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 your next WAV.

Fiat Qubo upfront wheelchair user position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

Wheelchair user experience

First and foremost, the good news is wheelchair users get to the prime position in a wheelchair accessible vehicle, the front. The journey in for wheelchair users isn’t arduous as it’s a small WAV, and when you are at the bottom of the ramp before you board, it feels like you are inside the vehicle. The single-piece ramp is shallow enough, and the steady rise in shouldn’t be much of a concern, and before you know it, you are in situ next to the driver. Wheelchair users in the prime position get the best view of all through the windscreen, and because you are a little higher up, it feels safe, and the cosy space inside the Qubo won’t feel claustrophobic at all. It’s a smooth ride, too, which is always a bonus in converted vehicles, so the Qubo gets a big thumbs up from us.

Driver experience

There’s very little to dislike about the Qubo; it’s practical and covers all the bases for a low-cost wheelchair accessible vehicle. The driving position for a small vehicle is high enough to give the driver a good view forward and the Qubo is well designed to help the driver get used to the task in hand. There’s plenty of equipment on board, Bluetooth, voice activation, CD player and halogen headlights and more. The small but gutsy turbo charged diesel engine mated with a semi automatic gearbox isn’t shy going forward either. It’ll return a very good MPG and it’s cheap to tax too.

Passenger experience

Good quality coach built seating is quite a feat to achieve in a small adapted vehicle. Because it’s small, you can’t expect to carry too many seated passengers but what they do get is plenty of room on the rear bench seat that the occupants will find comfortable and spacious. The bench seat is situated at the rear of the vehicle, and there’s a surprising amount of elbow room available on either side. The seat too is plenty wide enough for two people, and you won’t find you pressed against each other either.

SMV loves

The size, it’s small, compact and carries three people plus a wheelchair passenger in the upfront position. It’s very frugal, cheap to tax and does the job it was built for perfectly. It feels very spacious inside, and the cleverly designed rear bench will happily seat two hulking adults with room to spare. The Qubo always represents good value for money, and the wheelchair user gets to be in the prime location in their wheelchair accessible vehicle.

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, 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