fax: 01635 529400
Email: info@gowringsmobility.co.uk
Web: http://www.gowringsmobility.co.uk
Convert, Citroen Berlingo, Relay & Dispatch, Renault Kangoo, Chrysler Voyager, Vauxhall Zafira, Ford Connect. Relay & Dispatch can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers.
• Hill Gruau
19 Stalybridge Road
Mottram in Longdendale
Cheshire
SK14 6NF
Tel: 01457 766777
Fax: 01457 765506
Email: ghillgruausv@aol.com
Web: http://www.hillgruauaccessiblevehicles.com
Convert Citroen Berlingo & C8, Peugeot 807, Fiat Combi .
• Imp Vehicle specialists
Unit 18 Witham View
Wavell Drive
Allenby Industrial Estate
Lincoln
LN3 4NT
Tel: 01522 524444
Fax: 01522 525287
Mobile : 07749 706562
Email: info@impvehiclespecialists.co.uk
Web: http://www.impvehiclespecialists.co.uk
Convert any suitable vehicle
• Invatravel Conversions Limited
97 Lytham Road
Southport
Merseyside
PR9 9UG
Tel: 01704 506608
Fax: 01704 506607
Email: sales@invatravel.com
Web: http://www.invatravel.com
Convert VW Caravelle only. Can convert to up front travel for wheelchair passenger.

• *Jim Doran Hand Controls
Unit 1 229 Torrington Avenue
Tile Hill
Coventry
CV4 9HN
Tel: 02476 460833
Fax: 02476 462011
Email: info@jimdoranhandcontrols.co.uk
Web: http://www.jimdoranhandcontrols.co.uk
Convert Mercedes Sprinter & Vito , and other van types.
• *Jubilee Automotive Group
Woden Road South
Wednesbury
West Midlands
WS10 0NQ
Tel: 0121 502 2252
Fax: 0121 502 2258
Email: sales@jubileeauto.co.uk
Web: http://www.jubileeauto.net
Convert Renault Kangoo, Fiat Doblo, Suzuki Wagon R, Vauxhall Agila, VW Caravelle, Mercedes Benz Vaneo, Seat Alhambra . Caravelle can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers & also wheelchair passenger travel upfront by the driver. Caravelle & Vexel Quovis are available as Drive from Wheelchair option

• *KC Mobility Services Ltd
KC House
Carlinghow Mills
501 Bradford Road
Batley, West Yorkshire
WF17 8LL
Tel: 01924 442386
Fax: 01924 420183
Email: sales@kcmobility.co.uk
Web: http://www.kcmobility.co.uk
Consider any suitable vehicles.
• Lewis Reed Group
Unit 2, Plantation Court
Plantation Road
Bromborough
Wirrel
CH62 3QR
Tel: 0800 2471001
Fax: 0151 343 5361
Email: Sales@lewisreedgroup.co.uk
Web: http://www.lewisreedgroup.co.uk/
Convert Citroen Berlingo & Dispatch, Renault Trafic & Kangoo, Toyota Hiace, Peugeot Partner, Voltswagon T5 (available with wheelchair passenger up front by driver or can be converted to side access.)

• *LK Mobility Ltd
111 High Street
London Colney
Hertfordshire
AL2 1RG
Tel: 01727 824455
Fax: 01727 767101
Email: info@lkmobility.co.uk
Web: http://www.lkmobility.co.uk
Do not do conversions themselves but outsource to another company. Will consider any suitable vehicle and arrange conversion according to customer's needs. Can offer drive from wheelchair option, side access, up front wheelchair passenger travel and can accommodate two wheelchair passengers on a suitable vehicle.
• *McElmeel Mobility Services Ltd
15 Ballyscandal Road
Armagh
Northern Ireland
BT61 8BL
Tel: 028 3752 5333
Fax: 028 3752 7740
Email: sales@mobility-services.com
Web: http://www.mobility-services.com
Convert Fiat Scudo , Doblo & high roof, Renault Kangoo , Citroen Berlingo , Toyota Hiace , Chrysler Voyager . Kangoo & Voyager available as drive from wheelchair option. Will consider other suitable vehicles.

• O & H Facility
Unit 2 Royd Mill
Dyehouse Lane
Brighouse
West Yorkshire
HD6 1LL
Tel: 0845 6002218
Fax: 01484 400796
Email: sales@oh-mobility.co.uk
Web: http://www.oandh.co.uk
Convert Renault Trafic & Master, Fiat Doblo & Scudo, Citroen Dispatch, VW Vivaro. Master & Vivaro can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers.
• *PB Conversions
Unit 6, Acacia Close
Cherrycourt Way
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 4QE
Tel/fax: 01525 850588
Email: info@pbconversion.co.uk
Web: http://www.pbconversions.co.uk
Consider any suitable vehicle. Conversions that require a dropped floor can be arranged via PB Conversions although they do not do this conversion themselves. Can convert any suitable vehicle to side access, drive from wheelchair or two wheelchair passengers.

• Silverline Mobility
210 Cressex Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP12 4UB
Tel: 0844 8009421/01494630456
Mobile : 07588832557

Email: sales@silverlinemobility.co.uk
Web: http://www.silverlinemobility.co.uk

Do not do conversions themselves, but sell second-hand wheelchair accessible vehicles • *Sirus Automotive Mobility Solutions
Unit 2 Britannia Park
Trident Drive
Wednesbury
West Midlands
WS10 7XB
Tel: 0121 5057777
Fax: 0121 5058888
Email: info@sirusautomotive.com
Web: http://www.sirusautomotive.co.uk
Convert only Renault Kangoo as drive from wheelchair option or wheelchair passenger up front option.

• Stanford Coachworks & Mobility Services
Mobility House
Stanhope Industrial Park
Wharf Road
Stanford Le Hope
Essex
SS17 0EH
Tel: 01375 676088
Fax: 01375 677999
Email: sales@stanfordcoachworks.co.uk
Web: http://www.stanfordcoachworks.co.uk
Convert VW Transporter & Citroen Dispatch . Both vehicles can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers and both can be converted to offer side access. Also converts other minibus types.
• *Steering Developments Ltd
Unit 5
Eastman Way
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP2 7HF
Tel: 01442 212918
Fax: 01442 240254
Email: enquiries@steeringdevelopments.co.uk
Web: http://www.steeringdevelopments.co.uk
Convert Chrysler Voyager, Entervan, Mercedes Vito & Sprinter, Ford Transit, VW Caravelle and any other suitable vehicle.

• Urban Conversions
Fowlers Garage
Cemetery Road
Silverdale
Newcastle-Under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 6SH
Tel: 01782 661309
Fax: 01782 661428
Email: Through website
Web: http://www.fowlersmotors.co.uk
Will consider any suitable vehicle.
• Widnes Car Centre Ltd
Moor Lane
Widnes
Cheshire
WA8 7AL
Tel: 0151 420 2000
Fax: 0151 495 1382
Email: info@wheelchair-access.co.uk
Web: http://www.wheelchair-access.co.uk
Convert Mercedes Vito, VW T5, Renault Kangoo, Master & Trafic, Toyota Hiace. Vito, T5, Master & Trafic can be converted to take two wheelchair passengers but have to be long or extra long wheel base versions.

If you're applying for a grant from Motability, they will give you a list of cars/vans they are willing to help you lease, and the dealers you can use.
We've had a van with side entrance, wouldn't do that again, it was difficult to park anywhere with enough room to get the wheelchair out (including disabled bays!), and also, once you've wheeled the chair into the vehicle, you have to be able to turn it round to face forwards - it's not easy!
We've had 2 rear loading vans, each time we've chosen the longer ramps. The lowered floor versions look great, much smaller ramps, but they seem to be less useful for storage, and I'm told it's a huge issue if the exhaust ever needs to be replaced. The longer ramps can also be a pain on carparks though, there's not always enough room at the back of parking bays either!
I'm not keen on lifts, I always remember my friend had one that broke down on a car park and she was stranded there until an engineer could come and fix it!
Don't forget it will be a 5 year lease you would be agreeing to, so you will need to take into account that your daughter would be 8 by the time the contract ends, she and her equipment will be that bit bigger, I would look at the biggest car/van you are happy to drive.
Good Luck
Ellie

Hello Waggytale did you get the car sorted out or are you still in the process?

Hi Diane
I've done a few test drives, decided on a berlingo, but I've just phoned motability about getting some financial help and they say that i need to measure my daughter in her wheelchair from floor to eye level and floor to top of her head. Easy enough only we haven't got the wheelchair yet only her supportive buggy. We've been waiting for her wheelchair to arrive for the past few months and have no idea when it's going to be ready. Things are never simple!