Introduction
Choosing the right wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) depends on your lifestyle, the type of wheelchair you use, and how you plan to use the vehicle day to day. This guide covers the main types of used, Japan-sourced Welcab WAVs available in Australia through Glam Groups, based in Campbellfield, Melbourne, to help you make an informed decision.
Rear-Entry Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Rear-entry WAVs allow the wheelchair user to remain seated in their own wheelchair and enter from the back of the vehicle via a factory-fitted ramp or electronic hoist/lift. This is the most common configuration across the Welcab range.
Toyota HiAce 200 Series — a larger people mover with an electronic hoist and lift system rated to carry up to 250–300 kg, a spacious rear cabin with full wheelchair positioning, and seating for up to eight additional passengers. Prices for used examples typically start from around $75,500.
Toyota Alphard — a premium people mover with a factory-fitted rear ramp/lift, low floor entry and side access ramp. Access measurements are typically around 138 cm floor-to-ceiling height and 78 cm width at the rear. Used models generally start from around $44,500.
Toyota Voxy, Noah and Esquire (80 Series 2015–2019) and 70 Series (2007–2014) — mid-size people movers with a factory-installed rear ramp, Q’Straint floor tie-down restraints, and individual lap and sash seatbelts for the wheelchair occupant. The 70 Series typically starts from around $28,500, and the 80 Series from around $44,500. When wheelchair access isn’t needed, these vehicles can be reconfigured back to full passenger capacity.
Nissan Serena C27 Series (2016–2025) — one of the more recent, well-equipped Welcab-equivalent people movers, combining modern safety features with a purpose-built rear wheelchair ramp.
Electric Hoist Chair (Side-Entry Assist Seating)
Separate to the rear wheelchair ramp/lift, many Welcab people movers (including the Voxy, Noah and Esquire ranges) also offer an Electric Hoist Chair option. This is a powered seat, installed in the front or middle row, that lowers to ground level beside the vehicle at the press of a button and gently lifts the occupant into place. It’s intended for passengers with limited mobility who can transfer out of their own wheelchair, rather than for someone who needs to remain seated in their wheelchair, and the mechanism folds away discreetly when not in use.
Compact Welcab Options
Toyota Sienta — a compact, practical Welcab option (NCP8x series, 2003–2015) suited to urban use, with a smaller footprint that’s easier to park and manoeuvre in the city.
Toyota Ractis — a compact Welcab model (NSP1XX series, 2005–2016) with a smart interior layout, designed for urban driving without compromising comfort.
Ramp Access vs Lift/Hoist Access
Ramp access — a fold-out or slide-out ramp that the wheelchair rolls up, manually or with assistance. Simpler and lower maintenance, and standard on the Voxy, Noah and Esquire ranges.
Lift/hoist access — an electronic platform hoist that raises and lowers the wheelchair automatically, rated up to around 250–300 kg. Standard on the HiAce 200 Series and better suited where manual ramp use is difficult.
Factory-Fitted vs Aftermarket Conversions
Factory-fitted Welcab vehicles are built with accessibility features installed by the original manufacturer as part of the Welcab (Toyota) or equivalent (Nissan Lifecare) conversion program, rather than added afterwards. Every used WAV in the Glam Groups range is a genuine factory conversion sourced from Japan — not an aftermarket modification. This tends to make them more reliable and better integrated, and they’re widely accepted by NDIS providers. Aftermarket conversions, where a standard vehicle is modified after purchase, can vary significantly in quality and should be assessed carefully before buying.
WAV People Movers
People movers are the most common type of WAV in Australia. Models like the Toyota HiAce, Alphard, Voxy, Noah and Esquire, along with the Nissan Serena, are widely used because of their spacious interiors, sliding doors, and compatibility with wheelchair ramps or hoists. They can carry multiple passengers alongside one or two wheelchair users, making them suitable for family transport, community care, and NDIS-funded transport.
How to Choose the Right WAV
- The type of wheelchair — manual, powered, or scooter
- How many passengers need to travel alongside the wheelchair user
- Whether ramp or lift/hoist access is more practical for the user
- Interior height and floor space requirements, such as ramp dimensions and floor-to-ceiling clearance
- Whether NDIS funding is being used to contribute to the vehicle
- Whether restraints and an engineer’s certificate are current and compliant for wheelchair occupant transport
Browse Our Range
Glam Groups stocks a range of used wheelchair accessible vehicles in Melbourne, including Toyota HiAce, Alphard, Voxy, Noah, Esquire, Sienta and Ractis Welcab models, as well as Nissan Serena Welcab-equivalent vehicles — all factory-fitted and sourced from Japan. We’re a registered NDIS provider, and we also offer wheelchair accessible vehicle hire for short-term needs. Contact our team to discuss which vehicle suits your requirements.
Note: model availability, specifications and pricing are indicative and sourced from current Glam Groups listings and industry sources; please confirm exact figures for the specific vehicle in stock at time of purchase.