Renault Trafic mid wheelchair user position rear lift WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles

The high roof Renault Trafic is a practical WAV that works for various needs in the accessible vehicle market. It’s a large van for sure, but it has the room to accommodate the broadest of needs in the wheelchair accessible vehicle marketplace. Its internal dimensions give it the edge when looking at high level needs wheelchair users. The Trafic can carry multiple carers and a broad spectrum of equipment, and given the internal floor area, this, to a certain extent, can be arranged how you’d like it to be to accommodate your specific needs.

The Trafic’s usable floor area does not significantly vary much compared to the standard-wheelbase Renault Master, but the roof height is the critical difference apart from looks. Most people can stand in the Trafic, whereas most could not in a standard roof Master. We tend to try and stock the high roof Trafic and the low roof Master as we feel that between the two vehicles, as WAVs, they accommodate the majority of needs and demands we have come across over the years.

The Renault Trafic conversion will vary depending on who converted it; we prefer buying them with as much floor tracking as possible. Maximum tracking means the flexibility is already there. If the tracking is present, you can accommodate quick-release seats and move them around in the vehicle, secure a wheelchair user in various places, or have multiple wheelchair user positions.

It is possible to get up to four wheelchair users in a standard wheelbase Renault Trafic, but it needs to be thoroughly tested first. We’d not generally recommend this unless it was at least a medium wheelbase vehicle. The standard-wheelbase version of the Trafic will accommodate two wheelchair users, usually side by side or possibly inline, but this must be scrutinised carefully.

The Renault Trafic is not a luxury WAV, but the practicality and accommodating space that comes with it will ensure that you can move a wheelchair user quickly and efficiently to where they need to be. The Trafic is built with two or three front seats and anything from one to five rear seats plus one wheelchair user position. There are usually five positions a wheelchair user can be positioned in a Renault Trafic, the nearside front or back, the offside front or back or centrally in the middle of the floor.

Scooter users like the Trafic too, as it gives plenty of space to dismount and no obstacles to navigate. It is important to remember that whilst the accommodation is substantial, the size of the rear lift floor will vary, so always check with us before you travel that your scooter will fit on the lift. We seek the WAVs with the more extensive lift floors, but not all lifts are the same size, and the lift most Renault Trafics were fitted with do not accommodate that many scooters.

The Trafic works well for those it suits, but it isn’t for everyone. Its roof height, for one, will stop you from getting in most car parks; this is essential to note before you consider one. It is most definitely of a van origin, and this will be reflected in its specification, size and manoeuvrability. Still, it is so practical and solves many issues that put potential WAV buyers straight into it. It is a no-hassle wheelchair accessible vehicle, and we do like that attitude it has.

The Renault Trafic comes with a variety of different engine powers, they are always diesel, and there is a manual and a semi-auto gearbox. Both are straightforward to drive; the ride height is good too, which makes driving so much easier and as stress-free as it can get. Driver confidence is essential when transporting wheelchair users around; worry can be pretty infectious, so always make sure the driver is content to drive a vehicle of this size and dimensions and indeed at the height they will be seated.

SMV conclusion: the Trafic is a large internally accommodating WAV with natural flexibility and a high roof, so no bending down. The 1.6-litre diesel engine is lively and pulls very well; it cruises nicely, and it will eat as many miles as you want it to do. It’s a genuine workhorse that will keep going, and they are very reliable.

Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you. We are independent WAV advisors, so you will get the best of all worlds, whatever your wheelchair access needs are. Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, short term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs.