Having the right accessories can make a huge difference when travelling this summer in your wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV). The right accessories can enhance the comfort, safety, and accessibility of the vehicle, making travelling a much more enjoyable and stress-free experience.
To ensure you always get the most out of every journey, we’ve compiled a list of the top 12 accessories that will transform your travelling experience this year!
1. Hydrant water bottle
Our first must-have accessory for WAVs is The Hydrant water bottle, which provides hydration to people with limited mobility while on the go. The 1-litre bottles have a built-in cap, a bracket to hang the bottle from the wheelchair and a drinking tube and bite valve, making it easy to enjoy a drink without assistance. All you do is fill the bottle with whatever you want to drink, hold the tube and with the bite valve between your lips, bite and suck when you wish to drink. The bottle’s bite valve opens and closes depending on the pressure, so there’s no need to worry about leaks.
2. Built-in lap desk bag
The Trabasack Is a very useful and convenient accessory in a WAV to improve independence for wheelchair users. It’s a versatile, lightweight and portable wheelchair lap tray and bag that provides a level surface for eating, writing, or using a laptop while in a WAV. Its secure straps and non-slip surface prevent items from falling, and the built-in bag provides a convenient place to store and access personal items.
3. Portable urinals
A lightweight and portable urinal is a convenient accessory to keep in your WAV if you or your passenger find it difficult to access public toilets or need to go to the toilet urgently. It’s both a hygienic and discreet way to manage urinary needs while on the road. The ergonomic shape of the Uriwell unisex portable urinal means that it fits snuggly when in use to avoid any spillages. Meanwhile, the lid remains tightly fitted when not used and is leak-free, even if you store it on its side.
4. Handy wipes
Wipes are a very useful accessory to have on board your WAV. You can use them to clean surfaces and hands or mop up spills on the go. The Cheeky Panda Handy Wipes will fit easily into your wheelchair bag for on-the-go cleanliness. They are also safe for sensitive skin and biodegradable, so you can put them in the bin when you’re finished with them with the peace of mind that they’ll eventually break down and won’t be hanging around the planet for years to come.
5. Travel sick bags
If you or your passengers experience sickness while travelling, Travel John Sick Bags are a convenient, discreet and hygienic way to manage travel sickness while on the road. They are made from tough material with leakproof seams and contain a super-absorbent pad that rapidly absorbs liquid, avoiding spreading germs or odours. After use, all you need to do is seal the bag and dispose of it. You can also use the bag as an emergency urinal bag if needed.
6. RADAR disabled toilet key
With more than 10,000 disabled toilets with RADAR locks across the UK, you’ll want to keep a RADAR key in your WAV. With this special key, you can easily access locked public disabled toilets without asking a staff member to unlock them. You can find RADAR-disabled toilets in various locations, including cafes, train stations, airports, parks, pubs and shopping centres.
7. Adult travel bands
Adult travel bands are a helpful solution if you experience motion sickness when travelling in wheelchair accessible vehicles. These bands work by using the principles of acupressure to apply pressure to specific points on the wrist, which can help reduce nausea and dizziness. It’s important to get advice from a healthcare professional before using anti-sickness bands, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or take medications that may interact with them.
8. HandyBar
The HandyBar is a very useful portable device designed to help people get in and out of a vehicle, for those with mobility issues. It slots into the door latch within the inner frame of the vehicle, and its sturdy handle gives support as you or your passenger transfers from the wheelchair to a seat in the vehicle. The HandyBar also features a seatbelt cutter and window smasher in the event of an emergency.
9. Wheelchair cosy
A wheelchair cosy is a must-have for anyone using a wheelchair accessible vehicle during the winter. Fleece-lined and waterproof, the wheelchair cosy provides extra warmth and comfort and protects wheelchair users from the wind and cold weather. It covers the lower body and includes a back panel to provide extra comfort and cosiness. Compatible with most manual wheelchairs, the wheelchair cosy has an extra large double finger ring zip and chord for easy use.
10. Cooling seat pad
Sitting for too long can get uncomfortable, especially in warm weather. That’s why a cooling seat pad is a great accessory for anyone using a wheelchair accessible vehicle, especially during the summer. It provides a cool, comfortable sitting surface and reduces skin irritation and discomfort. You don’t need to freeze them first. The seat pad contains sealed gel packs that react to the body’s heat to create a cooling sensation.
11. AccessAble
The AccessAble app is a great resource for planning a trip in your WAV. Once you’ve downloaded the free app, select where you want to visit, and it will give you all the accessibility information you need about your chosen destination so you can make informed decisions about whether a location is accessible for you.
12. Blue Badge parking app
The Blue Badge Parking app is a great tool when you are in your wheelchair accessible vehicle. It allows you to find the location of blue badge disabled parking spaces at your chosen destination, so you don’t have to drive around for ages to find a suitable parking space.
Whether you have a Vauxhall Movano, Renault Trafic or one of our other new or used WAVs, these 12 accessories will not only help to make travelling more comfortable, convenient, and safe but more enjoyable too!
If you are looking for a new wheelchair accessible vehicle, here at GowringsVersa Mobility, you’ll find an extensive range of new, nearly new and used mobility vehicles. Contact us at 0345 608 8020 or online anytime to find out more.
DISCLAIMER: GowringsVersa Mobility is not affiliated, associated, authorised, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the brands, companies or products mentioned within this article. The article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information presented in this article is provided in good faith and we make no representation or warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy, reliability or adequacy of the products and services mentioned. Under no circumstances are we liable for any loss or damage incurred as a result of the use of this site, your reliance on any information on the site is solely at your own risk.
