Finding a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is not as easy as many think. This acquisition may well be a compromise that started with knowing you have to say goodbye to a car you want to travel in for a vehicle you need to travel in. Whether you need a new or a Nearly New WAV on the Motability Scheme, WAV rental, or a financed or outright purchase of a new or used WAV, we are here to help you with independent advice on your first or your next WAV.

Volkswagen Caddy wheelchair user driver transfer rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

The Volkswagen Caddy is a great all-rounder in the WAV conversion industry, and its flexibility is legendary. This conversion is a driver transfer WAV where the wheelchair or scooter user moves from their wheelchair internally to a standard driver seat with a specially designed base underneath it that moves backwards, forward, up, down and sideways. A seat that moves beyond its usual constraints makes accessibility considerably more viable to those that can transfer from their wheelchair. These conversions are very rare to see, most especially in the Caddy.

We can have driving aids added should they be required; please ask us. Generally, driver hand controls would be the simplest form of driver aid a WAV would come with, and they can be added if required for almost any vehicle. Driver aids are not just for drivers transferring from their wheelchairs in vehicles; they can easily be added to most vehicles.

A wheelchair transfer driver’s needs are different from many other WAV buyers regarding internal space and seat numbers. However, it is still essential to evaluate the internal space usefulness and seating for your individual needs. The driver transfer Volkswagen Caddy can have up to four or even five physical seats, including the two front seats, but they are scarce. They often come with two front seats plus one in the rear, with the seat numbers made up of two tip and fold seats towards the back of the vehicle.

The Volkswagen Caddy driver transfer conversion is one accessible vehicle that should never be purchased on measurements alone due to its complexity and how the lowered floor has been designed. The design is such that this conversion can present challenges with entry and exit and the physical transfer itself for some buyers. Certain wheelchairs can be difficult to handle because the floor undulates and narrows; this is not always clear to the naked eye, so please try before buying.

The VW Caddy driver transfer from wheelchair conversion is often converted with a fully remote rear opening system; this can be useful as it can reduce the time it takes to onboard and offboard this WAV. Of course, not everyone likes the gadgetry on a car, and some wheelchair or scooter users don’t need it, so we seek them with and without these mechanisms. We always have them serviced before they leave us and the systems are incredibly reliable, but our warranty covers it for three years if you have a problem.

A wheelchair driver transfer seat will generally feel quite comfortable driving in a Caddy as you are in the vehicle’s original seat. With driver hand controls, this type of WAV can be the ideal solution for those looking for maximum independence. Of course, our advice is to test it first; you will probably know within minutes if it works for you and suits your needs.

The Caddy is considered a medium-sized vehicle within the WAV industry, so most would be comfortable around it when investigating its usefulness to them. The majority converted were diesel autos, and the Volkwagen DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) gearbox is easy to use. For wheelchair drivers and those transferring to the driving position, the auto gearbox is the preferred variant of this well-known marque model.

SMV conclusion: the Volkswagen Caddy is one of the few iconic drive-from or driver-transfer wheelchair conversions that works well for wheelchair users. Its compact size and post-conversion practicality make it ideal for many wheelchair users and drivers’ needs. Bespoke specialist driver aids can be added post-build so do ask us what can be done. We love the DSG gearbox mated with the frugal engines, and the fully automated entry versions make life so much easier.

Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you? We are independent WAV advisors, so you will get the best of all worlds, whatever your wheelchair access needs are. Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, short-term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs.