When you put ‘wheelchair car’ into Google, you’ll no doubt see WAV and WAC come up a lot. And, if you’ve never had to buy or lease a vehicle that supports a wheelchair user before, it’s likely you’re trying to understand what they mean.
At GM Mobility, we know our WAVs from our WACs and we’re going to break them down, so you know what they mean.
A vehicle modified to and for a wheelchair user is known as a WAV. That’s an abbreviation for wheelchair accessible vehicle. It’s also known as a WAC which is the abbreviated form of wheelchair accessible car.
By now you’re probably asking yourself: well, what’s the difference? To tell you the truth, there’s no difference between them other than size.
Size Really Does Matter…
If you look at our Types of WAVs guide, you’ll notice the vehicles fall into groups based on their size. The groups are small, small to medium, medium to large, and large.
Vehicles in the small group are commonly called wheelchair accessible cars. That’s because they’re not much larger than standard family cars, and standard family cars adapted for wheelchair users fall into this category too.
Now, if you compare them to the vehicles in the large group, you’ll notice the difference. Vehicles in this group tend to be converted vans and people carriers.
…Until it Doesn’t!
Now you know there’s no difference other than size, you’ll also know they all serve the same purpose. A wheelchair accessible car gives wheelchair users more freedom and that’s the bigger picture.
GM Mobility supply wheelchair accessible cars for the disabled community. We have many different models from reliable manufacturers and they’re available for private purchase or hire through the Motability Scheme.
WAVs with a Little Extra
Those who lease a vehicle under the Motability Scheme have the option for several adaptations to make their journeys more comfortable, convenient and safe. From winches to ramps and mechanised seats to steering balls, we do as much as we can to make your life more pleasant. The real winner here is they come at little to no cost!
For more information on adaptations click here or visit our sister site, GM Adapt.
If you have any questions at all, please get in contact with us by phone or use our online contact form. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for your first wheelchair accessible car or vehicle servicing, GM Mobility are always here and ready to support you.