Although we don’t sell wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), we know how challenging it can be to find the perfect cars for mobility scooters. There are so many different cars and configurations — it’s difficult to know when you’re making the right choice.
We often have clients asking us for any advice on cars that will fit mobility scooters, so we wanted to put together an article that could help you find the right vehicle for your needs.
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Where do I start?
Well, first of all, you want to think about the things you’ll be using your car for. There’s no point in you getting a huge car fitted with all the bells and whistles if you’re not going to drive it that often.
Similarly, you’re going to find it very difficult if you invest a smaller car with fewer benefits when you’re using it every single day to commute.
Things you may want to consider:
- How often will you use the car?
- Where will you be travelling to and from? Is it a bumpy ride?
- How big is your scooter?
- Will you require extra space when getting in and out of the car?
Various aids like foldaway ramps can be used to make it easier to get your scooter in and out of the car.
It is often good when looking at cars to ensure that the boot height and inside lip Is a suitable height for lifting up and over. Often a boot sill with no lip is prefered.
How will these cars be different from usual vehicles?
There are some differences between scooter/wheelchair accessible cars and other motors on the road. The main one being that cars for mobility scooters and wheelchairs will usually be fitted with a ramp or a lift.
This facilitates an easier, safer method of getting in and out of the vehicle. The ramp or lift can be fitted to the side or the back of the car depending on where access is the best.
Are there any scooters that are specially designed to fit into cars?
There are lots of lightweight mobility scooters that have been specifically designed to be more compact so that they can fit into a car boot. Models like the mLite and the eDrive are great car boot mobility scooters and can actually be folded down to a smaller size, and others like the Alumina can be taken apart with no hassle for easier transportation.
Alternatively, the Cabin Car Mobility Scooter may be of interest to you if you’re not wanting to invest in a car, but want your scooter to be your main source of transportation.
Folding mobility scooters can also fit into a lot of cars and can be lifted with ease.
So which cars are best?
Of course, this depends on what you’re looking for. We recommend using Motability’s Car Search tool to help you get a better idea of what cars can meet your needs. But it’s always good to know what sort of size car you’re wanting before anything else.
Small Cars: These are great if you’re wanting something cheaper and cheerful for short journeys. 2-3 door cars can accommodate a compact or folding mobility scooter in the boot, and usually cost less money to run, insure, and tax than bigger cars. A small car might not be for you if you are transporting other passengers, or if you are wanting a more spacious vehicle.
Medium Cars: These cars can still come in a hatchback shape, but tend to have 4-5 doors. This can be a great benefit to scooter users, as it gives you more room inside the car itself. Again, a scooter can be popped in the boot and it’s more likely that you can take other passengers in the car with you. Similar to small cars, a medium car probably won’t give you enough room to actually sit on your scooter in the car.
Family Cars: Traditionally saloon or estate cars, these offer more space for passengers who may be travelling with you. Saloon cars tend to be a bit comfier, which is great for longer journeys and more regular usage. Estate cars offer the same comfort, but with the added benefit of a larger boot, which may fit a scooter in without it having to be packed down. Estate cars are a bit longer than standard vehicles, so it might be worth test driving it first to make sure you’re comfortable with its size.
Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPV): MPVs come in all shapes and sizes, and are usually the right height to allow the user to stay seated on their mobility scooter when inside the car. They tend to have larger boot openings to accommodate a ramp or lift at the tail of the car, and they also boast more space inside for other passengers. Some MPVs can carry up to 9 people with ample headroom and legroom. Some models may have sliding slide doors for easy access.
MPVs like the one shown here are ideal cars for mobility scooters and wheelchairs because they have extra space.
Car Hoists
When you’re looking for a new car, it is the ideal time to also think about any additional equipment you may want to invest in to make travel easier. One great piece of kit if you plan to regularly store your mobility scooter in the boot is a car hoist. They can be fitted into your boot and allow you to lift your scooter in with the press of a button!
Summary
As with any big investment, choosing a car can feel a bit overwhelming and sometimes confusing. But if you’re looking cars for mobility scooters, there are lots of tools available for you to use.
As previously mentioned, the Motability Car Search is a great way for you to work out exactly what’s on offer for you and your needs. We can help you if you’re needing to find a scooter that is more car-friendly and compact, so don’t be afraid to get in touch.
Graeme has worked alongside the public sector for much of his working life, helping departments improve efficiencies and deliver on projects. In his role at Vivid.Care, Graeme used his experience to tackle some of the most challenging issues in the healthcare sector, from falls through to winter pressures. He was also a guest speaker and a number of different conferences, including at the Falls Prevention Summit in London.
