By MinicabTransfer editorial team · Updated
Every licensed black cab in London is wheelchair accessible by law, so hailing a taxi is the quickest way to get an accessible ride at short notice. Minicabs (private hire vehicles) are different: only some are designated wheelchair accessible, so you need to say exactly what you need when you request a quote, and the operator must confirm they can provide a suitable vehicle.
This guide is for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, and anyone booking travel for them. It covers what black cabs must provide, how accessible private hire works, what to tell an operator, and how to link a car journey with assistance at airports and stations. Rules are as of October 2026, with links to the official sources.
Are London black cabs wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Transport for London (TfL) states that all London taxis are wheelchair accessible by law. The taxi Conditions of Fitness, the vehicle standards a new cab must meet before TfL will license it, require:
- A ramp at the nearside (kerb-side) passenger door, available at all times, with a non-slip surface and a locking device so it can’t slip or tilt.
- An induction loop (or equivalent) for hearing aid users.
TfL’s guidance also describes grab handles, an intermediate step and minimum vehicle dimensions to allow safe access.
TfL’s accessible travel leaflet adds that most cabs also have a swivel seat, which helps if you can walk a few steps but find it hard to climb in.
Black cabs fit most manual and many powered wheelchairs, but not every chair. If yours is particularly large or heavy, a vehicle with a rear-entry ramp or a lift may be a better choice, which is where pre-booked private hire comes in.
How accessible minicabs work
Private hire vehicles (minicabs and chauffeur cars) don’t have to be wheelchair accessible, and most aren’t. Some are designated wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). TfL notes that a private hire vehicle is designated as a WAV at its licensing inspection, and this is recorded on the vehicle licence.
The law sets clear duties for drivers of designated vehicles. Under section 165 of the Equality Act 2010 and the government’s guidance on access to taxis and private hire vehicles, the driver must:
- Carry you while you stay in your wheelchair, or carry the wheelchair if you prefer to transfer to a seat.
- Carry your mobility aids, such as crutches or a walking frame.
- Give reasonable mobility assistance, such as help getting in and out and loading the chair.
- Not charge extra for any of this. The meter shouldn’t run while the driver is carrying out these duties.
Separately, any driver of a pre-booked taxi or private hire vehicle must help a disabled passenger find the vehicle if they know help is needed, at no extra charge. And TfL is clear that no taxi or minicab driver can refuse you, or charge more, because you have an assistance dog, unless they hold a medical exemption certificate.
Black cab or accessible minicab?
| Black cab | Pre-booked accessible private hire | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair access | All cabs, by law | Only designated WAVs; ask when you request a quote |
| How to get one | Hail, rank, or a taxi app | Request a quote in advance |
| Entry | Side ramp at the nearside door | Varies: side ramp, rear ramp or lift |
| Price | Metered | Agreed up front with the operator |
| Best for | Short notice, central London | Planned trips, airports, larger chairs, groups |
If you can transfer to a car seat and your wheelchair folds, a standard car with enough boot space may be all you need. An MPV gives more room for a folding chair, luggage and a companion. The vehicle classes page shows typical passenger and luggage space for the cars partner operators offer.
What to tell an operator when you request a quote
MinicabTransfer is a fare comparison and referral service. We don’t operate vehicles, and we don’t yet list wheelchair accessible vehicles as a separate class. You can still request a quote from a TfL-licensed operator and describe your needs in the special requests box. The operator then contacts you directly to confirm whether they can provide a suitable vehicle and what it will cost.
The more precise you are, the better the match. Include:
- Whether you’ll stay in your wheelchair or transfer to a seat.
- Chair type and size: manual or powered, folding or rigid, and the width, length and weight if you know them. Powered chairs are often much heavier than people expect.
- Height when seated, if you’ll travel in the chair. Headroom matters in rear-entry vehicles.
- Mobility aids and luggage, including a scooter, frame or medical equipment.
- Who’s travelling with you, and whether a companion needs to sit beside you.
- Assistance needed at pickup and drop-off: help from the door, help to a check-in desk, or simply a driver who knows to park close.
- An assistance dog, if you’ll have one.
Then ask the operator to confirm, in writing, that the vehicle is suitable and what equipment it has. If plans change, contact the operator directly.
Mobility scooters. TfL’s guidance for drivers says they must judge whether a scooter can be carried safely, including whether it folds and fits the luggage space. Give the make and model when you request a quote rather than finding out at the kerb.
Assistance at airports
You’re entitled to free help at UK airports. The Civil Aviation Authority says this covers the whole journey through the airport, including getting from the drop-off point to the terminal, a wheelchair to the gate, and help through security and boarding.
The key is to request it through your airline, not the airport:
- Ask when you book, or at least 48 hours before you fly. Heathrow advises giving your airline, travel agent or tour operator your details as soon as possible and at least 48 hours ahead, including your return trip.
- Use the help points. At Heathrow, help points are found throughout the airport. Tell the car driver which terminal you need so they drop you as close as possible.
- On arrival, ask to be escorted to your onward travel. Heathrow’s assistance team can take you from the aircraft through passport control and customs, then on to your onward travel.
For a pre-booked car, tell the operator your flight number and that you’ll be coming through with airport assistance. It can take longer to reach arrivals, so ask how much free waiting time they include. Our airport transfers page and Heathrow fares show indicative fares; operators also cover Gatwick and London City.
Assistance at railway stations
If part of your journey is by train, book Passenger Assist. National Rail says you can book it up to two hours before your journey, through the Passenger Assistance app or website or on 0800 022 3720. You can also turn up and ask staff or use a help point, though it may take longer.
To join a car journey with rail assistance, agree a clear meeting point. Most large London termini have a set-down area; ask staff where assistance meets passengers off the car and give that to the operator.
A checklist for a smooth journey
- Request your quote early, especially for airport runs and weekends, because accessible vehicles are fewer.
- Put every detail in special requests: chair, aids, companions and assistance needed.
- Get the operator’s confirmation of the vehicle in writing.
- Book airport or rail assistance separately; the car operator can’t book it for you.
- Keep the driver’s and operator’s numbers to hand on the day.
- Check the operator is properly licensed. Our guide to checking a TfL private hire licence shows how.
When you’re ready, request a quote and describe what you need. For more on booking safely, see how to book a safe minicab in London.