Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs): Freedom and Mobility
A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) is a specially modified van or minivan that allows a person using a wheelchair to enter, exit, and travel as a passenger while remaining seated in their wheelchair. The core modification is a lowered floor and a ramp or lift , usually at the rear or side door.
The lowered floor creates sufficient headroom and a gentle ramp angle. Once inside, the wheelchair is secured to the floor using a four-point tie-down system (straps attached to the wheelchair frame) or an integrated docking system (a locking mechanism that engages with a bracket on the wheelchair). WAVs are available as new factory conversions (from manufacturers like BraunAbility, VMI) or as aftermarket modifications to standard vans (e.g., Toyota Sienna, Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter). Some WAVs also offer drive-from-wheelchair capability, allowing a disabled driver to operate the vehicle from their wheelchair.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between a ramp and a lift?
A: A ramp is a manual or powered folding platform that the wheelchair user rolls up. It is lighter and simpler but requires a shallower slope (more floor space). A lift is a powered platform that raises and lowers the wheelchair vertically. It is suitable for vehicles with higher floors or when space for a long ramp is not available.
Q: Can a WAV be used to transport an occupied wheelchair?
A: Yes, that is the primary purpose. The wheelchair is not folded; the user remains seated in it. The wheelchair is secured to the vehicle's floor using a certified tie-down or docking system, and the occupant wears a standard vehicle seatbelt (often a three-point belt).