2025 marks a historic milestone, not only for Brotherwood Automobility – but in the development of accessible transport for wheelchair users; marking the 40th anniversary of the invention of the lowered floor Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) by Rod Brotherwood OBE. An innovation which not only launched a company, but an industry.

 

The Idea

Before 1985, the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, or ‘WAV’, as it is known today did not exist. Personal transport for wheelchair users were crude, conspicuous vehicles, with large glasshouses mounted to car chassis – neither discreet, comfortable, or inclusive for the wheelchair user.

This solution was not acceptable to John Lambert. John had become dependent on his wheelchair following a motorcycle accident. Unhappy with such clumsy vehicles – ‘Pope-mobiles’, he called them – he approached neighbour Rod, a vehicle engineer, to ask if he could use his extensive knowledge to build him a better vehicle.

Rod set about designing an innovative vehicle conversion that enabled John to travel with his family, comfortably and discretely: the 1985 Nissan Prairie, which Rod cleverly adapted with a lightweight rear ramp, and discreet lowered floor section. Enabling John to travel centrally inside the vehicle, inclusively with his family with a superb view out of the windows and windscreen.

The Evolution

Initially a one-off, Rod’s invention soon caught the eye of other wheelchair users, and requests for more Brotherwood Prairies started to arrive with Rod, who forms Brotherwood Automobility – a company dedicated to engineering accessible vehicles.

Exhibiting the conversion at the 1986 ‘Naidex’ exhibition, wheelchair users are amazed by the discreet low floor adaptation. As word spreads of Rod’s remarkable vehicle, demand continues to increase: by 1987, the Brotherwood Automobility delivers its’ 100th WAV.

Over the next 4 decades Brotherwood’s uniquely functional vehicle conversions become known as the industry standard for their quality, comfort and inclusion for wheelchair users – their ease of use and discreet design appealing to families and carers.

 

 

Forward to Today and Beyond

40 years since Rod’s incredible innovation, Brotherwood are recognised as the market leader in WAV design. Their modern factory, near Sherborne in Dorset, produces industry-leading conversions from manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford, as well as accessories including patented PAWRS Power Assisted Wheelchair Restraint Systems.

These unique products enable wheelchair users not only across the UK, but Europe and across the world, to enjoy comfortable, inclusive and safe transport with their families and friends. Brotherwood’s ethos of ensuring the highest standards of quality, discreet design and high functionality, along with first-class customer service, remains unchanged – even after 40 years.

 

 

A modern, solar-powered production facility, which houses design, engineering, sales and service capabilities – surrounded by the company’s green space which offsets carbon emissions and beautifies the local area, bears the name Lambert House – in recognition of the idea that started an industry.

Brotherwood’s industry-leading design and engineering capabilities ensure that they will continue to be at the forefront of accessible vehicle design, not only in the UK, but globally.