Hiring a car is often a key part of a great holiday experience. Having access to your own wheels helps you to get to hidden locations that are off the beaten track, see more of the country you’re visiting, and even just give you a wider choice of accommodation. Plus, if you’ve got younger holidaymakers with you, it can also remove the stress of trying to transport kids and suitcases without losing anything or anyone.
But hiring a car isn’t just a case of selecting one in the right price range when you have a disability. Whether you need space for a wheelchair in the cabin or are used to adaptations such as hand controls or steering aids, you’ll want to do some extra research to get a car you’re comfortable in on holiday. In this guide, we’re going to share our top advice to help you rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), so that you can get out and explore on the open road.
Chapter 1
Before you travel
When hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, a lot of the research and arrangements need to be sorted before you even pack your suitcases. It might be worth sending some initial enquiries before you even book your trip, so you know you’ll be able to get a vehicle that meets your needs when you arrive.
This is especially true in peak holiday season. The number of adapted vehicles isn’t yet on par with standard cars, meaning that busier periods will likely see higher demand. Planning can reduce stress and allow you to simply look forward to your trip. Ready to research? Let’s look at some of the steps you can take to get the right vehicle.
1. Think about the size of vehicle you need
The size of the car you choose is important. As well as comfortably fitting your wheelchair, you’ll need space for the friends or family you’re travelling with and their suitcases (unless you’re planning on hiring more than one car). It’s also good to think about where you’re going to be driving. Whilst larger cars won’t be a problem if you’re primarily driving on motorways, they can be tricky if you’ll be doing a lot of city driving or down narrow country lanes.
If you think you’re going to be tight on space on the streets, it could be worth hiring an accessible vehicle and using a taxi to transport luggage to and from the airport. That way, you’re able to opt for a smaller car, but you’re still able to get out and about with the rest of your holiday party once the cases are safely dropped off.
2. Think about what you need in the car
Narrowing down the features that you’ll need in your accessible hire car means you’re not going to waste time looking at vehicles that don’t meet your requirements. Think about who will be driving the car – will it be you? Or will one of your fellow travellers be behind the wheel? If it’s the latter, you probably won’t need as many custom adjustments to the vehicle, which may make it easier to find one.
Ideally, you’d be able to match your car at home but this might not be possible, so it’s good to understand where you might be happy to compromise. Features to consider include:
3. Lifts and ramps
Lifts and ramps are probably the one feature that you won’t want to compromise on. Start your search here – knowing the dimensions of your wheelchair (width, length and height) can be helpful to ensure the equipment meets your needs.
If you need a powered ramp, make sure you specify this when enquiring. Otherwise, you may be given a manual ramp – potentially fine if you’ve got someone to help you, but not much use if you’re a solo traveller.
4. Seat positioning
Next, you need to decide if you have a preference for a rear passenger mobility vehicle, ride-up-front or transfer seat. The limited number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles may mean that you don’t have a choice, but thinking about this beforehand can mean you’re ready to make the choice if the company does have multiple options available.
The limited number of
wheelchair-accessible vehicles may mean that you
don’t have a choice
5. Space for passengers
Unless you’re adventuring solo, part of the fun of going on holiday is seeing new places with your friends and family. Driving along, windows down to let the warm air in and with music playing in the background is all part of the holiday experience. As such, you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for your passengers, so that everyone can travel comfortably.
6. Air conditioning and heating
We’ve all been in a car when the weather’s hot and you’re sticking to your seat – it’s not exactly comfortable. Equally, seeing your breath inside the car isn’t that great either.
Check if the vehicle has air conditioning and/or heating, depending on when you’re travelling. Whilst it might not matter too much for shorter journeys, if you’re planning to drive a lot whilst on holiday, or you’re travelling in peak winter or summer temperatures, having the right atmospheric controls will make for a much nicer experience.
7. Bag storage
Finally, don’t forget to account for space for your luggage, as well as any equipment you’ll need to carry with you when you’re out and about. You might be happy to compromise for the trips to and from the airport, but if your car will be your primary method of transport on your trip, you’ll want to be able to store everything easily without slamming the boot shut and hoping it stays closed.
8. Think about fuel efficiency
No one wants to spend their holiday waiting in queues at service stations more than they have to. This is especially true if you’re a wheelchair user, as an unfamiliar service station can add more stress to your trip.
So, it’s a good idea to look at the fuel efficiency of the vehicle you’re hiring to minimise the stops you’ll need to make. Remember that the added weight of your wheelchair will affect the efficiency, as well as having the air conditioning or heating running, so don’t rely on it as an exact measure – but it can be helpful when comparing vehicles.
It can also be useful to find out where some petrol stations are in comparison to where you’re staying. Online maps can be a great source of information, including any accessibility details, and knowing this ahead of time allows you to pick the petrol station that best suits you.
9. EV charging facilities
Many people are now thinking about sustainability when it comes to their holidays. If you’re an eco-conscious traveller, you may be interested in hiring a wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle (EV). Whilst these aren’t that common, there are some accessible EVs available, particularly in countries that have strong eco-credentials. If driving an EV is at the top of your priority list, then look to the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Sweden or Denmark – the top five countries when it comes to publicly accessible charging points.
Wherever you’re going, make sure you check the EV charging facilities before you book. Your accommodation may have EV charging stations, but they may not be suitable for wheelchair users, so it’s good to confirm first.
Wherever you’re going, make
sure you check the EV charging facilities before you book
You should also look into the EV infrastructure in the local area, noting stopping points near your planned excursions to ensure you don’t run out of battery. However, location is key. Many on-street EV charging points are not accessible for wheelchair users, so instead look to rely on ones that are at service stations or at your accommodation.
10. The cost of hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle
Just like any other holiday item, you’ll want to account for the cost of hiring your wheelchair-accessible vehicle in your overall budget. But how much should you expect to pay?
The price will depend on the size of the vehicle, how long you’re renting it for, and where you’re renting. More popular areas may have higher demand and higher operational costs, so the price will reflect that. It can also be difficult to find cost estimates online, as many companies require you to contact them for a bespoke quote. However, Handynamic, who are based in France, suggests that hiring a one wheelchair, four person Citroen Berlingo or Kangoo will cost €449 for seven days, with a Peugeot Partner (WAV and hand controls) costing €545 for the same amount of time. This doesn’t include delivery of the car to the airport or your holiday accommodation.
It’s best to contact providers well in advance of your trip, so you can compare car hire prices without feeling pressured.
11. Renting a WAV in the UK and taking it abroad
If you’re sticking closer to home, it may be feasible to rent a car in the UK and then drive to your destination. The UK has great transport links with mainland Europe, meaning that you can easily take your WAV on one of the ferry services or through the Channel Tunnel on the shuttle. From there, the rest of Europe awaits.
There are multiple firms offering wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire services in the UK. One of the benefits of doing things this way round is that you’re able to try the car before you get to your destination, making things less stressful for you. Just make sure you check that the insurance you take out covers you to drive abroad, and that you’re not likely to go over the fair usage policy when it comes to mileage.
Driving permits and paperwork
12. In the EU
In January 2021, the rules for motorists driving in the EU changed as a result of Brexit. For a small minority of drivers, this means you’ll need to fill out some extra paperwork to drive when you’re on holiday – regardless of whether you’re driving from the UK, or picking up the car when you get off the train or plane. The rules state that you’ll need to apply for an international driving permit (IDP) if:
You have a paper driving licence
Your licence was issued in
the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey
or Gibraltar
Luckily, they only cost £5.50 and you can easily get one from certain shops which have a PayPoint (such as the Post Office).
13. The rest of the world
Other countries may require you to apply for an IDP, as even a UK photocard licence isn’t enough. Common holiday destinations that require an IDP include the USA, Turkey, Brazil and Japan – so make sure you get your paperwork in order before you fly. If you’re unsure if you need an IDP, contact the embassy of the country you’re visiting, or check the government information page.
14. Book ahead of time
Hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle isn’t something you should do last minute. With a limited number of cars available, it’s key that this is one of the first things you do once you’ve made your holiday plans.
15. Sending special requests
Unfortunately, selecting a certain car when you book doesn’t actually guarantee that’s the vehicle you’ll get when you turn up at the airport. Most hire car companies reserve the right to swap your vehicle out if needed, for example if the car you’ve chosen needs repairs. Whilst this usually won’t be an issue, this can cause a problem when you consider the more limited pool of WAVs.
To try and reduce the risk of a logistical headache at the airport, send a follow up email once you’ve booked, explaining your needs. That way, the hire company has a record of your requirements, reducing the likelihood of them giving you a car that won’t be suitable.
Researching the right vehicle before you book
16. Go for a test drive at your local garage
If you don’t have your own car at home, you may not know what sort of WAV suits you. It’s not that easy to work out if your wheelchair, suitcases and passengers will all fit comfortably from pictures on the internet.
To combat this, contact your local garage and see if they’re able to let you look inside some of their WAVs, or even take them out for a test drive. This can remove any pre-trip stress and allow you to just enjoy the build up to your holiday, knowing you’ll get everything in the car once you land.
17. Common wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Unsure what types of cars to expect when looking for a WAV? Some commonly used vehicles include:
Peugeot Partner
Citroen Berlingo
Peugeot Rifter
Volkswagen Caddy
Ford Tourneo Connect
Ford Tourneo Custom
18. Research parking at your destination
Once you’ve booked your wheelchair-accessible vehicle, the preparations might seem done – but there are a few other things you can do to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Firstly, make sure you check out parking at your accommodation. Are there allocated car park spots for drivers with disabilities? Do you need to pre-book these or can you get a parking pass? What’s the parking like at any specific locations that you want to visit?
Knowing this information ahead of time can help reduce stress and make things easier for you. If you can’t find the information online, reach out to the hotel or attractions directly.
19. The Blue Badge scheme in the UK and Europe
If you’re a Blue Badge holder in the UK, you might be surprised to know that you can use it in some countries in Europe, too. In some countries, you’ll need to display it alongside a local parking permit or pass, but many of these can be obtained before you travel. It’s well worth checking the rules for the country you’re visiting, as this can make a big difference to how close you can park, especially at busy tourist attractions or in peak season.
It’s also a good idea to print a small notice in the local language to explain what your badge means. This can then be seen by parking officers and can help avoid any fines. Remember – Blue Badge or not, you’ll still need to obey the parking rules, so make sure you’re parked up in the correct space.
20. Consider the logistics
Whenever you’re making travel arrangements, it’s important to think about your connections once you touch down. Is the car hire desk located in the airport terminal you’ll land in? Do you need to take a shuttle bus to get to it? Will you arrive late at night or early in the morning, when the desk is closed?
Try to make your life as easy as possible by arriving during regular business hours. That way, you won’t be rushing to get to the hire desk, or stressed if your flight gets delayed. Even if the desk is open throughout the night, arriving in the daytime can be beneficial if there’s something not quite right with your car when you check it over.
21. Have a backup plan
Even the best laid plans can sometimes go awry – it’s all part of the stories you’ll tell when you get home, but it can be annoying at the time. Ideally, if you got to the hire desk and there was a problem with your car, they’d have an alternative wheelchair-accessible vehicle available. It’s ultimately their responsibility – but in some cases, they may not be able to find a vehicle and will just refund you instead.
So, it can be handy to have a plan B. Getting on public transport isn’t always logistically possible in a wheelchair, or the easiest option. However, it can be good to check out how you could get to your accommodation if it was the only option available.
22. What if something breaks whilst you’re on holiday?
The other issue to consider is what you’ll do if the car breaks down whilst you’re on holiday, or there’s an issue such as the ramp not working. Many hire companies will include breakdown cover as part of the rental deal, but make sure you confirm either way when you collect the vehicle.
The first port of call for any car issues should be the hire company themselves, who should resolve the problem for you. However, it can be good to note the name and contact details of a wheelchair repair shop in the area (if one exists), as they’ll have connections to garages that are used to fixing adapted vehicles.
23. What are the rules about wheelchair-accessible taxis?
If you’re travelling to a larger, more established city, using taxis as a backup plan could work. However, do be prepared to wait. Frustratingly, accessible taxis aren’t the standard in many places, meaning that you’ll have to wait for one to become available, and potentially pay a higher price.
If you’re travelling in the UK, the law states that licenced taxis have to be wheelchair accessible in larger cities. Even in smaller places, a taxi firm legally cannot refuse to take you, but this may not be in an accessible vehicle. In this case, they’re required to help you get in and out of the car, and safely store your mobility aids.
If you’re not sure of the rules in the destination country you’re travelling to, contact the tourist board. You may also be able to find information from other disabled travellers online about estimated costs or services that worked well (or not) for them.
24. Confirm any safety equipment you need to provide
If you’re hiring a car in the country you’re holidaying in, the car provider should provide you with the relevant safety equipment you legally need to carry, such as a reflective triangle. After all, you won’t want to carry these on the plane with you.
However, if you’re renting a WAV in your home country and then driving it to another, make sure you check online to confirm the safety equipment you need to carry. Depending on the country, you may need:
- Reflective jackets
- Reflective warning triangle
- Headlamp beam deflectors
- A UK car sticker
- First aid kit
It’s no longer a requirement to carry a breathalyser in France, but it can still be handy to do so, as the alcohol limit is lower than England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The same lower limit applies in other countries too, including:
Scotland
Italy
Finland
Belgium
Spain
Luxembourg
Germany
Austria
Switzerland
Netherlands
Denmark
Turkey
25. Research the rules of the road
Anyone hiring a car abroad should check the rules of the country they’re travelling to. What goes in the UK isn’t the same in Europe, and if you’re driving even further afield, the rules could be completely different. Knowing what the regulations are can stop you from getting in trouble, but also keep you and others safe.
26. Getting help from the tourist board
The final piece of advice for this section is to contact the tourist board if you’re not sure about where to hire a car, what the rules are, parking permits or any other logistical queries that you need advice on. They’re there to help you, and you deserve to enjoy your holiday.
Chapter 2
When you arrive
Once the preparations are complete, you’ve made it on the plane, and you’re touching down on the tarmac, the next stage is to successfully pick up your wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Thanks to your research, this should be a reasonably quick and painless process – but there are still some things to bear in mind.
27. Picking up your wheelchair-accessible vehicle
We touched on this earlier, but knowing exactly where the hire desk is for your chosen rental company is key. Many are based inside the airport terminal, but you then may need to travel elsewhere to actually get the car. Or, in city airports, you may need to get a shuttle bus to get to the hire desk in the first place, thanks to parking limitations. Make sure that you know what accessibility options are available to you, to avoid trying to translate signs on your phone when you’re in the airport.
28. EU law on airport assistance
In the EU, airports and airlines are legally required to help passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility during all stages of their journey. This means they have to help you from the moment you arrive in the airport, right to when you get to your hire car. This includes getting to the aircraft, getting to your seat, disembarking, collecting your bags and getting you to an onward mode of transport. This assistance has to be free, but you’ll need to let your airline/airport know before you arrive.
29. Check everything works before you drive off
When you’re handed the keys to your hire car, it can be tempting to just get in and drive off. You’ve probably already had a long journey and the lure of your holiday awaits – but make sure to take a few minutes to check the vehicle over. Once you’ve driven off, the car company can say that any issues were caused by you, meaning you may be liable to pay for any repairs.
As well as confirming the car generally runs okay, the lights work and any air conditioning or heating works too, check the accessibility features. Ramps should move easily, and any hand controls should work as described.
30. Take photos to confirm the condition of the vehicle
After inspecting the inside and checking everything works, make sure to take photos of the general condition of the car. Chances are, it won’t be in immaculate condition, and you don’t want any damage to be attributed to you. There may be scrapes on the paintwork from busy streets or potentially marks on the inside from squeezing luggage in, so get photo evidence in case these are raised when you return the vehicle.
31. Make sure you’re aware of all the features
If there’s any features on the car that are new to you, now’s the time to ask how they work. Equally, if you’re expecting something that’s not there, highlight this to the staff member – it may be that they’re just in a different place to where you’re used to. You don’t want to be searching for these as you’re driving, or when you’re trying to get out the door to your day’s activities.
32. Confirm any additional charges
Companies will often charge extra for younger drivers (under 25), older drivers (over 75) – but can also charge for specific adaptations and extra drivers on top of the main rental holder. There will also be a reasonable mileage allowance, and they’ll charge you extra per mile (or kilometre) that you go over this.
Confirm these charges before you sign, and make sure you’ve budgeted for them should they make it to your final bill. It’s worth noting that some companies, such as Enterprise, don’t charge for adjustments or surrogate drivers (if you don’t hold a licence because of your disability), so if you think these will apply, it may be worth checking these options out first if they’re available at your destination country.
33. Make a note of what to do if you have an accident
It’s not that nice to think about, but sometimes things do go wrong. Make a note of who you should contact if you are involved in an accident, as well as understanding the terms of the insurance to know what you may be liable for. Don’t rely on your travel insurance for this – unless you’ve taken it out as an extra, your hire car likely won’t be part of your standard holiday cover.
34. Read the contract carefully before signing
Following on from our advice on additional charges – read the terms and conditions of the contract carefully before signing. At this point, you might just want to get on the road, but once you’ve signed you’re bound by the contract. If you’re using a legitimate firm, there shouldn’t be anything untoward in there, but small details such as the agreed return time may not have been flagged.
Renting a wheelchair-accessible vehicle on holiday can help you enjoy the freedom to explore some truly amazing places around the world. Getting the right car for you might feel like a lot of work, but you’ll be glad of your research when you’re enjoying your holiday. Plus, once you’ve done it once, you’ll feel more confident to get out there and take more trips in the future.
Chapter 3
35. Useful links
Need more information? Check out these helpful sites.
