[garry]

Hi guys

I’m just starting to research my next vehicle severalteen months away but I do like to start my research early.

I currently have a BMW series 2 grand tourer with a hoist for my small scooter.

I’m considering getting a medium / large WAV that will fit a larger scooter in, my small scooter has no suspension and is only suitable for short stints, this and the fact that unless the parking area is flat with no incline it can be very difficult to load and unload due to the hoist reach and fastenings.

My thinking is to treat it like Thunderbird 2 and load either my large or small scooter depending on my destination and purpose of my journey. ?

A question for drivers of medium/large WAV ‘s with a rear ramp fitted, do you find it difficult to find suitable parking spots to safely load and unload wheelchairs?  most disabled bays seem to be too short to me. Also if parking on road do other drivers park too close that you cant get access to your ramp?

Are there any other problems I need to consider?

Any tips advice would be welcomed

Regards Garry

 

 

Topic

[vinalspin]

I have a non wav Peugeot Rifter long version, I have removed the two 3rd row seats and as it has a low load height I use a pair of independent aluminium 6′ ramps, I find it easier to position them where I need them, ie offset to the back, up onto a kerb etc and I can easily fit my class 3 scooter in fully built up as well as the ramps and my manual wheelchair at the same time with loads of space for shopping etc and that is with the other 5 seats in their normal position.

[garry]

Thanks for your reply vinalspin,  I’m happy that you have found a set up that works for you and your needs.

My own condition is such that I really need a fixed assisted ramp or a more forgiving hoist / lift set up.

Ideally a set up that would allow me to ride a medium sized scooter into and out of the vehicle I’m afraid my manual lifting days are behind me.

My fears. are safely getting in and out and not being able to lower the ramp if people habitually ignore the need to leave space behind such vehicles.
The length of most disabled bays mean that even with my current vehicle hoist it lowers the scooter into the path of impatient drivers in supermarket carparks etc.

It would be nice to learn from experienced WAV drivers that my fears are hopefully unjustified ?

[Unclebob]

From past experience driving a Renault Master and Mercedes Sprinter WAV’s is there are very few parking spaces that are big enough , so We would go for on street parting on single or double yellow lines without yellow curb flashes (with blue badge)

Or a parking bay at the end of a row in the street so you can lower the ramp or tail lift without cars parking behind you .it is more of a challenge theses days with many curbs have the yellow flashed down the curb edge .

Middle size vans like the VW transporter  are still too high for multi story carparks, so you could be restricted to Peugeot Rifter smaller WAV.

[garry]

Thanks for you reply @Unclebob,

Your experience sounds pretty much as I had envisaged it.

I guess I was hoping to hear  ‘don’t be silly disabled bays are well designed and are plenty big enough and other car drivers are very courteous and always leave enough room for ramps‘. ?

My search and research for a suitable (for me) vehicle /scooter combination will go on……

[Unclebob]

In the last few years councils have made it very difficult to park a big WAV in provided parking bays, on our days out to the south coast seaside resorts like Hastings and Brighton, Yellow line parking is the only option, then you have to make very sure you are not in the way due to the size of the vehicle ?

[Author]

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