Seoul Metropolitan Government to run 'universal design taxi' pilot from July to December; 12 PV5 WAV units to serve both wheelchair users and general passengers in South Korea's first such transit model

The Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) taxi, which can be used by both wheelchair users and general passengers [Kia]
The Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) taxi, which can be used by both wheelchair users and general passengers [Kia]

The Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) taxi, designed for use by both wheelchair users and the general public, is set to begin operating on Seoul's streets.

Kia announced Sunday that it will participate in the Seoul Metropolitan Government's "universal design taxi" pilot program, which launches Tuesday.

Unlike conventional call taxis for people with disabilities, the UD taxi is a new transit model — the first of its kind in South Korea — that can be used comfortably by both wheelchair users and general passengers.

The PV5 WAV being introduced for the UD taxi pilot embodies Kia's commitment to providing greater freedom of movement for mobility-impaired passengers. It is the country's first universal design electric vehicle capable of accommodating both general passengers and wheelchair users. It features a low-floor design and spacious interior built on the EGMP.S dedicated platform, a side-boarding system and wheelchair-securing device for the convenience of wheelchair users, and a structure that allows a companion to ride in the third row to assist the wheelchair user.

Interior of the Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) taxi, which can be used by both wheelchair users and general passengers [Kia]
Interior of the Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) taxi, which can be used by both wheelchair users and general passengers [Kia]

Ahead of the pilot launch, Kia and the Seoul Metropolitan Government actively gathered feedback from the taxi industry and held multiple demonstration events for wheelchair users and other participants.

The city will operate 12 PV5 WAV-based UD taxis from July through December. Priority dispatch will go to people with severe mobility impairments, while general passengers will be able to use the vehicles in the same manner and at the same fare as a standard mid-size taxi.

Customer data collected during the six-month pilot — including ridership figures and satisfaction ratings — will inform future decisions on expanding the UD taxi program.

Kia plans to use the Seoul pilot as a springboard for pursuing cooperation with other local governments on vehicle supply and operations.

Kia and the Seoul Metropolitan Government expect the UD taxi pilot to help ease the shortage of call taxis for people with disabilities, better meeting the growing mobility needs of people with disabilities, the elderly and other transportation-disadvantaged groups.

In countries such as the United Kingdom — with its "black cab" — and Japan — with its "Japan Taxi" — UD taxis have already become everyday transport used by both mobility-impaired and general passengers.

In addition, a single vehicle's ability to handle both disability transport and regular taxi service is expected to help the taxi industry improve operational efficiency and profitability.

The wheelchair boarding ramp deployed on the Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) taxi, which can be used by both wheelchair users and general passengers [Kia]
The wheelchair boarding ramp deployed on the Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) taxi, which can be used by both wheelchair users and general passengers [Kia]

"The PV5 WAV is a tailored mobility solution designed from the ground up with the convenience of transportation-disadvantaged passengers as the top priority," a Kia official said. "Through this collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, we will lead the way in building an innovative mobility ecosystem that breaks down barriers between people with and without disabilities, allowing everyone to move freely and safely."

Meanwhile, at the press conference of the 2026 Busan Mobility Show held at BEXCO in Busan on Friday, Kia unveiled three new PV5-based lineup additions — the PV5 Passenger 7-seater (2-2-3), PV5 Prime and PV5 Cargo High Roof — along with the Vision Metatourismo and various other purpose-built vehicle use cases.

Earlier, Kia revealed three new PV5 lineup models at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, describing the PV5 as an expandable platform tailored to individual demand. The automaker also showcased a range of industry-specific special-purpose models, including an AI patrol car and a mobile bank.


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