Which is the right vehicle for you?

The answer to this question is that there is unlikely to be a wheelchair accessible vehicle that will tick all of the boxes on a list of desirable features that you draw up.

In the end it is a question of compromise, having taken account of the priorities in your particular case and having regard to some key points, which we will highlight.

Frist, we would recommend that you study our Glossary of the commonly used terms relating to wheelchair accessible vehicles, as this will give you a framework of reference.

The most imprtant point to establish in your consideration of any wheelchair accessible vehicle is whether it will comfortably accommodate your wheelchair (or scooter, if you are able to drive yourself). For this you will need to take three key measurements.

a) The overall length of the wheelchair remembering to take the measurement from the furthest point at the back (probably the handles) to the furthest forward point (the footplates);

b) The wheelchair width;

c) The height from the foor to the top of the wheelchair occupant's head (allow a further two inches for clearance between the occupant and the roof of the vehicle). We give the headroom dimension of each vehicle on the related vehicle's specification page.

There are two more considerations that we would draw to your attention. The first is on the size of the vehicle that you need. This should take account of any equipment that must be carried in connection with maintaining the health and comfort of the person in the wheelchair.

The second is to focus on the number of passengers apart from the driver that you would expect to carry on a regular basis rather than on a special occasion, as this might require a larger vehicle than is usually necessary and unnecessary cost.