Driving From Your Wheelchair

Your questions answered!

What is a Drive From Wheelchair conversion?

The car for wheelchair drivers option enables you to drive whilst remaining in your wheelchair. Your wheelchair is secured safely using an automated wheelchair locking system and the vehicle is fitted with bespoke driving adaptations to suit your exact needs. The tailgate or side sliding door and ramp are fully automated, so it is the perfect solution for independence.

How does this conversion differ to other types of WAV’s?

Many wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV’s) are designed for the wheelchair user to travel as a passenger and the majority are designed for the wheelchair user to travel in the rear. Having a drive from wheelchair vehicle means you can get about independently and as you drive whilst sitting in your wheelchair. Plus you do not have to transfer to a standard driver’s seat.

How do you enter and exit a Drive From Wheelchair vehicle?

All Drive From Wheelchair vehicles are designed with automated entry and exit. The Sirus VW Drive conversion is rear entry and have a fully automated tailgate and ramp. This is powered using a hydraulic system. The Sirus Ford Drive / Upfront has an automated side-sliding door and powered ramp.

What type of wheelchair can be used with a drive from wheelchair vehicle?

You will need to drive from a crash-tested electric wheelchair so that it meets the correct safety standards and can be secured into position. Many different wheelchairs will fit into the driver’s position and our mobility specialist will give you further advice about this over the phone and during your free home demonstration. Before your demonstration, you will be asked to measure your seated head height to ensure you have enough visibility out of the windscreen.

How is the wheelchair secured into place?

To travel independently it will be necessary to use an automatic wheelchair locking system to safely secure your wheelchair in place. This will usually involve fitting a pin or spigot to the underside of your wheelchair that will connect with the docking station on the floor. It is important to remember that fitting one of these to your wheelchair may reduce the ground clearance of your wheelchair. Our mobility specialists will be able to advise you on the most suitable solution to fit your requirements.

Where do I travel when I don’t want to drive?

In the Sirus Ford Drive / Upfront,  the conversion is designed with a flat floor at the front of the vehicle plus interchangeable front seats. So as and when you don’t want to drive, you can swap places to the upfront passenger position. You can even swap places whilst on your journey as the seats can easily be moved into the opposite position.  In the Sirus VW Drive, when you want to travel as a passenger you can travel in the rear. Your wheelchair is secured using manual straps. If you are looking for an Upfront passenger vehicle conversion, we have a number of options available. Read more here.

What adaptations can be fitted to enable me to drive?

Sirus fit a wide range of driving adaptations, from very popular systems such as push/pull hand controls through to high tech options such as electronic gas and brake. Your Sirus mobility specialist will be able to run through all of the available options with you during your vehicle demonstration. Sirus has Motability Preferred Adaptations Supplier status.

Does Sirus have a range of drive from wheelchair vehicles for sale?

Sirus VW Drive

The Sirus VW Drive offers a solution that is rear access, has an automated tailgate and ramp.  Due to the compact size of the VW Caddy Life, it is easier to park than larger WAV’s and is more fuel-efficient. As standard, the vehicle offers space for three people. We can also fit two flip-down seats in the rear giving you space for up to five people.

 

Sirus Ford Drive / Upfront

The Sirus Ford Drive / Upfront offers a flexible option for wheelchair drivers and upfront passengers with entry through the side-sliding door rather than the rear. Original boot space is retained allowing storage for shopping, additional equipment, assistance dogs and/or the safe storage of valuable items. Original rear seats are also retained that offer improved comfort over aftermarket seats. With regards to parking, the advantage is being able to deploy the ramp straight onto the curbside or pavement, and you do not need to leave space at the rear of the vehicle to enter and exit. The short ramp means you can easily use a disabled parking bay.

Do I need a driving assessment?

Using a Regional Driving Assessment Centre, it is possible to have a driving assessment carried out by an independent professional ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) to identify the most suitable driving controls for you. As the type of controls that you require may affect which vehicles you can choose, it is important to understand your exact requirements before you decide on a particular vehicle type. To locate your nearest Assessment Centre visit www.drivingmobility.org.uk

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

  • VW Caddy wav

    Brand New Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

    Ford Connect – Internal Transfer

    Ford Grand Tourneo Connect. Transfer from your wheelchair to a standard driver seat via a powered six-way seat. Space for up to four people.
  • wheelchair accessible car

    Brand New Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

    Ford Connect – Upfront Passenger

    Ford Grand Tourneo Connect. The wheelchair user sits upfront next to the driver. Space for five people as standard, ISOFIX in mid-row seat and a standard boot.
  • VW Caddy wav

    Brand New Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

    Ford Connect – Combined Drive/Upfront

    Ford Grand Tourneo Connect. Our combined Drive From Wheelchair/Upfront Passenger solution enables you to switch from driver to upfront passenger on your journey. Space for up to four people.
  • Dacia Jogger

    Brand New Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, Rear passenger

    Dacia Jogger – Rear Wheelchair Passenger

    Dacia Jogger. The wheelchair user sits in the rear. The UK's only Wheelchair Accessible Car. Enjoy the award-winning features of a standard car. Space for six people as standard with flexible seating options.
  • passenger upfront

    Approved Used Stock

    VW Caddy Maxi – Upfront Passenger

    Approved Used stock only. Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life. The wheelchair user sits upfront next to the driver. Space for five people as standard, ISOFIX in mid-row seat and a standard boot.
  • VW Caddy wav

    Approved Used Stock

    VW Caddy Maxi – Internal Transfer

    Approved Used stock only. VW Caddy Maxi Life. Transfer from your wheelchair to a standard driver seat via a powered six-way seat. Space for up to four people.
  • VW Caddy wav

    Approved Used Stock

    VW Caddy Maxi – Combined Drive/Upfront

    Approved Used stock only. VW Caddy Maxi Life. Our combined Drive From Wheelchair/Upfront Passenger solution enables you to switch from driver to upfront passenger on your journey. Space for up to four people.
  • drive from wheelchair

    Approved Used Stock

    Ford Custom – Drive From Wheelchair

    Approved Used stock only. Ford Custom. Drive from wheelchair solution. Space for up to six people with flexible seating options.
  • Ford WAV Internal transfer

    Approved Used Stock

    Ford Connect – Internal Transfer

    Approved Used stock only. Ford Grand Tourneo Connect. Transfer from your wheelchair to a standard driver seat via a powered six-way seat. Space for five people as standard.
  • Ford WAV Internal transfer

    Approved Used Stock

    Ford Connect – Combined Drive/Upfront

    Approved Used stock only. Ford Grand Tourneo Connect. Our combined Drive From Wheelchair/Upfront Passenger side access olution enables you to switch from driver to upfront passenger on your journey. Space for four people.