Complete Guide to Buying a Used Wheelchair-Accessible Motorhome

Ever stared at a row of gleaming motorhomes and felt your stomach drop?

Buying a used wheelchair-accessible motorhome shouldn’t feel like climbing a hill in a headwind  -  but let’s be honest, it often does. 

Prices all over the place. Sellers who dodge straight answers. Endless scrolling and still not sure what’s a good deal or a bad fit. 

Sound familiar? 

Maybe you’re wondering, “What if I spend all this money and it’s not right?” 

You’re not alone. That knot in your stomach? Totally normal. 

But here’s the good news: this guide cuts through the noise. Real help, no fluff, no salesy nonsense. Just what you need to choose with confidence. Ready? Let’s start.

1. What Makes a Motorhome ‘Wheelchair Accessible’?

When we talk about an adapted motorhome, there’s more to it than just a wide door. 

Picture this: you're rolling into the habitation area with your wheelchair and everything just works. 

That needs lifts or hoists, sturdy grab handles, wheelchair restraint systems, and non-slip flooring. 

Accessibility equipment isn’t a “nice to have” - it’s mission‑critical. 

Factory-built wheelchair accessible models come with this kit fitted as standard, while bespoke builds let you choose exactly what you need. 

For example, imagine a ceiling track hoist cruising you from your chair to the shower - simple, elegant, life‑changing. That’s real freedom on four wheels.

2. Should You Buy New or Used? Pros and Cons

Right, let’s cut to the chase: new means fresh features, a full warranty - peace of mind straight from the showroom. But then there's the price tag. Buying used puts budget‑friendly front and centre. 

You could snag a high-end model for less and still get top-notch accessibility equipment. 

Bonus: some used models have already been diagnosed and maintained - no nasty surprises. 

Sure, older tech might need upgrading. But a solid adapted leisure vehicle can be retrofitted. More on that soon. 

For many, used offers the best of both worlds: bespoke capability, without the new‑vehicle premium.

3. How to Inspect a Used Wheelchair‑Accessible Motorhome

Roll around it. Every inch. Step inside. 

Does the lift lift smoothly? Does the wheelchair roll freely in the habitation area? Are the grab handles rock solid? 

Check that the ramp or hoist shows no signs of rust or wear. 

Ask for documentation: lift servicing, electrics tested, and proof of any bespoke build or adaptations. If the seller can’t hand it over, walk away. 

Example: say the electric lift jams halfway - don’t be polite. A proper broker will sort it out or flag a discount. 

You want a reliable, safe ride - not a gamble.

4. Common Accessibility Layouts and What They Offer

Side-entry layouts give easy access to the kitchen and living area. Great for solo travellers. 

Rear-entry opens into the bedroom or wet room - ideal for privacy or wheelchair users who need direct access to the loo. 

Then there’s lift-under-floor versus built-in in-cabin ramp. Floor lifts are discreet, leaving a clean look. 

On‑cabin ramps stick the minute you roll in - and may affect aesthetics. 

What’s right? That depends on your routine. 

A couple with carers might prefer a rear-entry layout; solo users might favour side entry.

No one-size fits all - and that’s exactly why Coachbuilt’s truly bespoke approach makes sense.

5. Where to Buy a Used Wheelchair‑Accessible Motorhome

While general dealers often list used accessible vans for sale, they don’t always offer the expertise you’ll find at a specialist like Coachbuilt. Whether you’re after mobility vans for sale or something larger like a fully converted motorhome, trust and inspection matter most.

Generic marketplaces are fine for standard vans. 

But when it comes to wheelchair accessible, you want specialists. 

A good sales team will know their stock inside out. 

Look out for sellers offering full inspection reports and part‑exchange options - just like Coachbuilt, where they’ll assess your old van or motorhome and knock the value off your final price. 

A trustworthy dealer acts as your ally, not pushy salespeople. Ask: “Was this a bespoke build or off‑the‑shelf?” Their answer tells you how tailored the vehicle really is.

6. Finance and Insurance

Buying a used adapted motorhome often means finance packages. 

A credit broker can help you compare options. 

Coachbuilt suggests specialist adapted leisure vehicle loans - think around £720 pcm for a £40K motorhome, with just a 10% deposit. 

It’s worth looking for loans authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - so you know the fine print's solid. 

On insurance, standard policies let you down fast. Insurers need to know about lifts, hoists, lowered floors. 

Specialist policies give you full cover for all accessibility equipment.

y transfer forms need filling within 14 days - miss that and water-ingress cover evaporates.

7. Questions to Ask Before You Buy

When chatting to the sales team, get specific. Ask:

• “Is the layout right for my daily needs?”

• “Who maintains the lifts, hoists, and ramps?”

These aren’t trick questions - they’re vital. You’re not just buying a van; you're investing in independence. Push for clear answers. If they hem and haw, tread carefully.

8. Real Owner Advice: Things I Wish I Knew

Listen in to folks like Kaye Hewitt, a full‑time wheelchair user who took her Coachbuilt LIV down the west coast of France. 

She says seamless travel and family time became a reality. She points out one thing: “Standard wheelchair accessible models always offer a compromise.” 

Bespoke build means it’s designed for you - not the other way around. 

Carer Emily adds that knowing her wheelchair would stay put thanks to proper wheelchair restraint gave her peace of mind she’d never had before. 

These aren't stories - they’re emotional sign‑posts for anyone shopping.

9. Next Steps: Planning a Test Drive or Vehicle Tour

Book in. Earliest slot. Bring whoever matters - carer, partner, helper. 

Go through the full routine: sit in your wheelchair, test the ramp and hoist, check transfers, fix the belt in place. 

Does the habitation area feel roomy? Can you access the shower? Make notes as you go. 

Leave no doubt. When you’re back home, revisit your checklist before you sign. If something felt off, ask for another session. The test drive day isn’t just a checkbox - it’s a deal‑breaker.

10. How Coachbuilt Can Help

Coachbuilt designs and builds adapted leisure vehicles from scratch or upgrades used ones.

Every bespoke build starts with your exact needs. We’re the only UK manufacturer focused solely on wheelchair‑friendly motorhomes since 2009. We’re award‑winning, offer national warranty, local servicing, and even part exchange on your current vehicle.

If what you want doesn’t exist, they’ll build it. If you want reassurance - like 110‑point inspections on pre‑owned vehicles - you've got it.

11. Can I Customise a Used Motorhome for Wheelchair Access?

Absolutely. You can retrofit lifts, hoists, ceiling track systems, widened doors - even repositioned kitchens or wet rooms. 

Coachbuilt’s workshop team handles bespoke modifications and even retrofit packages on pre‑owned stock. Expect to pay a few thousand pounds and wait a few weeks, but you’ll get a motorhome tailored to you - without the new‑van wait.

12. Legal Considerations & Certification for Accessibility

If you're looking at disability vans for sale that have already been adapted, ask to see the original conversion paperwork and DVLA registration notes.

All permanent adaptations - lifts, anchor points, hoists - must be certified. 

DVLA needs the registration updated, or your licence category changes. Coachbuilt only uses parts that meet European Whole Vehicle Type Approval and PAS‑2012 crash standards. 

And yes, vehicle modifications have implications for insurance and roadworthiness. Always ask for paperwork and proof.

13. What’s the Real Cost of Ownership?

Whether you’re buying one of our wheelchair accessible vans for sale or browsing through more general handicap accessible vehicles for sale, this tool will help you get a handle on true monthly costs.

Here’s some maths:

• Fuel: heavier vehicle = thirstier engine

• Servicing: base motorhome + lift and hoist checks

• Insurance: specialist adapted‑vehicle policy

• Camp site fees: sometimes more for accessible pitches

Let’s say:

• Mileage: 6,000 miles/year

• Fuel cost: £1.50/litre

• Insurance: £800

• Servicing/adaptations: £500+

That’s about £300‑£400 per month. But, spread across five years, it’s less than a takeaway habit - especially when compared to the freedom it buys.

How Much Will It Really Cost You?

Use our calculator below to estimate the true cost of owning a used wheelchair-accessible motorhome — from fuel and servicing to insurance and emissions. Just pop in a few quick numbers and see your monthly and long-term costs laid out clearly. No guesswork, no surprises.

14. Travelling with a Wheelchair in a Motorhome: Practical Tips

Strap in securely every time. Use the certified four‑point harness and tie‑down rails in the habitation area. 

Pack wheelchair‑friendly routes - ditch narrow lanes. Plan campsites with level pitches and accessible showers. 

If you travel solo, go with someone who knows how to operate the hoist. 

For carers - pack extras like transfer boards, adapt your routine around the van’s layout. Like a well‑picked toolbelt - it’s all in how you prep.

15. Checklist: What to Look For in a Used Accessible Motorhome

Make your life easier. Create a checklist PDF that includes:

• Lift, ramp, hoist function

• Grab handles and wheelchair restraint points

• Layout suitability (entry, kitchen, loo)

• Documentation (inspection, DVLA updates)

• Questions about bespoke features and warranties

This is your guiding light on your walk-through day. You’ll know you didn’t miss a trick.

Browse Trusted Used Motorhomes Today

Ready to see what’s out there? Explore our handpicked range of pre-owned wheelchair-accessible motorhomes — fully inspected, ready to roll, and built for real-life freedom. View Available Stock Now