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

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:Under-ring accelerator

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 RemotesDriving Controls

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.

Not Every Disabled Driver Needs an Adapted Car

buying an adapted carAdapted 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.

Ergomobility Sussex
Units 1 – 4, Crosspost Industrial Park,
Cowfold Road, Bolney,
West Sussex, RH17 5QU

Telephone: 01444 882233

Ergomobility Thames Valley
Tylorstown,
Caversham
Reading, RG4 7XW

Telephone: 0118 321 8193

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Ergomobility is a trading name of Equivalent Engineering Ltd. VAT Registered Number 776341117
Company registered in Cardiff number 4321179 Registered office – Units 1 to 4, Crosspost Industrial Park, Cowfold Road, Bolney, RH17 5QU