Motoring & Conversions
WH Conversions, WAV Evolution
It’s as if a cunning kitchen designer has got to work on a WAV. The carousel rotates the ramp to an angle, meaning that the roll on transfer to the passenger seat is far easier and quicker. In this unique arrangement, the telescopic ramp then slips underneath the floor. To enable all of this the ‘b pillar’ of the vehicle has been skilfully removed although the back seats are preserved.
From: www.wh-conversions.co.uk
Allied Mobility, Peugeot Horizon
Preserving the seating options has been a trend amongst WAVs recently. Allied Mobility convert the Horizon by allowing the back seats to flip forward and offer the option of a reel to carefully tow the wheelchair up the ramp.
From: www.alliedmobility.com
Brook Miller, Lower Floor Caravelle
The VWT5 conversion comes with a short or long wheelbase with a detachable front seat to preserve options for other users. The rear seats also swivel to allow for easy access and it’s altogether possible to transfer from wheelchair to seat once inside the vehicle if required. There are options for manual or automatic ramp deployment.
From: www.brookmiller.com
Automotive Group, VW Maxi Life
High, wide and handsome: 1,500mm high by 860mm wide to be exact with a fully flat floor. The head height is such that a carer could very nearly walk into the back without stooping. The ordinary bench seat arrangement is broken up so that the wheelchair user gets to sit between other people.
From: www.automotivegroup.co.uk
Lewis Reed, Mercedes Benz, Viano
So many choices… Short, medium or long wheelbases, three engine sizes, rear or side access and up to seven passengers including a wheelchair user. The Viano also benefits from blue efficiency standards meaning that it has various methods of reducing fuel consumption such as engine resistance etc. All of this comes wrapped in the quiet, elegant spec that you’d expect from Mercedes.
From: www.lewisreedgroup.co.uk
Brotherwood, Kia Sedona, Red Label Conversion
The striking feature of this conversion is the deep drop in floor level. This is much more profound than on other conversions thanks to skilful rearranging of oddments like fuel tank, exhaust and rear suspension. The ramp is manual for simplicity and its counter balance allows for really easy usage. The wheelchair user is able to nestle between interior seats for access to what is effectively the safest part of the vehicle.
From: www.brotherwood.co.uk
O&H Mobility, Low Floor Vauxhall Vivaro
Great head room for a relatively small vehicle allowing it to take on users of some of the larger powerchairs as passengers. The level floor extends from ramped entrance all the way through to drive from wheelchair position.
From: www.oh-mobility.co.uk
Autochair, Lite Rooftop Box
A simple switch on a hand held remote starts the system into tilting, opening up and stowing away a fold up wheelchair atop an average car. It needs the merest guide from the driver’s seat and finishes by locking itself. The stainless steel box means that there are no leaks or corrosion issues to worry about.
From: www.autochair.co.uk
Holden Mobility, Renault Grand Espace
At first glance the snug Espace conversion doesn’t look much different from an ordinary model. A closer examination reveals a removable middle seat that can double as an in-car table and allows the rear positioned wheelchair user passenger an unhindered view of the road ahead. Holden haven’t scrimped on any of the spec, even down to the floor vents.
From: www.holdenmobility.co.uk
Sirus Automotive, VW Caddy I-Can
Just as the VW Caddy was relaunched, so was the I-Can. There’s still space for up to five people, even though the vehicle is relatively compact. It’s also a fuel efficient option at 54 mpg with low CO2 emissions. The I-Can comes complete with the new automatic hydraulic ramp system and lowering suspension that improves transfer but avoids issues with speed bumps and other low level road obstructions that might otherwise be a problem.
From: www.sirusautomotive.co.uk
PB Conversions, Fiorella
One of the quietest and quickest ramps on the market the Fiorella neatly folds in behind the door. Because it’s made of plastic the rattle factor is all but completely lost.
From: www.pbconversions.co.uk
Unwin Safety Systems, Best Vest
Keeping children’s seat belts in place can be tricky. The Best Vest keeps the seatbelt in the correct place by threading it through a safety ‘vest’. Velcro fastenings undo for easy release.
From: www.unwin-safety.com
Price: £50
Brig Ayd, 120 kg Hoist
With just five inches height clearance above the scooter you’re thinking of hoisting, the 120kg hoist is a neat helping hand for stowing your scooter away into the back of a vehicle. The motor is controlled by a handheld unit with the minimum of fuss.
From: www.brig-aydcontrols.co.uk
CJ Conversions, Etap Discovery System
A programmable exit path is applied to the vehicle ramp to make the best possible use of space and angles. The whole process is controlled on a handset with just two buttons.
From: www.cjconversions.co.uk