Archive for motability specialists

More vehicle transfer adaptations

Many solutions have been devised over the years to assist drivers and passengers with getting in and out of their vehicles. From transfer plates to seat adjustments, or more bespoke solutions, we are on hand to talk through your options with you.

Transfer Plate - vehicle transfer adaptationVehicle transfer plates (Tip-up plates)

Vehicle transfer plates (otherwise known as tip-up plates) provide a smooth, frictionless surface to allow easy transfer onto a car seat. The plate bridges the gap between the car seat and the edge of the doorsill that people with limited mobility can find difficult to clear.

Both mechanical and electric versions are available – and the plates can be fitted on either the driver side or the passenger side.

Grab handles

Many people are not aware that grab handles can be fitted in their vehicle providing a simple vehicle transfer solution where there are no natural grab points for support. These products can be extremely helpful for anyone who has difficulty getting in and out of the car.

Door widening - vehicle transfer adaptationDoor widening

Drivers or passengers with stiff or prosthetic legs may need more room to swing them inside the car, due to the fact that they have more difficulty in bending them – particularly if bulky door pockets are getting in the way. Adjusting the doors so they open a few inches wider can make all the difference to your vehicle transfer needs. Widening the doors may not be possible for all vehicles, but it is it can offer a great solution to this problem.

Seat adjustments

If the position of the driver or passenger front seat is making it difficult to access to the vehicle, we can raise or lower the height of the seat to a fixed position. If leg-room is restricted we can extend the seat runners, allowing more space for vehicle transfer.

Seat adjustments are tailored to each client individually, so we ask our customers to attend the vehicle at the point of adaptation to assess their requirements.

Bespoke solutions tailored to your needs

We pride ourselves on our ability to engineer bespoke solutions to resolve complex problems. If you’ve previously been told something can’t be done, please contact us to discuss your requirements so we can look at your options with you.

Person Hoists: Everything you need to know

Are you or a loved one unable to transfer from a wheelchair to a car seat unassisted? Person hoists could be the solution. Before going to the time and expense of changing to a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), perhaps it’s time to look into the option of installing a person hoist in your existing car?

Adult person hoistHoists – helping with the heavy lifting

Person hoists are very similar to those used in the home, such as bath and bed hoists. The user sits in a sling (small, medium or large) and an electric motor raises them out of the wheelchair to lift them into the car seat. The hoists allow the user to travel in a standard car seat at the front of a vehicle, making them an excellent alternative to wheelchair accessible vehicles while, at the same time, reducing the cost burden.

Free Assessment service

However, it is important to note that this solution does not work for everyone, so it is vital that every client has had a full demonstration and assessment with us. This free-of-charge service enables us to determine whether a hoist will meet a customer’s needs and whether the vehicle being considered for the hoist will be suitable.

Click here for further information on our free assessment service.

Person hoistsAdult and child hoists

Adult hoists come with a standard lifting capacity of 17.5 stone (111 kg), but this can be upgraded to 23.5 stone (149 kg) if necessary. Hoists for children work in the same way as adult hoists but the slings are smaller. Slings for children are available in ‘Small’ and ‘Extra Small’ sizes.

Bespoke solutions tailored to your needs

We pride ourselves on our ability to engineer bespoke solutions to resolve complex problems. If you’ve previously been told something can’t be done, please contact us to discuss your requirements so we can look at your options with you.

Swivel Seats: Everything you need to know

Vehicle seating made simple

Swivel seats can offer a great alternative to wheelchair accessible vehicles, enabling both drivers and passengers to transfer into and out of standard vehicles more easily.

Free assessment service

However, they do not work for everyone – with only one in every three people making a viable candidate, it is vital that every client has had a full demonstration and assessment with us. This free-of-charge service enables us to determine which type of swivel seat will best meet a customer’s needs and the suitability of the vehicle being considered.

Click here for further information on our free assessment service.

Swivel seatTypes of swivel seats

Standard swivel seats

There are a number of variations of the standard swivel seat available, from fully manual to fully programmable. Semi manual and/or electric versions are also available.

Lowering swivel seats

These seats turn out 90 degrees from the vehicle, then electrically lower to allow easier transfer from a wheelchair, or from standing. Because they lower, these models are suitable for vehicles with higher seating positions (e.g. MPVs and SUVs).

The swivel function can either be manual or electric, or the seat can be fully programmable.

Swivel SeatsManual

Manual swivel seats are the base model, with a manually operated swivel and forward/backward movement. In many cases, this is all that is needed. However, if the seat has a lowering function, this will be controlled electrically.

Electric

These seats are available with an electric swivel function, electric forward/backward movement, electric lowering/raising or a combination of all three.

Programmable

Unlike manual and electric swivel seats, a programmable seat is fully automated. To maximise legroom our technicians will programme the seat’s movements for each vehicle individually. This allows these seats to be fitted in a wider range of vehicles than most other seat types.

Carony wheelchair systemThe Carony Wheelchair System

The Carony is a wheelchair system that is compatible with the majority of swivel seats. Designed for people who struggle to transfer from their wheelchair into a swivel seat, these systems feature glide rails that allow the car seat to slide onto a wheelchair base. The seat then detaches, allowing it to be used as an everyday wheelchair.

Models include Carony Classic, which operates with a manual wheelchair base, Carony Go, which is designed for use with an electric wheelchair base and Carony Kids and Carony GS, which are designed specifically for children.

Three things for disabled drivers to look for in an EV

Chargine electric vehicles (EV)One of the most important aspects of adult independence is being able to get around by yourself. Whether you’re going to work, meeting a friend, or simply going to the shop to choose your own groceries, being able to drive can be an essential part of this. It’s especially important for those who live in rural areas, who may struggle to access public transportation, or for those with disabilities, who might find it difficult to use buses or trains.

But the purchase of any car is a big investment, let alone an electric vehicle (EV), which is often more expensive than a standard petrol vehicle. It’s important to make sure that whatever you purchase, it’s the right choice for you, rather than just the one that’s been recommended. Reviews are a great place to start, but you’ll need to consider what your specific requirements are going to be.

But what should people with disabilities be looking for when choosing an EV? We take a look at some of the key elements.

Electric vehicle charging

Ease of charging your EV

If you’re only doing relatively short journeys, then you should be able to simply charge your EV at home each night, rather than needing to look for charging stations whilst you’re out and about. This can make things a lot easier, but you should consider what type of charging point you’re going to need and where you’ll need to park in order to charge the car.

You should also look at the charging cable, and pick it up to check how heavy it is and how hard or easy it is to manoeuvre. Whilst an EV cable offers non-grip charging, which can be easier for people with joint pain or lack of hand mobility, they can be weighty to move around, so it’s worth trying out this process before you buy.

Electric vehicle chargingPossibility for adaptions

EVs can be a great choice for disabled drivers, as they offer a smooth ride and can be easily adapted to make driving easier for those with mobility issues. Additional controls such as hand controls, electronic accelerators, steering aids, and pedal modifications mean that people who may otherwise struggle to control traditional gears and levers can still have the freedom of driving.

There is a range of electronic accelerators available, meaning that you can further personalise your vehicle to your exact needs. This technology is placed on the steering wheel or behind it. When you’re looking at choosing an EV, if you think you might benefit from this technology, then why not come in for a free assessment and we’ll help you find what works best for your needs.

EV Range

It’s important to consider the length of the journeys that you’ll typically be doing in your EV. Whilst there will be some exceptions, if you’re primarily doing short journeys, then this will give you a wider range of cars to choose from. If you’re regularly doing long journeys, it may be worth comparing the ranges of different models. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find an accessible charging point, and you’d need to factor in pausing to charge, so it’s an important part of choosing the right car for you.

Travelling in an EV

 

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