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, a financed or outright purchase of a new or used WAV, we are here to help you with independent advice on your first or next WAV.

Peugeot Rifter SWB mid wheelchair user position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

Wheelchair user experience

The Peugeot Rifter short wheelbase (SWB) is an excellent progression from the long-standing, heavily converted and highly rated Peugeot Partner and is a stunning all-around improvement on its predecessor. Some real improvements have made it superior to the Partner and many other WAVs. However, there is still plenty of entry and internal height, with great external views for the wheelchair user. As a WAV or wheelchair accessible vehicle, it lends itself perfectly to the job.

One of the most important factors when considering a WAV is wheelchair users’ inclusivity, which is usually a big win in the Rifter. The distance between the front seats and the second row in this WAV is substantially more than many WAVs available, and this means that wheelchair users can settle further forward, often bringing them in line with their fellow passengers.

Like its predecessor, the Partner, all Rifters come with a wheelchair winch, which is now fitted under the floor, so more space and less ugly to look at, plus the winch can’t get in the way of a wheelchair user’s footrests. Previously winches were mounted on the Partner’s floor in a WAV, which presented a problem for wheelchair footrests coming fully forward. Of course, this also prevented the wheelchair user from coming between the second-row seats. With an underfloor winch, the footrests for the wheelchair can come further forward, and with the increased legroom, which also came with the new Rifter, this combination is a vast improvement for most wheelchair users.

Driver experience

The driver is also treated well, with a generous specification that is easy to access and observe in the well-designed, ergonomic and snug but roomy cockpit. An 8-inch touch screen entertainment centre, Bluetooth and cruise control, and many other features of higher specification cars are included. It is straightforward to mirror your smartphone with the generously sized screen, and a DAB/FM radio is included, plus USB ports just where you need them to connect your phone and stream your music. The screen is also the command centre for the Rifter’s controls, so you can adjust many of the vehicle’s controls and features here.

The Rifter is easy to drive, with a smooth gearbox, whether you choose the manual or automatic gearbox. The engine is quiet and frugal but should you need it, there is enough power underfoot to get you out of trouble.

Standard features in the Rifter include dual-zone air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, anti-collision warning, LED daytime running lights and a host of other features. Being in the driving seat of the Rifter is a breeze and managing it and having that cosseted feeling the cockpit gives you helps you, the driver, to do what you need to do well and safely. As a driver, there is little to dislike in this WAV.

Passenger experience

Passengers will feel spoiled by the legroom alone in this WAV, both in the front and second-row seats. The legroom is substantial, allowing freedom of movement should you need to attend to a wheelchair user or socialise effectively with your fellow passengers. In the coach-built seats present in this conversion, you will find them comfortable on longer journeys, and they always come with Isofix as standard. It is fair to say that passengers often get a raw deal in WAVs as their seating is too often a compromise to make it fit for wheelchair access but not in the case of the Peugeot Rifter.

SMV loves

We love the thought behind the conversion, the variety of seating options, two vehicle lengths, plus a smooth new auto or manual gearbox. The Rifter has a generous specification, phone screen mirroring and music playback, an underfloor wheelchair winch, ample second-row wheelchair user legroom, a higher driving position, and the new pretty front end. It’s a win, win, win for all.

SMV says

Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you. Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, a 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. We are independent WAV advisors so that you will get the best of all worlds; whatever your wheelchair access needs are, it is only one call to 0800 008 7800