The wheelchair-accessible minibus
This minibus is fitted with a lift or ramp, plus securing points for wheelchairs. Wheelchair positions replace seats, so the number of seats depends on the layout you need.
Restraints and the motorway
Under § 35a StVZO, a vehicle carrying someone seated in a wheelchair needs a wheelchair space, a restraint for the chair and a restraint for the person. Ask for both on every booking. If a passenger can move to a normal seat, say so: it frees a wheelchair place for someone who cannot.
Speed follows from the same equipment. For the 100 km/h motorway limit, every occupied wheelchair place must have a seat belt too. Without that, the drive is planned at 80 km/h.
Seats and luggage
- Seats: Varies by layout; wheelchair positions replace seats
- Luggage: Limited; wheelchair positions reduce luggage room
Rules and equipment on board
- Lift or ramp access with wheelchair securing points
- A car carrying a wheelchair user seated in the wheelchair must have a wheelchair space with a wheelchair restraint and an occupant restraint (§ 35a StVZO)
- A bus may use the 100 km/h motorway limit only if the wheelchair places in use are also fitted with seat belts
- Category D1 licence for up to 16 passengers besides the driver
- The EU rights to assistance for disabled passengers cover scheduled long-distance bus and coach services of 250 km or more; on a private hire, accessibility is arranged with each booking
Layout, luggage and licence
Every wheelchair place takes room from seats and luggage. A group of six wheelchair users and ten walking passengers needs a different layout from one with two chairs. Send the mix, and say whether any chair is electric and heavy.
The driver holds category D1, which covers up to 16 passengers besides the driver. Walking aids, folded wheelchairs and oxygen equipment also need space, so list them with the luggage.
Who books it
Care homes and day centres on outings, groups with mixed mobility, and accessible airport or cruise transfers. EU rights to assistance apply to scheduled coach services of 250 km or more, not to a hire, so assistance on this vehicle is agreed when you book. Say whether passengers need help boarding, and whether carers travel with them.
Questions organisers ask
Can a large group travel with one accessible minibus?
Yes. A common plan is a coach for most passengers and this minibus for the wheelchair users, travelling together.
Is the lift suitable for electric wheelchairs?
Give the chair's weight and size, and the operator confirms that the lift and securing points fit it.
Is there room for luggage?
Limited. Wheelchair places reduce the luggage space, so mention suitcases and walking aids when you book.