Skip to main content
Taxi Directory
A man in a wheelchair on the lowered lift of a wheelchair-accessible van, with a helper beside him

Wheelchair accessible taxis

Firms that say they run wheelchair accessible vehicles. Always confirm the vehicle suits your chair before the journey.

A wheelchair accessible vehicle, often shortened to WAV, is a taxi or private hire car adapted so a passenger can travel in their wheelchair, usually up a ramp or on a lift. Not every car a firm runs will be accessible, so book ahead and say that you need one.

Tell the firm about your chair when you book. The useful details are whether it is manual or powered, its approximate width, length and height, its weight with you in it, and whether you want to stay in the chair or transfer to a seat. Some vehicles are better suited to larger powered chairs than others, and the firm can only match the right one if it knows.

Also mention anyone travelling with you, and any other equipment such as an oxygen cylinder or a folding frame, so the vehicle has room for everyone. Ask whether the driver will help with the ramp and secure the chair with restraints, which is standard practice for accessible vehicles.

Under the Equality Act 2010, drivers of vehicles on a council's list of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles generally have a duty to carry wheelchair users, to help them, and not to charge extra for doing so. The rules differ in Northern Ireland, and your own council's licensing pages explain how its list works.

If something goes wrong, note the vehicle's registration number and the firm's name, and contact the firm first. You can also report a problem to the licensing team at the council that issued the licence.

The licensing rules mentioned on this page apply in England, Scotland and Wales. The rules are different in Northern Ireland.

Wheelchair accessible taxis in Nailsea

1 firm based in or covering Nailsea

Wheelchair accessible taxis by town

Wheelchair accessible taxis: common questions

How do I book a wheelchair accessible taxi?
Call the firm or use its app and say at the start that you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Give your pick-up time and address, and describe your chair so the right vehicle is sent.
Can I stay in my own wheelchair during the journey?
In most accessible vehicles you can, and the driver secures the chair with restraints. Some people prefer to transfer to a seat. Say which you want when you book, and check the vehicle can take your chair.
Can a firm charge more because I use a wheelchair?
Drivers of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles in Great Britain generally cannot charge extra for carrying a wheelchair user. If you are quoted more, ask the firm to explain, and contact the council's licensing team if you are not satisfied.