Funding for accessible cabs and converted WAVs, arranged so the conversion work is covered alongside the base vehicle rather than left out.
Whole-of-market — 60+ lenders searched, including
Yes. Wheelchair accessible taxis can be financed, including the conversion cost, which is often a large share of the total. Some authorities operate accessible-only fleets or require a proportion of licensed vehicles to be wheelchair accessible, and the rules differ markedly between councils, so check yours before ordering. Because a converted vehicle is worth what the accessible market will pay rather than what the base model is worth, funders look closely at who did the conversion and whether it is properly certified. A recognised converter and clean documentation make the placement considerably easier.
Used kit: Yes — used WAVs are actively funded and hold value well, though conversion certification and floor condition matter more than the age of the base vehicle.
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Business asset finance is quoted on a flat rate, so that is what this shows — with the equivalent APR underneath, because the two are not the same number. A quick guide only; your actual rate depends on the asset, term, deposit and lender.
Representative example: on Hire Purchase, borrowing £25,000 over 48 months at a 6.0% flat rate (equivalent to 11.5% APR representative), you would repay around £646 a month; total amount repayable approximately £31,000, of which £6,000 is the cost of finance. This calculator is for illustration only — it is not a quote or an offer of finance, and the rate and repayments you are offered will depend on the asset, term, deposit and your circumstances. CW Asset Finance is a credit broker, not a lender, and may receive a commission from the lender that funds your agreement. All finance is subject to status, affordability and lender approval. CW Asset Finance is an Appointed Representative of Rural Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 630701).
Two things drive this market. First, licensing: accessibility policy is set locally, with some authorities running wholly accessible hackney fleets, others setting quotas and others leaving it open, and the vehicle age and emissions conditions sit on top of that — confirm the current requirements with your own licensing team. Second, the conversion itself. A ramp or lowered floor, wheelchair restraints, occupant belts and a certified anchorage system represent real value, and funders will normally include them in the asset cost when the converter is established and the work is documented. Accessible vehicles tend to hold value better than equivalent standard cars because demand consistently outstrips supply. Owner-drivers are underwritten on personal standing; operators running accessible fleets are judged on the business, and contract income from a council or health body is a meaningful positive.
Examples of the machines we are asked to fund. This is not an exhaustive list — if what you are buying is not here, it does not mean we cannot fund it. Your supplier quote is what the agreement is written against.
| Machine | What it is |
|---|---|
| LEVC TX | Purpose-built taxi with integral ramp |
| Mercedes-Benz Vito Taxi | Accessible taxi with rear ramp access |
| Peugeot E-Traveller WAV | Electric accessible MPV for licensed work |
| Ford Tourneo Custom WAV | Accessible conversion with lowered floor |
| Nissan Dynamo | Electric purpose-built accessible taxi |
| Volkswagen Caddy WAV | Small accessible vehicle for one chair |
| Vauxhall Vivaro Life WAV | Accessible people carrier for taxi plates |
| Citroen Dispatch WAV | Accessible MPV conversion for hackney use |
| Toyota Proace Verso WAV | Accessible MPV with long warranty |
| Q-Straint wheelchair restraints | Floor tracking and tie-down systems |
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Drivers in districts that only plate accessible vehicles, operators bidding for local authority or school transport contracts that specify wheelchair capacity, and established taxi businesses adding an accessible vehicle to pick up work they currently refer elsewhere. The usual trigger is a council policy change or a contract tender with an accessibility requirement attached. Non-emergency medical work is a frequent second reason for the purchase.
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Bought on hire purchase, business plant and machinery normally qualifies for capital allowances on the full cost even though you pay for it monthly, which is a large part of why hire purchase is the common structure. On a finance lease you generally set the rentals against profit instead. The rules change between budgets and your position depends on how you trade, so treat this as the direction of travel and get your accountant to confirm the detail before you commit.
Yes, in most cases the whole package is funded as one asset. Where a converter is invoicing separately from the vehicle supplier we co-ordinate the payments so both are settled on completion. Trying to fund the base vehicle first and the conversion later is usually more expensive and more awkward.
Generally not. Certified accessible vehicles trade well because there are consistently more buyers than vehicles, particularly in districts with accessible fleet policies. The resale risk lies in poorly documented or uncertified work, which narrows the buyer pool sharply. Keep the conversion certificate and restraint test paperwork with the vehicle.
The converter issues it, and you should hold it. Funders will usually ask to see evidence that the anchorage and restraint system has been tested and that the work meets the relevant standard. Your licensing authority will also want it at inspection, so it is a document worth keeping safe from day one.
Hire and reward cover for an accessible taxi is priced separately and reflects the higher replacement cost of the converted vehicle and the nature of the passengers carried. Budget for it as its own line rather than assuming it tracks a standard taxi policy. Shop it independently of the finance.
That depends entirely on local policy. Some authorities accept a wide range of certified conversions, others specify particular body types or access arrangements, and a few limit accessible plates by number. Ask your licensing office for their current vehicle specification before you place an order with a converter.
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Not an offer of finance. All finance is subject to status, affordability and lender approval.
Tell us what you’re looking to fund and Conor will come back to you personally — usually the same day.
Prefer to talk? Call 07581 364281 · serving Leeds, York, Harrogate, Wakefield, Selby, Tadcaster & across North & West Yorkshire.