Can you drive a car from your wheelchair?

Yes, it is possible to drive a vehicle while seated in your wheelchair. You can conveniently travel without transfers provided the vehicle is a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV). A WAV is a vehicle with adaptations installed to allow wheelchair access and enable greater control for wheelchair users when driving.

When deciding to drive a car from your wheelchair, you have the option to either convert an existing car into a WAV or purchase a pre-built WAV with adaptations installed in the car. Usually, converting a vehicle involves installing an automatic ramp to move in and out of your car while seated in your wheelchair, a locking system to secure your wheelchair in place as you drive a car and driving aids to enable control of the car. These adaptations are designed to provide people with arthritis, stroke, amputations and other types of physical conditions to gain freedom behind the wheel. 

How do you drive a car from your wheelchair?

To drive in a WAV, there are four areas to consider to ensure the vehicle meets your goals: 

• A ramp or tail lift to get the wheelchair in and out of the vehicle.

• A locking mechanism to secure your wheelchair into place while you drive. 

• The compatibility of your wheelchair with the locking mechanism and its ability to fit in the vehicle.

• The driving aids required to access a vehicle.

Installations to move your wheelchair in and out of your car:

Wheelchair users can choose to install an automatic or manual ramp at the tailgate or sliding door of their car. Alternatively, users could opt for a tail lift for greater support. A ramp functions to help users get into a vehicle seamlessly and removes the need to transfer from their wheelchairs.

Ramps: There are two types of amps available: manual ramps and automatic ramps. While both ramps provide the same function, the automatic ramp provides more independence and convenience. 

Tail lifts: Similarly to a ramp, a tail lift helps users move in and out of their vehicle as they remain seated in a wheelchair. The tail lift is a platform which raises the user into a car or lowers them to the ground.

Lock your wheelchair in one spot when driving:

Apart from getting in and out of your car, there are also different systems for locking your wheelchair in place. The docking mechanism allows wheelchairs to be easily secured and released when required. Two examples of docking systems include: 

Dahl docking system: The Dahl docking system allows users to flexibly switch between a car seat and a wheelchair. Users can easily slot a wheelchair in the base plate fixed onto the car floor or release the wheelchair with a push of a button to replace it with a car seat. 

Q'Straint: The Q-Straint is another docking system which functions to secure your wheelchair in your car. While both the Q-Straint and the Dahl docking systems provide the same functionality, they operate with different mechanisms. The Dahl docking system works while the Q-Straint uses belts to secure your wheelchair on a platform.

Driving aids to access your car:

Users would need to consider their physical condition and mobility to evaluate the right driving aids needed to control their vehicle. 

Steering aids: A ball or a tetra can be attached to the steering wheel to aid control and allow users to safely steer a car with just one hand. While both the ball and tetra help users improve steering ability, the tetra plate offers greater assistance to individuals who struggle with forming a grip. It is recommended to speak to an assessor for a product demonstration and to try different steering aids.

Hand controls: Hand controls assist users with limited mobility in their legs. The conventional brake and acceleration pedal are replaced with hand levers located near the steering wheel. Using the hand levers, users can easily brake by pushing the lever and accelerate by pulling the lever.

Electric handbrakes: Wheelchair users with limited mobility or strength in their hands might lack the strength to push and pull on a handbrake. Replacing the conventional handbrake with an electric handbrake allows individuals to use a button or switch to control the handbrake.

What powerchair best suits a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?

To fit a wheelchair, most WAVs are adapted vans and larger cars. When choosing a wheelchair suitable for a WAV, it is important to check if the dimensions of your wheelchair could fit into your vehicle. Additionally, some wheelchairs are not compatible with certain docking systems. Before converting your vehicle or purchasing a wheelchair, users should check the compatibility of their preferred wheelchair and docking system. 

Navigating the market for the right solution can be tricky, our assessors are happy to help you with a product demonstration and provide support as you test different wheelchairs for a WAV. For your reference, we have compiled a few highly compact powered wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs which can fit a WAV.

Consult an assessor for adaptive solutions 

Speak to an assessor about your mobility goals for consultation on a range of adaptive vehicle solutions. The assessor will walk you through different types of driving aids and provide a free product demonstration in our Chessington showroom. Optionally, a home demonstration is available for individuals who are unable to travel. Vehicle adaptations will be brought to your home free of charge while home demonstrations with wheelchairs are £100.

Arrange an assessment online or call the team to book your assessment at a convenient time.