COMFORT • INCLUSION • SAFETY
Brotherwood have been converting cars for wheelchair users since 1985. With that experience we have developed a unique approach to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) conversion, one which puts the travelling experience of the wheelchair user first.
ENGINEERING TO ENABLE
Brotherwood Wheelchair Accessible Vehicless feature a unique flat, level, lowered floor, enabling superior comfort, inclusion, and safety for the wheelchair user, as well as greater ease of use for families and carers.
ENGINEERING TO ENABLE
We prioritise wheelchair passenger comfort, by ensuring that the wheelchair user travels in the centre of the vehicle. Sitting centrally within the car creates a smoother ride, when compared to sitting over the rear axle. The flat, level surface creates a naturally ergonomic seating position.
Our lowered floor also reduces the centre of gravity of the wheelchair passenger. This greatly reduces the feeling of ‘body roll’, leading to a much more comfortable and enjoyable ride.
“A longitudinally central location in which a person is seated as close to the vehicle chassis as possible, i.e. as low in the vehicle as possible, is considered to be the most comfortable position in which to be transported in a vehicle.”
Posture & Mobility Group
“Best Practice for the Transportation of People Seated in Wheelchairs” (v2.2, April 2020)
ENGINEERING TO ENABLE
Many of our customers comment on how they have felt isolated travelling in other Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. A Brotherwood conversion enables wheelchair users to travel inclusively with family and friends as part of the social group.
An equal head-height for able-bodied and wheelchair seated passengers alike enables easier conversation and promotes the feeling of social inclusion and wellbeing for the wheelchair user.
ENGINEERING TO ENABLE
The extreme rear of the vehicle is not considered to be the safest position within the vehicle for the wheelchair user, who may feel more vunerable when seated close to the rear door.
Moving the wheelchair position forward reduces this risk and enables the restraints to affix at the recommended 45º angle, making them more effective at securing the wheelchair.
“When using a typical four-point wheelchair tie-down, it is best to position the wheelchair so that the floor anchor points for the rear tie-down straps are directly behind the securement points on the wheelchair.
A side-view angle of 30° to 45° relative to the horizontal is desirable.”
Posture & Mobility Group
“Best Practice for the Transportation of People Seated in Wheelchairs” (v2.2, April 2020)
ENGINEERING TO ENABLE
Ensuring that the wheelchair is positioned with all wheels on a level surface gives a much more natural seating posture, offering improved visibility out of the front and side windows which can mitigate travel or motion sickness.
The lowered floor also creates more headroom for the wheelchair user – particularly useful if you are tall, but creating a beneficial feeling of spaciousness for all passengers.
“The field of vision and visibility of the wheelchair occupant, for communication or attendance, are also important considerations when choosing the wheelchair position within a vehicle.”
Posture & Mobility Group
“Best Practice for the Transportation of People Seated in Wheelchairs” (v2.2, April 2020)
ENGINEERING TO ENABLE
Our unique lowered floor is not only better when travelling; the loading procedure is also made much easier for all.
By lowering the floor, the gradient of the ramp is reduced. This makes loading and unloading easier and safer for wheelchair user and carer alike, and means that the lightweight, counterbalanced rear ramp can be shorter, making it easier to deploy and use in almost any parking space.
“Use of passenger lifts for access to vehicles has proven to be a high risk activity where wheelchairs and their occupants have suffered injury as a result of falling from a lift platform.”
Posture & Mobility Group
“Best Practice for the Transportation of People Seated in Wheelchairs” (v2.2, April 2020)
INNOVATION
You’ll only find these features on a Brotherwood conversion – engineering to enable comfortable, inclusive, convenient and safe travel for all.
Our unique lightweight ramps are counterbalanced, so they can be effortlessly lifted by foot or hand.
The ramp angle is shallow to enable easy loading, while long-life fittings ensure minimal maintenance, and reliable performance for years to come. Finished with a high-traction surface that makes access easy for manual or power chairs.
STORQ is a unique Brotherwood design, which automatically applies extra tension to the wheelchair restraints – ideal for those with limited grip or dexterity who might struggle with traditional buckles.
By ensuring the rear restraints are properly tensioned, the wheelchair user enjoys a safer, more stable ride. Meanwhile the loading process is made faster and easier.
Hook-i PAWRS is a remote-controlled, powered front restraint system, to assist loading a wheelchair and passenger.
The restraints are attached outside the vehicle, making the process easier and safer for carers. No pushing required – simply press the remote control for effortless loading and unloading of combined wheelchair and passenger weights up to 250kg.
MOTABILITY WAVs
Volkswagen Caddy Life
Ford Tourneo Connect
Mercedes Benz V-Class
Vauxhall Vivaro e
How To Apply