The Process of Converting a Vehicle to Be Wheelchair Accessible

Making transportation more inclusive starts with understanding the process of converting a vehicle to be wheelchair accessible. Whether you’re a family member, carer, support worker, or person with a disability, knowing what goes into this transformation helps you make confident, informed decisions.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step journey of converting a standard vehicle into one that supports full wheelchair accessibility — from choosing the right base vehicle to final safety checks. We’ll also include links to real-world vehicle examples so you can see what these modifications look like.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Base Vehicle

Not every vehicle is suitable for a wheelchair-accessible conversion. Vans, especially those with high roofs and flat floors, are most commonly used due to the space required for wheelchair maneuverability.

Popular models include:

Toyota Hiace
Kia Carnival
Volkswagen Caddy
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

👉 View real wheelchair accessible Toyota Hiace vehicles here

When selecting a base vehicle, consider:

Interior space
Door height and width
Suspension type (low floor options are ideal)
Fuel efficiency and driving preferences

Step 2: Planning the Conversion Design

This phase involves a detailed consultation with a mobility vehicle specialist. Here, decisions are made around the type of access system and interior layout.

Key considerations include:

Ramp vs. Lift access (manual or automatic)
Rear-entry vs. side-entry
Seating configuration for carers, family, or additional passengers
Floor lowering or roof raising (for headroom clearance)

Designs are based on:

The wheelchair user’s measurements
Type of wheelchair used
Daily lifestyle and travel needs

Step 3: Lowering the Floor or Raising the Roof

To allow enough clearance for the wheelchair and user, either the vehicle floor is lowered or the roof is raised — sometimes both.

Lowered floors create a safer incline for ramps and help with interior space.
Raised roofs are ideal when additional vertical space is needed, especially for power chairs or taller individuals.

👉 See inside a converted wheelchair-accessible Kia Carnival

Step 4: Installing Ramps or Lifts

The next part of the process of converting a vehicle to be wheelchair accessible is installing a ramp or lift.

Manual ramps are more budget-friendly and lightweight.
Automatic lifts or ramps provide independent access with push-button controls.

Rear-entry ramps are common in private-use vehicles, while side-entry is often preferred for commercial or ride-share purposes.

Step 5: Securing Wheelchair Restraints and Seatbelts

Safety is a top priority in any conversion. Wheelchairs are secured using a 4-point tie-down system (usually retractable belts). A dedicated seatbelt system is also installed for the wheelchair user.

These systems must meet national safety standards and are tested to withstand impact forces in the event of an accident.

Step 6: Modifying Seating Layouts and Interiors

The vehicle’s interior is then modified to suit your specific needs:

Removal or relocation of existing seats
Installation of foldable or removable seats
Slip-resistant flooring
Additional storage or rails for support

👉 Explore different wheelchair accessible vehicle layouts

Step 7: Compliance, Safety Checks & Registration

Once the conversion is complete, the vehicle undergoes a compliance inspection. In Australia, this includes:

Engineer certification
Roadworthy inspection
Compliance with Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport

Your converted vehicle will then be registered as a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) and may be eligible for NDIS funding or transport subsidies, depending on your state and circumstances.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the process of converting a vehicle to be wheelchair accessible empowers you to make smarter decisions and ensures the best outcome for safety, comfort, and independence. It’s a detailed process — but one that changes lives.

If you’re ready to explore wheelchair accessible vehicles, or simply want to see what’s possible visually, check out: