Van life should be accessible to everyone.
Key Design Considerations
- Door width: Minimum 800mm for wheelchair access. Side door is best.
- Ramp or lift: Manual ramp (£500-1000) or electric lift (£2000-4000).
- Lowered floor: Allows wheelchair to manoeuvre inside (professional only).
- Wheelchair tie-downs: For safe travel while seated in wheelchair.
- Swivel cab seats: Creates space for wheelchair transfer to driver position.
- Lowered kitchen: Worktop at 750-800mm height for wheelchair access.
Specialist Converters
- Leisuredrive (Crewe): Specialist in WAV campervan conversions. £35-55k.
- AJB Accessible Vehicles (Derby): Custom accessible conversions.
- Northants Campervans: Accessible conversions on SWB vans.
Grants and Funding
- Motability Scheme: Can lease a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
- Access to Work grant: If self-employed and need adapted vehicle.
- Local Authority grants: Some councils offer grants for vehicle adaptations.
DIY Accessibility
If converting yourself: buy a SWB panel van (easier manoeuvrability), use a fold-out ramp, install a cassette toilet at wheelchair height, and keep the floor completely flat with no step between cab and living area.
