Archive for swivel seat

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

 

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.

Mid-Term Motability Adaptations

We were asked a question by a Motability salesman a few days ago and as it’s not the first time, so we thought it was worth sharing.

The question was, “Can a Motability customer have further adaptations added to their vehicle during its lease period?”

The short answer is yes, your customer can have adaptations fitted to their vehicle during its lease period (after handover). However, they must advise Motability beforehand and the vehicle must be suitable for the adaptations. If it is, your customer must pay the Motability Adaptation Specialist directly.

There are a few reasons why someone may need adaptations fitted after the vehicle handover:

  • An unforseen change in their disability or circumstances.
  • The client hadn’t realised which adaptations were available to them.
  • Something was missed by the client, dealer or adaptations specialist at the time of ordering the vehicle.

Obviously, a change in disability cannot be predicted and therefore adding extra adaptations is unavoidable.

The other two circumstances may be avoided if the adaptations specialist takes the time to speak to your client at the time of ordering.

At Ergomobility we always contact your customer before adapting their vehicle. We sometimes find that they would benefit from additional adaptations, many of which they may not be aware of and are often free under the Motability scheme. For example, a customer requesting hand controls may also benefit from a steering ball, indicator switch and pedal guard.

It is our mission to ensure we find the best solution for your customer first time, every time, so they can enjoy their car for the entire period of their vehicle lease, without the need for additional adaptations.

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.

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