Good toilets can make or break an event. Guests will forgive a late buffet, but they will not forgive a toilet they cannot use.
For wheelchair users, a standard portable toilet is simply not an option. The door is too narrow, the step is too high and there is no room to turn. That is why wheelchair accessible porta potties matter. They make sure everyone at your wedding, festival or building site can use the facilities with dignity.
This guide explains how to hire one, from choosing the right unit to getting it delivered and set up. It is written for anyone planning an event or project, even if you have never hired a portable toilet before.
What Is a Wheelchair Accessible Porta Potty?
A wheelchair accessible porta potty is a portable toilet built to be used by people with limited mobility. You may also see it called a disabled portable toilet, an easy access toilet or a disabled portaloo. They all mean much the same thing.
Compared with a standard unit, an accessible one is much roomier inside. Here is what you can usually expect from our 'Easy Access' disabled toilets:
- A low-level floor, so a wheelchair can roll in without a big step.
- A spacious interior, which gives room to move and transfer.
- Grip bars around the inside for extra support.
- Self-contained design, so no water or waste connection is needed.
- Baby changing tables on some units, which is handy for families.
The low floor also helps anyone who finds walking difficult, including older guests and people with a temporary injury.
When Do You Need One?
More often than you might think. Accessible units are a sensible choice for:
- Weddings. Guests of all ages and abilities will be there, and the extra space is a bonus for anyone in a full-length dress.
- Festivals and fairs. Large crowds, long days and uneven ground make good facilities essential.
- Sports days and agricultural shows. These events often draw visitors from across the region, including many older people.
- Corporate and community events. Providing accessible toilets shows you have thought about everyone.
- Construction sites. If a worker or visitor has a disability, you need a suitable option on site. Take a look at our construction site toilets for the wider picture.
Do You Have to Provide One?
For large public events, accessible toilets are expected. As a rough guide, one accessible unit is needed for every 2,000 people attending. Private events are not usually bound by the same rules, but if you know a guest has specific needs, you should plan for them.
Rules can vary depending on your event and your local authority. If you are holding a licensed public event, check the requirements with your licensing officer or event safety adviser, or simply ask us when you enquire.
Our advice is simple. If there is any chance a guest or worker will need an accessible toilet, hire one. It costs little compared with the stress of not having it.
How Many Accessible Toilets Do You Need?
The 2,000-person guide is a minimum for big events. For smaller gatherings, the number depends on who is coming.
- A wedding with a known wheelchair user: one accessible unit alongside your standard toilets is usually enough.
- A busy festival or show: plan for more than the minimum, and place them in more than one spot so nobody has to travel far.
- Longer events: if guests will be on site all day, think about how often units will be in use.
Not sure? Tell us your guest numbers, how long the event runs and whether anyone has particular needs. We can suggest a sensible mix of accessible and standard units. You can also read our guide on what to know before you rent portable toilets for more on numbers and queues.
Where Should You Put It?
Placement matters just as much as the unit itself. A great accessible toilet is no use if nobody can reach it.
- Choose firm, level ground. Soft grass, mud, gravel and slopes make it very hard for a wheelchair to move.
- Keep the route clear. The path to the unit should be wide and free from cables, bins and barriers.
- Put it near the main action. Do not tuck it away at the back of the site.
- Think about delivery too. The vehicle needs to reach the spot and the gates must be wide enough.
We have a full walk-through in our post, where should I place a portable toilet?. It is worth a read before the big day.
One more point: portable toilets are for outdoor use only. They are not suitable indoors because of odour and access needs.
How to Hire a Wheelchair Accessible Porta Potty: Step by Step
1. Work out what you need. Note your event date, guest numbers, location and how long you need the unit for.
2. Check the ground and access. Walk the site. Look at the surface, any gates and how a delivery vehicle will get in. If you are unsure, ask us before you book.
3. Get in touch early. Weekends and summer dates fill up quickly. Call us on 01597 811 177 or send an enquiry through our contact page.
4. Confirm the details. Ask what is included, how many units you will get and whether you want extras such as urinals for a bigger crowd.
5. Plan delivery and collection. We deliver the unit to your chosen spot, position it where you need it and collect it when the hire ends. If you have a strict deadline for collection, say so when you book. Collection can sometimes take up to five days, and the unit remains the hirer's responsibility until then.
6. Arrange servicing for longer hires. For longer hire periods, we provide scheduled servicing, waste removal and top-ups of essentials, so the toilet stays clean and ready to use.
What to Ask Before You Book
A few simple questions will save you trouble later:
- Is the unit suitable for wheelchair users, with a low-level floor and grip bars?
- Does it need any water, power or waste connection?
- What is included in the price? (Our post on what is included in event toilet hire explains how this works with us.)
- How will it be delivered, and what happens if the weather turns bad?
- When will it be collected?
- Is there a clear price with no hidden costs?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking too late. Leave plenty of time, especially for popular dates.
- Ordering too few. One unit for a large crowd will soon have a queue.
- Putting it on soft or sloping ground. This is the most common mistake we see.
- Hiding it away. Accessible toilets should be easy to spot and easy to reach.
- Forgetting the rest of the setup. Mix your accessible units with standard event toilets so everyone is looked after.
Hiring in Mid Wales and the Borders
We are based at Blackhouse Farm in Beguildy, near Knighton, and we have been supplying portable toilets for many years. We hire accessible units across Powys and the surrounding areas, including Welshpool, Brecon and Kington.
You can read more about us, see what customers think on our reviews page, or browse our FAQs for answers on delivery, servicing and siting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a standard portable toilet instead?
Not if a guest needs wheelchair access. Standard units are narrower and are not designed for wheelchair use.
Do accessible porta potties need water or electricity?
No. Our units are self-contained and need no water or waste connection.
Are they suitable for weddings?
Yes. They are very popular for weddings because they are spacious and comfortable, a’nd they take up less room at a venue than you might expect.
Can parents with young children use them?
Yes. The extra space suits families, and some of our units have baby changing tables.
How early should I book?
As soon as your date is confirmed. The earlier you ask, the easier it is to get the right units.
Do you hire for building sites too?
Yes. See our construction site toilets page for details.
Ready to Hire?
Hiring a wheelchair accessible porta potty does not have to be complicated. Plan the numbers, pick firm and level ground, book early and ask the right questions.
If you would like friendly, honest advice, get in touch with K & S Toilets. Call us on 01597 811 177 (or freephone 0808 143 1331) or email info@kandsltd.com, and we will help you find the right accessible toilet for your event or site.