How to Measure Your Wheelchair for a WAV

Why measurements matter

Every WAV has fixed limits: the height and width of the rear opening, the length of floor space, and the payload its ramp or lift is rated for. Get the numbers right before you book and the vehicle will feel made for you; guess, and you risk a chair that won't clear the door.

The five measurements to take

With a tape measure and a helper, record these:

• Overall width of the wheelchair at its widest point (usually the wheels or armrests)
• Overall length, from the front of the footplates to the rearmost point
• Seated height — from the floor to the top of the passenger's head while seated in the chair
• Combined weight of the wheelchair and passenger (crucial for lift-equipped WAVs)
• Any extras that change the footprint: leg raisers, headrests, oxygen carriers or trays

Matching numbers to WAV sizes

As a rule of thumb, a seated height under about 1.35m and a standard manual chair suits a small WAV. Larger manual chairs and mid-size powerchairs generally need a medium or large WAV, and big powerchairs with elevated leg rests are happiest in a large, X-large or minibus WAV with a powered lift.

These are guidelines, not guarantees — conversions vary. That's why we always double-check your measurements against the actual vehicle before we confirm your booking.

Still unsure? We'll check for you

Send us your measurements with your quote request, or call 01227 678119 and we'll talk it through. Every MV4U delivery includes a demonstration, and if a vehicle isn't right when it arrives, we'd rather swap it than leave you struggling.