Archive for motability – Page 3

Adapted vehicles – what are they and how can they help?

Posted by Mark on

December 13, 2021

The freedom being able to drive affords us allows us to experience the world in a variety of new and interesting ways. From a simple trip to the local grocery store to that much-anticipated vacation, driving gives us the ability to accomplish and enjoy so much more of what life has to offer.

Whilst driving with a disability may seem scary and intimidating, perhaps even impossible, it’s doesn’t have to be. With advancements in vehicle adaptations, more and more disabled can discover, or rediscover, the independence offered by adapted vehicles, either privately or through the Motability Scheme.

What adapted vehicles offer

Adapted vehicles solve a wide variety of challenges for those with disabilities. Car Adaptations can range from simple steering balls to full Drive From Wheelchair customisations, depending on the needs of our customers. After a thorough assessment, Ergomobility will be able to offer the best solution to meet your needs, helping you to confidently operate your vehicle and opening up a whole new world of exploration.

Here are just a few of the adaptations available:

Hand Controls

Hand controls allow people with limited lower body movement to control the adapted vehicle’s accelerator and brake with the use of paddles, rings or levers around the steering wheel.

Left Foot Accelerator

Adapted vehicles with an automatic gearbox and left foot accelerator are perfect for people who have limited movement on the right side of their body, allowing them to use the pedals with a single foot.

Radio Remotes

Radio remotes are particularly useful for people who find it difficult or impossible to drive with two hands and allows access to other in-car controls via a keypad on the steering wheel. These include the radio, air conditioning, windscreen wipers etc.

Radio remotes can also come with a miniature steering function or stick steering which allows you to control the movement of the car within a much smaller area.

Wheelchair Hoists

While driving is the end goal, you first have to be able to enter and exit the vehicle and sit comfortably enough to drive. This is the realm of the wheelchair hoist, which will help to lift either a driver or passenger from their seat into the car.

Swivel Seats

Another accessibility adaptation is the swivel seat, which allows the driver or passenger to unlock the seating position and turn the seat to the side, making ingress and egress a much simpler task.

Drive From Wheelchair

Although one of the more complicated vehicle adaptations, wheelchair driving is also possible for several people. The ability to access the adapted vehicle’s full functionality from your wheelchair means that it will necessitate a larger vehicle with ramp access. However, the benefit is that you won’t need to transition to and from your wheelchair to go for a drive.

The Process

How difficult it will be to learn to drive with a disability is not an easy choice to make and the process can be difficult. Ergomobility is here to help you each step of the way and can provide information and recommendations for each step of the process.

Step one is to undertake an assessment to determine exactly what kind of adaptations you will need to safely operate your vehicle.

If you can find a driving instructor with a suitably adapted vehicle, you could start learning to drive a mobility car straight away. Alternatively, you will need to secure a car with the required changes first (which may take some months).

However, once you are proficient and have your licence, the freedom and independence your adapted vehicle will provide are priceless.

For more information about adapted vehicles, you can contact our friendly and knowledgeable team on 01444 882233 or info@ergomobility.co.uk. Alternatively, head on over to our contact page and fill out the enquiry form.

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Everything you need to know about driving with a disability

Posted by Mark on

December 2, 2021

Living with a disability can make normal daily activities more challenging and the things many of us take for granted are a constant struggle. However, driving doesn’t have to be one of them.

Constant advancements in vehicle adaptions are making independent mobility possible for a wider range of disabilities all the time.

So, in order to remain safe and legal on the roads, it’s important to keep abreast of all the requirements surrounding driving with disabilities.

Driving with a disability

The most accurate answer to this question is, probably. It all depends on your circumstances.

Whether you are a new driver applying for a provisional licence or a qualified driver who has developed a “notifiable” medical condition or disability, you will need to inform the DVLA and declare all disabilities and medical conditions.

Using this information, the DVLA will assess your condition to determine whether you comply with the medical standards of fitness to drive. Should the DVLA deem you fit to drive, it will make recommendations on any modifications you need to make to your vehicle.

Getting a provisional licence

If you’re unsure whether you will meet the medical standards for driving and would like more information before applying for your provisional licence, the best course of action is to seek advice from a driving mobility assessment centre. Here, professionals will be able to assess your abilities and give you the right advice on your mobility options.

Once you have acquired your provisional licence, it is recommended you seek out a specially trained instructor in your area who has experience in teaching disabled drivers. These instructors will often have a tuition car modified for disabled drivers. However, these modifications are likely to be basic and may not suit your particular needs.

If you require more specialised vehicle adaptations, you may need to consider purchasing or leasing a car that meets your needs. Most driving instructors will be happy to give tuition in your vehicle.

While most prospective drivers will need to be over the age of 17 to hold a driver’s licence, those receiving the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be able to get a provisional licence at 16.

Passing your driving test

Regardless of your disability or the severity thereof, you will need to pass the same theory and practical driving tests if you want to get your licence. However, some concessions may be made in both instances.

You can inform the centre at the time of booking should you require any extra time to allow the examiner to talk you through any modifications or any other information you may require.

The practical test will be taken in a vehicle that meets your requirements and the examiner will record any restriction codes to appear on your licence.

Keeping your licence if you become disabled

When you are ready to start driving again after an accident or illness that has left you with a disability, you’ll first need to inform the DVLA of your condition. If you’re unsure this is necessary, your doctor should be able to advise.

The DVLA will then assess your condition and take appropriate action, which could range from being issued a shorter licence or a requirement to drive a modified car to having to give up your licence completely for a designated period of time.

Other ‘notifiable’ conditions that require you to inform the DVLA include anything which could affect your ability to drive safely, including diabetes, epilepsy or glaucoma.

What car can I drive if I have a disability?

What car you can drive will depend entirely on what restriction codes appear on your driving licence and any adaptations you may need to have fitted.

Also, if you pass your driving test in a modified vehicle, you will need to have the same or equivalent modifications on your personal vehicle; just like if you passed your test in an automatic car, you would not be allowed to drive a manual.

Advancements in vehicle adaptations have made it possible for people with a wide range of disabilities to continue driving, from hand-controls and swivel seats to full Drive From Wheelchair systems.

If you’re unsure what you may need or what is available, then you can go for an assessment at The Motability Scheme or a vehicle adaptation specialist like Ergomobility.

What does being a disabled driver mean for my car tax and insurance?

If you receive the higher rate mobility component of DLA or the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, you can apply for an exemption on your car tax. You can also get a 50% reduction in car tax if you receive the standard rate mobility component of PIP.

It is illegal for insurers to refuse cover or increase premiums on an insurance policy on the grounds of disability. However, failing to tell your insurer of any disability or medical condition may invalidate your cover, so it’s best to speak to your insurer directly in order to ensure you have the cover you need.

Whether it’s commuting to work daily or popping our for a bit of retail therapy, the freedom offered by driving is irreplaceable in some people’s lives. Ergomobility is here to help find the best solutions to your motoring needs and get you back where you belong, on the open road behind the wheel of your own vehicle.

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Tags : Adaptations, Disability, disability vehicle, disabled driving, driving with a disability, motability, motability scheme, motability specialists, Vehicle Adaptation, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

Adaptations and Vehicle Compatibility

Posted by Jean Cheesman on

December 18, 2017

For Motability customers looking for a vehicle that can be adapted, ordering the adaptations through your dealership when they order their car is “the only way to take advantage of the great prices the Motability scheme offers.”…

However, not all adaptations are suitable for every type of car; the best approach is to consider the compatibility of the car with the adaptations that are required in mind.

This is where we come in to help you and your customer!

Ergomobility are well-established experts in the industry with over 20 years experience in vehicle adaptations and working to help disabled drivers and passengers stay mobile.

We are trusted by over 600 Motability accredited car dealerships across the South East of England, as well as thousands of private clients.

We encourage you to call us when you’re with a customer if they’re unsure of the adaptations they need or, they know what they need but you must determine if their favoured vehicle is suitable for these adaptations.

As well as giving practical advice on the telephone and via email, we can also arrange a face to face adaptation demonstration with your customer before they order their new car from you. This gives complete peace of mind. The last thing anyone wants is for a vehicle to be ordered only to find it’s not compatible with the adaptations required.

As specialists in our field, we have established connections with a wide range of industry professionals… so, even if adaptations are not the right solution, we can still offer support and guidance.

So please get in touch with us!

Every day we talk to dealers and their customers. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, working in partnership with over 600 Motability dealerships.

Make sure you take advantage of our adaptations experience and expertise.

Get in touch with Egomobility by CLICKING HERE.

Adaptations

Tags : adaptation, Adaptations, assessment, car, compatibility, dealerships, Disability, disability vehicle, motability, motability specialists, vehicle, Vehicle Adaptation, vehicle adaptations

Not Every Disabled Driver Needs an Adapted Car

Posted by Jean Cheesman on

November 22, 2017

Adapted cars are expensive. There’s no getting around it. So it’s no wonder people ask the question, “Do I really need and adapted car?” And the answer is, quite often, no. If you’re unsure, you can always get in touch with us for a free assessment but, in the meantime, here are some helpful tips on what to look out for in your next car if you’re not having it adapted (or even if you are).

As you will see a car doesn’t always have to be adapted to enable a disabled driver to drive safely and in comfort.

So without further ado, here’s a summary of the tips:

Look for a car…

1. That is an automatic with cruise control

If you struggle with changing gears, especially in heavy traffic, an automatic car may be the solution. Cruise control can also provide convenience on those long journeys as well as prevent you from accidentally speeding.

2. That has sufficiently light power-assisted steering

Heavy steering can often be a cause for concern when driving, especially for those lacking in upper-body strength. ensuring your new car has light power-assisted steering will make parking and operating the vehicle in tight spaces a lot simpler and easier.

3. Electrically operated seats, preferably heated

Electrically operated seats can make finding the perfect driving position a simple affair. And if you can get them heated, even better. This will help those stiff and aching joints on those cold winter mornings.

4. With no sills or narrow sills

Wide door sills can make ingress and egress from the car a difficult task for those with limited mobility. ensuring the sills are as narrow as possible will ensure you’ll be able to continue using the vehicle for many years to come.

5. With conveniently placed handholds

Should you need some extra leverage, some conveniently placed handholds will make getting in and out a lot easier.

6. With remote central locking, preferably keyless

Keyless remote central locking is not only convenient but can be essential for those with limited mobility in their hands, eliminating the need to fiddle with small buttons.

7. With push-button start

Again, a push-button start eliminated the need for those with limited hand mobility to insert a key and turn it. With the key in their pocket or purse, the driver can simply start the car at the push of a large, red button.

8. With an automatic tailgate

An automatic tailgate is a must-have for those who have limited upper-body strength. The simple push of a button will open and close your car’s tailgate, negating the need for any heavy lifting.

9. With a boot with a low sill, or that has no sill at all

Lifting items out of the boot and over a high boot sill may not only be inconvenient but downright impossible for some. Find yourself a car with a boot sill that is level with the floor of the boot for maximum convenience.

If you’re unsure whether an adaptation may be helpful then you can contact us on 01444 882233, info@ergomobility.co.uk or from our convenient contact page.