The accessible minibus: everyone in the same vehicle

A wheelchair-accessible minibus has a lift or ramp and secure places for wheelchairs, so a mixed group does not have to split up for the journey.

Layouts vary

Each wheelchair place replaces seats and some of the luggage room. Tell us how many people stay in their chairs and how many transfer, and the partner operator matches the layout.

Every wheelchair place has securing points, and they are checked before the vehicle moves off. For a smaller party, a car can do the job too: German rules then ask for a wheelchair space where one restraint holds the chair and another holds its user.

Inside the vehicle

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
Category D1 licence for up to 16 passengers besides the driver
A bus may use the 100 km/h motorway limit only if the wheelchair places in use are also fitted with seat belts
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)
Lift or ramp access with wheelchair securing points

On the road

Such a vehicle may only use the 100 km/h motorway limit if the wheelchair places in use also have seat belts, so allow a little more time on long drives. The driver holds class D1, enough for 16 passengers.

Plan more stops than for a standard minibus. Boarding by lift takes a few minutes per person, and a comfortable break every couple of hours helps everyone. Give the addresses of any stops in advance, so the driver knows where the lift can be lowered safely.

Arranged with each booking

The EU assistance rules for disabled travellers are written for scheduled long-distance routes of 250 km or more. A private hire is different: the vehicle, help with boarding and extra stopping time are agreed when you book.

Care homes, day centres and families planning a celebration all use this kind of minibus, from a short trip to the lake to a family wedding several hours away.

Questions travellers ask

Can electric wheelchairs travel?

Often, yes. Give the weight and size of the chair so the lift and the securing points suit it.

Can a carer sit next to the wheelchair user?

Usually. Say where carers need to sit and the layout is planned for it.

Is it only for airport and cruise transfers?

No. Day trips, family events and regular outings work just as well.

Is there room for luggage?

Less than in a standard minibus, because wheelchair places take space. For a holiday transfer, mention suitcases.