What is a WAV, and why hire one?
A wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is a car or van converted with a lowered floor and a ramp or lift, so a wheelchair user can travel while seated in their own chair. For many families that means the difference between a stressful transfer at every journey and simply rolling aboard and going.
Hiring rather than buying makes sense in lots of situations: a holiday or family visit, transport while your own vehicle is repaired, bridging the wait for a Motability car, or simply trying a WAV before committing thousands of pounds to buying one.
WAV sizes explained
WAVs are usually grouped by size. Small WAVs, based on vehicles like the Vauxhall Combo, carry one wheelchair user plus two or three passengers and are easy to park and drive on a normal car licence. Medium WAVs add a longer wheelbase and headroom. Large and X-large WAVs suit bigger powerchairs and taller passengers, while wheelchair accessible minibuses carry groups — a favourite with care homes.
The right size depends on your wheelchair's dimensions, your seated height, and who else travels with you. Our guide to measuring your wheelchair for a WAV covers exactly what to check.
What does WAV hire cost in Kent?
Guide prices with MV4U start from around £49 a day for a small WAV, £59 for a medium and £69 for a large, with wheelchair accessible minibuses from £99. Longer hires bring the daily rate down, and long-term hire includes maintenance. Eligible disabled customers can often hire VAT-exempt.
Delivery, demonstration and support
We deliver across Kent — Herne Bay, Canterbury, Whitstable, Margate, Maidstone, Ashford, Dover and everywhere between — and collect when you're done. Every delivery includes a full demonstration of the ramp, restraints and controls, and you'll have direct numbers for a real person in Herne Bay throughout your hire.
How to book
Request a free quote online or call us on 01227 678119. Tell us your dates, postcode and wheelchair dimensions, and we'll match you to the right vehicle — usually the same day.
Ready to hire? Get a free WAV hire quote, browse our vehicle range, or call 01227 678119 — we deliver across Kent.