<
https://thedriven.io/2026/05/22/kia-introduces-innovative-wheelchair-accessible-option-to-pv5-electric-van/>
"Retrofitting vehicles to make them wheelchair accessible always presents
problems. Electric vehicles too present challenges in this area – with their
batteries mounted below the floor, several of the options for conversions are
prevented as you can’t easily stow a retractable ramp below the floor, nor can
the floor be modified to lower.
There are still possibilities though – it just needs a bit of thought!
Along those lines, Kia have just shown a factory-option wheelchair accessible
solution for their PV5 electric van. recently showcased at the Motability
Scheme Live exhibition (in Birmingham, UK), it was shown alongside several
rear-entry options from various ‘Kia approved’ UK converters.
This new option comes with a twist (literally, 90 degrees) as it utilises a
side entry system – thereby eliminating the issues rear-entry systems can be
plagued with, such as cars parking too close to the rear preventing re-entry or
having to navigate a kerb after exiting the vehicle.
The layout is specifically optimised for urban mobility use cases, including
private transport, taxi services and shuttle operations."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
