Archive for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle – Page 2

More accessible wheelchair transportation

VB full air suspension for wheelchair accessible vehicles

Wheelchair users want to experience a sense of security, comfort and confidence when they are taken to their destination. Wheelchair transporters, therefore, want to be able to offer tailor-made transport. Ensuring the safety and physical comfort of their passengers is of paramount importance to these carriers. This is what the passenger ultimately considers to be the most important. So what’s better than wheelchair users who choose to travel with you – just because your vehicle has that extra bit of comfort?

The problem facing wheelchair accessible vehicles

No one likes to feel all the road humps and bumps while travelling. Since the weight distribution in a wheelchair-loaded vehicle is usually not optimal, the journey for both the wheelchair user and the driver can become significantly less comfortable. This non-optimal weight distribution also has further adverse effects on ride comfort: the original suspension on the rear of the vehicle can become “stuck” when the weight of the wheelchair cannot be optimally distributed. The vehicle may also normally be too high – or too low – or the vehicle may have a too high approach angle. This would make it even more difficult to optimally assist passengers and would cause even more inconvenience.

How can Ergomobility and VB Airsuspension help?

A constant ride height is therefore essential for both the driver and the wheelchair user. This is easily achieved with one of our products. When using our air suspension – and electronic ride height control to achieve a constant ride height – ride comfort increases significantly. This means the passenger feels comfortable and safe, as well as you as a driver. Would you like to know more about the matching products – such as VB-FullAir – for this category of vehicles?
Take a look at the product leaflets here.

Discover the many benefits of VB Airsuspension’s wheelchair vehicle solutions

For more information contact us on 01444 882 233, email info@ergomobility.co.uk. or fill in our online Contact 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.

What is a WAV and does your customer need one?

WAVA WAV, or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, starts out life as a standard vehicle before a specialist conversion company makes a number of structural alterations to allow a wheelchair user to access and remain in their wheelchair – as a driver or passenger.

These vehicles are not supplied through the standard Motability dealer network. They are only supplied through the converters themselves.

But does your customer need a WAV or not?

If your customer can transfer out of their wheelchair without too much discomfort and effort then a standard car fitted with adaptations could be the answer.

Adaptations may include:

Wheelchair/scooter boot hoists

Swivel seats

Person hoists

Transfer plates

Wheelchair roof top boxes

But we don’t expect you to know the answer to this question! We are always here to talk to your customer and, if necessary, arrange a demonstration and an assessment to ensure they get the right vehicle from you at the very outset.

Should you wish to talk to us about WAVs, or any other adaptations, you can contact us on 01444 882233

, info@ergomobility.co.uk or from our convenient contact page.

Does your Motability client really need a WAV?

WAV

Motability Dealerships regularly message us saying they have a client who would like to travel in a vehicle, sitting in their wheelchair.  They will typically have researched the internet and off the back of this have called their local dealership, asking for a particular vehicle to be converted into a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle). ‘Chances are the Motability Specialist will spend time showing cars to their client, looking at the internet with them and pulling together prices.

It’s usually at this stage the Specialist calls us only to hear disappointing news…..

Motability will not allow a vehicle on the Standard Car Scheme to be converted into a WAV. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Mini Clubman or a full sized van that could be converted into a WAV. It’s not allowed on the Motability Scheme.

The reason why?

Motability have a WAV Scheme with a selection of Motability approved vehicles that have already been converted by Motability approved converters. If someone wants to travel in a wheelchair in a Motability vehicle it has to be purchased through the WAV Scheme.

So, if one of your clients is looking for a WAV, you could direct them to the Motability website, where they can find all the information they need…

But you can always call one of our team and ask us to get in touch with your customer.

There may well be other products your client is not aware of that would solve their accessibility issues, eliminating the need for a WAV altogether. You’d be surprised at how many people are unaware of the existence of swivel seats, sliding plates, wheelchair hoists, person hoists, etc. Any one of these, or a combination, would allow many of your clients to travel in the front seat of a standard car. A WAV is not their only option.

If, after all this, your client does need a WAV, we will always point them in the right direction.

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