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2011

ricability

A guide for older and disabled people

Getting in and out of a car

The information contained in this guide is correct at the time of going toprint (March 2011). It will be reviewed every two years. See our website for any changes since printing.

Ricability is an independent research charity that publishes informationon products and services for older and disabled people.

Unit G03 The Wenlock50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EUTel: 020 7427 2460Fax: 020 7427 2468Textphone: 020 7427 2469Email: mail@ricability.org.ukwww.ricability.org.ukwww.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk

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If you find it difficult to get in and out of acar, this guide can help. It starts withadvice on techniques you may find useful,and then covers aids for those who needmore help. It also gives advice forwheelchair users about getting from awheelchair into a car.

Many people just need to choose a carof a shape and size that is easier to get inand out of. If you need more than this,these are the options:

n Simple accessories.Transfer boards,additional hand holds and lifts.

n Swivel seats.The car seat swings outof the car to help you get in – someraise or lower the seat too.

n Hoists.You sit in a sling, and a hoistlifts you up so that a helper can moveyou into the car.

n Wheelchair systems. A speciallydesigned wheelchair slides into the carwhile you are sitting in it, to becomethe car seat.

n Wheelchair accessible vehicle(WAV). Another option for wheelchairusers – you travel while in yourwheelchair.

The options listed on page 4 should helpyou decide what will suit you best.

Equipment for loading a wheelchair intoa car is covered in our companion guideGetting a wheelchair into a car.

Options 4Techniques 5Accessories 9Swivel seats 11Hoists 16Wheelchair systems 20WAVs 23Finance 24Suppliers 27The legal side 28Useful organisations 30

Note As well as this guide you will need our Mobility address list, which gives names andaddresses of suppliers and fitters and details ofthe services they provide. You can also find thislist on our website – www.ricability.org.uk.

Also visit our website to use our searchable Carmeasurement database, which will help you findthe easiest cars to get in and out of, and viewfactsheets like this one on over 600 cars.

Getting in and out of a carA guide for older and disabled people

About this guide Contents

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Many people don’t get in and out of a carin the easiest way, so if you are havingdifficulty try changing your technique.Some techniques are shown on pages 5–8and some simple accessories to help areshown on pages 9–10.

If you are changing your car, look forhigh and wide door openings andconvenient hand holds. Our guideChoosing a car gives more information.You can also use our on-line searchableCar measurement database to find a carthat has the dimensions you need – go towww.ricability.org.uk and follow the link.

If this is not enough, you need to thinkabout getting some equipment to help.Think carefully about what you mightneed now and in the future. Can you copewith any ducking and bending? Will youhave someone strong enough to help youalways at hand, or do you aim forcomplete independence? Try out anythingyou are considering before you buy.

Here are the main options forequipment that can help – particularly ifyou use a wheelchair.

Swivel seats (pages 11–15)Swivel seats will help if you have difficultygetting in or out of a car seat. Types thatmove up and down and in and out areparticularly helpful.

If you use a wheelchair and can transfer,they are fairly easy to fit and cheaper thanwheelchair systems (£1,000 – £6,000).

You will need to be able to stow yourwheelchair once you are in or havesomeone to help. Check that the swivelseat does not get in the way if you intendto pull the chair in after you.

Hoists (pages 16–19)A hoist can be used to lift you from awheelchair into a car. When we testedthem in the past nearly everyone wasable to use them (with help), though theyfound them undignified and unhandy.They cost £1,600 – £2,400.

Wheelchair systems (pages 20–22)Wheelchair systems replace the originalcar seat. You stay in the same seat andtransfer it in and out of the car. Thewheels have to be stowed separately.

These may not be suitable if you needspecialist support seating.

When we tested these, our testerspreferred wheelchair systems to hoists,mainly because they found them moredignified. They cost £2,600 – £6,000.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles(WAVs – page 23)A more expensive option is a vehicle youcan get into while sitting in an ordinarywheelchair. Passenger WAVs cost fromabout £12,000 to over £40,000. WAVswhere you can drive from your wheelchaircost from about £25,000. You can get aWAV from Motability (see page 24).

OptionsWhat to try if you are having difficulty getting in and out of a car – try a new technique,use simple accessories or get specialised equipment

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FROM A STANDING POSITION

Most people get into a car in a way whichmeans stooping to move sideways into thedoor, putting in one leg, sitting down andthen bringing in the other leg.

If you have difficulty with this, try sittingon the seat first and then bringing yourlegs in afterwards – mind your head on thedoor frame.

If your legs are long or stiff, it may helpif you move back across the car until thereis enough room to swing them into thefootwell. Some people move right backand sit over the parking brake to do this –you may need a cushion.

GETTING OUT

Many people find it easier to get out of thecar by swivelling round in the seat andputting both legs out first. You don’t haveto balance on one leg, and you don’t needto stoop as much. Because your feet are onthe ground it is easier to stand.

TechniquesGetting in and out of a car easily can be a matter of technique – you may even find thatyou don’t require adaptations or aids. Here are some examples

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FROM A WHEELCHAIR

If you cannot stand up you can:n transfer your body sideways to the seat

first and then bring your legs inn put your legs in the footwell first and

then move to the car seat. You need asafe grabbing point and some strengthto do this.

Make sure that the car and chair are onreasonably level ground and that thewheelchair is in the right position andstable before starting to transfer. Parkingby a kerb may make it easier to get thewheelchair in and out, but may make itmore difficult to slide into the car,because the wheelchair seat is higher.

Some drivers get into the car from thepassenger’s side and slide across to thedriver’s seat. This can be difficult with alarge transmission tunnel and becausethe gear stick or brake lever can get in theway. A cushion may help or adaptationfirms should be able to fit a detachablegear stick.

GETTING A WHEELCHAIR INSome wheelchair users can put their chairin the back of the car and walk the fewsteps round to the front. Some peoplewho can’t do this transfer into the car andpull their wheelchair in behind the frontseats or they lift their rigid wheelchairframe onto the front passenger seat.

For this you have to be: n quite strong and flexiblen confident if your condition is variable

that you can do it even on a bad day.

It also involves putting your wheelchair inthe car with you – you may get yourclothes or upholstery muddy in wetweather.

The car needs to have:n enough clearance around the seat and

doorwayn low door sills and wide, square doors n seats that are easy to adjust.

Some common techniques are describedon the following pages. If these techniquesaren’t suitable for you, your car or yourwheelchair, you may be able to developyour own. This will be easier (and safer) ifyou get some professional advice (sayfrom a Mobility Centre – see page 30).

Alternatively, you may need to getsome equipment to help you. See ourguide Getting a wheelchair into a car.

TECHNIQUES FOR USE WITHRIGID WHEELCHAIRSGet in on the driver’s side, put thewheelchair on the passenger seatOnce in the car, remove the larger wheelsfrom the wheelchair and stow thembehind the seat or on the floor in front ofthe passenger seat.

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TECHNIQUES

Lift the wheelchair frame over yourstomach on to the front passenger seat.You may have to recline the backrest tomake more room between you and thesteering wheel. If you have a steering ball,this may reduce the distance between yourstomach and the steering wheel.

Safety:n Secure the wheelchair with a strap or

the front passenger seat belt.Otherwise it could cause an injury ifyou have to brake sharply.

Get in through the rear hatch andstow the wheelchair in the backThis works only if you are small and agileand have a vehicle with a flat rear sill and alow floor.

You get in through the back, drag thewheelchair after you, and clamber over tothe driver’s seat. On small cars this will bepossible only if the rear seats fold flat.

TECHNIQUES FOR USE WITHFOLDING WHEELCHAIRSSome people put a small piece of carpetover the door sill to protect the car fromdamage and make it easier to slide thewheelchair over the sill. If the car footwellis deep it might help to make an internalramp or build up the well. Adaptationfirms may be able to help you with this.

Get in on the driver’s side, put thewheelchair behind the seatOnce in the car seat, turn the wheelchairto face the car, and fold it. Lift the frontcastors over the sill behind your seat sothat the wheelchair cannot roll away ortopple over.

Bring the wheelchair frame across the car– it may be a squeeze

Take off the wheels, and put them behindthe driver's seat

Place the frame on the passenger seat.Make sure it is strapped in securely

Then edge yourself and the car seatforwards to make enough space to get thewheelchair in between the back of the seatand the door pillar. It may be necessary totilt the seat backrest forwards to give youmore room. Now pull the wheelchair in sothat the back wheels ride up and over thesill. Finally move the car seat to yourdriving position.

You may be able to make this easier byreplacing the standard seat with one whichslides and swivels (see pages 11–14).

Safety:n Park facing thse traffic so that you can

get out on the kerb. If this is notpossible leave something in sight toalert other drivers. A large luminouswheelchair sticker on the inside of thedoor may help.

Get in on the passenger’s side andput the wheelchair behind the seatThis technique means you don’t have to goout into the road. It also leaves you moreroom for getting the wheelchair in.

Transfer to the front passenger seat, foldthe wheelchair and lift the front castorsover the sill. Slide across to the driver’sseat. Move the passenger seat forwards asfar as it will go and tilt the backrestforwards. Lean across and pull thewheelchair in over the sill. A walking stickor piece of rope may help you do this. Thisis much easier if the whole car seat tiltsforward.

You need to be able to reach the lever totilt the seat forwards. Some cars havelevers on both sides. Alternatively it maybe possible to attach a cable to it or toswap the driver and passenger seats roundso that the lever is in reach.

SAFETY RESTRAINTSSeat beltsSeat belts will protect you from injury andyou have to use them by law. If you areunable to use a seat belt see your doctorabout an exemption certificate. You shoulddo this only if there is no alternative, andyou must tell your insurance company.

Securing your wheelchairYou also need to secure your wheelchairwhen driving. Some common methods:n Fit seat belts to the luggage

compartment. Their plug-in ends maybe easy to fasten. Don’t use inertia reels(like standard seat belts) because thechair will be able to move and damagethe car

n Use webbing straps fixed to the floorn Use tracking bolted to the vehicle floor,

with webbing to tie round the chairn Fit a ‘boot roll’ – a sheet of strong

material which you throw over thewheelchair. It is secured to bolts withwebbing straps.

The main specialist suppliers of restraintsystems are Q’Straint and Unwin SafetySystems (see page 27)

TECHNIQUES

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Warning

n Make sure anchoring points arestrong. They need to be firmlyfixed to the metal bodywork ofthe car with reinforcing platesunderneath.

n Use strong ties. Don’t useelasticated bungies or rope thatcan stretch. In a crash at 30mphthe load is up to 20 times theweight of the wheelchair.

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ADDITIONAL HAND HOLDSThe Car Caddie (available from generalaids suppliers) and the Handybar (availablefrom Adaptacar as well as from generalaids suppliers and motoring suppliers)both provide additional hand holds to helpwith getting in and out.

TRANSFER BOARDSIf you don’t have enough arm strength anddexterity to swing yourself in and out ofthe car you may be able to slide sidewaysfrom your wheelchair using a transferboard. These bridge the gap between yourwheelchair and the car seat. They can beused with a swivel seat (see pages 11–15). If you are very heavy, you may need to befairly strong or have an assistant.

Transfer boards are usually varnished orpolished to make them easier to slide on.Some are angled to help you move acrossawkward gaps. A more expensive type hasa sliding section which you sit on. Fromgeneral aid suppliers – £25–£60, or £250for the sliding seat board.

Using a transfer board

AccessoriesSimple equipment to help with getting in and out of a car

You just insert the Handybar in the doorcatch

Images courtesy of Nottingham Rehab Supplies

The Car Caddie attaches to the top of thewindow frame

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FOLDING TRANSFER BOARDSAutoadapt supply two folding transferboards, which are bolted to the car and arefolded and stowed when not in use. Theyboth also lower to help you transfer to andfrom a wheelchair.

EQUIPMENT THAT HELPS YOUSTAND UPIf you need help getting onto your feet,you can fit a lifting mechanism. Twomodels are available.

Seat Raise from KC MobilityPrice including fitting: £1,145The Seat Raise consists of a small foldingplatform that sits alongside the seat. Toget out of the car, you turn to face out andmove forwards onto the lifting platform,and it lifts you to a height of 405mm (16 ins) above the seat.

Up & Out Seat from Autochair

Price including fitting: from £2,350Weight capacity kg/stone: 110/17.3

The Up & Out Seat replaces the original car seat. The whole seat cushion lifts to theside. To get out you turn to face out andthe seat lifts you up and out of the door.

ACCESSORIES

Foldable sliding plate from Autoadapt -operated by handPrice including fitting: £495–£695Weight capacity kg/stone: 140/22

Assistance Lift from Autoadapt - has apower operated liftPrice including fitting: £1,650–£1,850Weight capacity kg/stone: 140/22

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If getting into a car seat and turning to faceforward is difficult, a device to help youswivel may help. The simplest is a cushionwhich you put on the car seat. Some havetwo layers joined with a swivel so they actas turntables; others are just made ofslippery material. Some people just use aplastic bag. Specialist cushions cost fromabout £15 to £150.

If the cushion is slippery you mustremove it before you drive off – it could bedangerous otherwise as you could slide offthe seat in an accident.

More sophisticated are systems wherethewhole seat swivels to face sideways outof the car. Some are manual – you release acatch and swing the seat round yourself;some are powered. They are available fromadaptation firms, from £980.

If you have stiff legs make sure the seatslides back far enough for you to get in –some are designed to slide back as youturn through the door to help with this.You also need to make sure that you willhave enough headroom – especially as youpass through the door.

Most swivel seats replace the originalseat. This means you may not be able tohave matching upholstery or features ofthe original seat like adjustable supports,heating, cooling etc. You will also have tofind somewhere to store the original seat ifyou mean to refit it later.

All use the existing seat mountings. Thishelps ensure that the seat is safe , and alsomeans the original seats can be refitted ifnecessary. One or two need additionalmountings to be attached to the car.

Swivel seats are more suitable for twoand three-door cars because the doors arewider. Always check with the supplierthat they will fit in your car. The range ofmovement of some swivel seats may belimited in some vehicles, especially on thedriver’s side.

Swivel seatsSwivel seats can help with getting in and out. Some come right out of the car and lift orlower to help you to your feet or into a wheelchair. Some let you transfer from yourwheelchair inside the car

A simple swivel cushion can help

BASIC SWIVELSEATSBasic swivel seats just turnby hand or power through90º to face out of the car.

LIFTING ANDLOWERING SWIVEL SEATSOther seats come right outover the sill. They also raiseyou to your feet or loweryou to help you into awheelchair, or if you have ahigh vehicle.

Some are programmed tomanoeuvre you out of thecar in the easiest way,avoiding the roof and doorpillars and sliding back tohelp you get your legs out.

SWIVEL SEATS FORTRANSFERRINGINSIDE Some people use a ramp orlift to go into the vehiclewith their wheelchair andtransfer to a swivelling seatto drive. This gives you fullindependence with amanual or power chair.

They are fully powered.Some have a lifting actionthat helps you get your feetround to the front.

ELAP ROTATINGCAR SEAT

Price including fitting:£980

Lifting capacity kg/stone:140/22

Distributed by:ELAP Mobility

n manual swivel seat,operated by lever

n fitted with runners forforward and backwardmovement

n adjustable lumbarsupport

n optional memory foamcushion

n optional arm rests.

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Basic swivel seats

TURNOUT

Price including fitting:manual: £1,250–£1,600powered: £1,675–£2,150Lifting capacity kg/stone:

150/23.6Distributed by:

Autoadapt UK

n manual and poweredversions

n option of poweredsliding action, £700

n arm rests.

Types

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SWIVEL SEATS

Lifting and lowering swivel seats

BELEK CAR SEATSYSTEM

Price including fitting: £3,620–£5,990

Lifting capacity kg/stone: 150/23.6

Distributed by: Steering Developments

n swivels through 90º andlifts you to your feet orlowers you level withyour wheelchair

n powered up and downmovement; manual orpowered swivel, manualor powered back andforward movement

n extended runnersn adjustable lumbar

supportn optional arm rests.

EASYBAB

Price including fitting: £3,500


Distributed by:A Slice of UK Living

n powered seat thatswings right out of thevehicle and lowers topreset height

n uses original seatmountings

n uses original seat in most cars

n fitted to passenger side only.

ELAP DISCOVERY


Lifting capacity kg/stone: 140/22

Distributed by:ELAP Mobility

n swivels through 90º andlowers you level withyour wheelchair

n fully programmablepowered action

n may use original seat insome vehicles

n adjustable lumbarsupport

n optional memory foamcushion and arm rests

n can be used withTraveller (see page 22).

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GENTLE GIANT

Price excluding fitting:£3,259


Distributed by: Braiden International

n powered seat thatswings right out of thevehicle and lowers topreset height

n programmed to fit youand the vehicle, it movesso you don’t have toduck as you go out

n fitted to MPVs and vans.

TURNY EVO

Price including fitting:to be confirmed

available March 2011Lifting capacity kg/stone:


Autoadapt UK

n fully programmablepowered action lowersto preset height

n options: side supports,lumbar support, neck rollsupport, remote control

n fitted to passenger sideor middle row

n can be used with theCarony (see page 21).

TURNY HD andORBIT

Price including fitting:HD: £3,500–£3,999Orbit: £3,800–£4,200Lifting capacity kg/stone:


Autoadapt UK

n manual (HD) or powered(Orbit) swivel

n powered up and downmovement lowers topreset height

n options: side supports,lumbar support, neck rollsupport, remote control

n fitted to passenger sideor middle row

n three lifting heights: 300,395, 480mm

n can be used with theCarony (see page 21).

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SWIVEL SEATS

Swivel seats for transferring inside

AUTOADAPT 6-WAY BASE


Lifting capacity kg/stone:150/23.6

Distributed by:Autoadapt UK

n swivels through 140º n lifts 180mm (7 inch)n 514mm (20.25 inch)

forward/backmovement

n optional extendedrunners – to 714mm (28 inch).

RICON 6-WAY SEATBASE



Distributed by:Adaptacar

n swivels through 90º n lifts 228mm (9 inch)n 342mm (13.5 inch)

forward/backmovement

n extended runners £51.

TURNIN



Distributed by:Autoadapt UK

n swivels through 90ºn no liftn optional runners, £125.

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Using a hoist

Getting into the slingThe sling is a canvas seat which lifts you.You need to sit on the sling. This can beawkward for those who have difficultymoving around, you may find it easier tosit on the sling in your wheelchair whilestill indoors, for example.

Some people find that they can slip thesling underneath more easily if they put asheet of plastic or bubble wrap on eachside of it.

Here we show you how to use theMilford Person Lift from Autochair. Other hoists work in a similar way.

Attaching the sling to the hoistThis may be done by the person sitting inthe sling rather than a helper.

Hoists have a mounting point which ispermanently bolted to the car and a mainarm which slots into this. A second(‘spreader’) arm is attached to the mainarm, and the sling is suspended from this.

For safety, the arms should always beremoved for a journey and securedsomewhere so they cannot move if youhave to brake sharply.

HoistsIf you need more help to get into a car a hoist may help. These are fairly simple deviceswhich lift you up to a height which makes it possible to be swung into a vehicle. Somecan be taken out of the car and used elsewhere – they slot into a wall fitting, stand ormobile unit. You are unlikely to be able to use a hoist unassisted

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HOISTS

Getting into the carThis can still be difficult. The main problemis that it may be necessary to duck underthe car door frame as you swing in.

Getting outYou need to get the wheelchair in the rightposition, and then use the hoist to loweryou onto the wheelchair. Then detach andstow the arms.

FITTINGTo fit these hoists a small mountingbracket is bolted to the car. The hoist itselfthen fits onto the bracket. It can beremoved when not being used and whiletravelling, leaving just the bracket in place.If you want to sell the car you can removethe bracket, and use grommets to fill theholes. The second-hand value of the carshouldn’t be affected if you have had ahoist fitted.

WHICH CARS?Hoists can be fitted to most cars. Thebigger the car, the more room there is toget in once the hoist is in place. MPVs andtwo and three door cars have more roomfor a hoist, but most four and five door carscan be fitted with one. What is best for youwill also depend on your size and yourability to move.

PASSENGER’S OR DRIVER’S SIDE?All of the hoists in this guide can be fittedto either side of the car. However they areused by drivers comparatively rarely. If youdrive, see Help needed, below, for moreinformation. After this, check with aMobility Centre (see page 30) to see if ahoist would be the best way of getting intoa car for you.

HELP NEEDED?Although these hoists can in theory beused alone, in tests we carried out someyears ago none of the people withdisabilities who tried the equipment outfor us could use them without help.

To use a hoist without help you needstrength and dexterity. You need to be ableto bend your head to duck under the car

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n If you have some strength and upperbody control a simple sit-on sling iseasy to get on and may be enough.Otherwise think about a sling shapedto support your neck and shoulders, orone with padding for more comfort.Generally the more fabric, the morecomfortable. You can buy a slingseparately from the hoist, but you’llneed specialised advice. Speak to yourOT if you have one, or ask your GP toput you in touch with a specialist whocan advise. The DLF (see page 33) has alist of sling manufacturers.

EASE OF USEIf you can, try before you buy – hoistsuppliers should be willing to demonstratetheir products. You need to be confidentthat you can use it as easily as possible.You’ll need to check both the hoist, andthe car you intend fitting it into to see if:n there is enough space between the car

seat and the top of the door for you toswing in without having to bend yourhead and neck too much

n the doors are wide enough. Ourprevious test of hoists suggested thatsmaller people who have no difficultybending their head or neck couldprobably use any of the hoists tested inall but the smallest cars. Larger peopleand people who are stiff needed moreheadroom and wider doors

n door sills are low and narrow enoughfor you to swing in without hittingthem with your feet

n protruding dashboards and winged carseats don’t make getting in harder thanit needs to be

n whoever helps you can manage the hoist.

door frame. Some upper body control isneeded for balance and you have to beable to lift your feet over the car sill. Youalso need to be able to remove and stowthe detachable arm safely. Once you’vedone that, you still have to be able to pullthe wheelchair in after you or get a rooftopor other hoist fitted to help you do this(see Getting a wheelchair into a car). If yourcondition is variable you have to be able todo this on a bad day, as well as a good day.

Even with help it can be difficult to use ahoist if you are stiff or have limited control,or if you are very tall or big. Hoists may notbe suitable for people who have spasms: ifyour limbs jerk you could hit them againstthe car.

Using a hoist on a steep hill can be moredifficult because you may hang at an anglewhich means more pushing is needed.

Car adaptation firms point out thatwhat is possible often depends as much onyour will and determination as it does onthe equipment.

COMFORTThis is a personal matter, and mostlydepends on the size and shape of the sling.Talk to the hoist supplier about the slingson offer. Try them if you can.n Ideally, you should sit upright or lean

slightly backwards in the sling. If thereisn’t enough support you may feel youneed to lean forwards to balance. Thiscan feel insecure and make it harder toget in the car

n The length of straps and theadjustability of the sling make adifference to the room you have to getin to the car. If the sling is too low ortoo high there may be a risk of bumpinginto parts of the car

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BRIG-AYD SUPER INTEGRAL LIFT

Price including fitting: £2,100Lifting capacity kg/stone: 120/18.9Distributed by: Brig-Ayd Controls

n use in passenger compartment to helpyou into the car and in luggagecompartment to load the wheelchair

n removeable part weighs 9.5kgn price includes one mounting point;

each additional one costs £517.

MULTI-LIFT

Price including fitting: on applicationLifting capacity kg/stone: 125/19.6Distributed by: Chris Elliott

Adaptions

n use in a vehicle and around the homen optional folding wheeled mounting

base with battery pack and chargern lift arm weighs 12kg (26.5 lbs).

HOISTS

MILFORD PERSON LIFT

Price including fitting: £2,325Lifting capacity kg/stone: 110/17.3Distributed by: Autochair

n use in a vehicle and around the homen optional mobile base (£795) or wall

bracket (£295), battery and chargern lift arm weighs 8kg (17.6 lbs)n hoist motor can be uprated to lift 127kg

(20 stone) for £100.

TOPSLIDER

Price including fitting: £1,600–£1,800Lifting capacity kg/stone: 130/21.9Distributed by: Autoadapt

n requires no modification of the car –attaches to standard roofbars

n transfers easily between vehiclesn manual lift (using ratchet) and slide

into car.

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These systems allow you to transfer in andout of a car without getting up from yourseat. For some people they offer a moredignified or an easier option. However, youwill certainly need someone to help you.

The wheelchair replaces the car seat, soyou can’t have matching upholstery orfeatures of the original seat like airbags,adjustable supports, heating, cooling etc..You also have to use it as your wheelchairso these may not be suitable if you needspecialist support.

You may find that lifting the seat andsliding it in and out of the car andswivelling it in place need considerablestrength and dexterity. Make sure you, orwhoever is helping you, are able to do this.Some have the option of powered liftingand swivelling actions.

The wheelchair base has to be stowedseparately, so you will always needsomeone to help. Some are light enoughto lift into the boot; others (especiallypowered versions) will have to be hoistedunless you have a strong helper (see

Getting a wheelchair into a car for more onwheelchair hoists).

On the following pages we list all thewheelchair systems that are currentlyavailable. Always try before you buy any ofthese systems, and check with the supplierwhether it will fit in your car.

Wheelchair systemsThe idea behind wheelchair systems is that you use a special wheelchair where the seatpart moves into the car to become a front car seat – all while you are sitting in it

This Elap Traveller swivels in and out byhand - make sure you can do this.Alternatively the Traveller and the Caronyare available in powered versions

Elap Traveller base stowed in boot

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BABOULIN DUO VOYAGEUR

Duo Voyageur with self propelled wheels

Price including fitting: from £5,995Lifting capacity kg/stone: 110/17.3Distributed by: A Slice of UK Living

n fitted to passenger side onlyn lift motor fixed to central door pillarn seat attaches to original seat

mountingsn powered lift.

Options and pricesn manual wheelchair – £5,995n powered wheelchair with detachable

motor – £11,100n motorised wheel hubs to fit manual

basen optional harnessn optional pressure relief cushion.

CARONY

Carony paired with Turny Evo (notincluded in price)

Price including fitting: from £2,600Lifting capacity kg/stone: 115/18Distributed by: Autoadapt UK

n fitted to driver or passenger siden uses original seat mountingsn manual lift – or use with Turny (see

page 14) for powered lift and swivel.

Options and pricesn 24" wheels (for self propelling) – £300n powered swivel seat – £400n powered wheelchair version (Carony

Go) – from £6,500n adjustable lumbar supportn optional side supportsn optional seat belt deflector.

WHEELCHAIR SYSTEMS

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ELAP TRAVELLER

ELAP Traveller, with non-self propelledwheels

Price including fitting: £2,795Lifting capacity kg/stone: 140/22Distributed by: ELAP Mobility

n fitted to passenger side onlyn uses original seat mountingsn manual lift – or use with Turny (see

page 14) for powered lift and swivel.

Optionsn adjustable arm restsn adjustable lumbar supportn anti tipping devicen self propel wheels.

WHEELCHAIR SYSTEMS

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WAVs (WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES)

Specialist firms convert MPVs, vans andother vehicles so that you can get in andtravel in your wheelchair. If you travel as apassenger you usually sit behind the frontrow of seats, but some designs allow youto sit beside the driver.

Drive-from WAVs are designed so thatyou drive from your wheelchair. They canbe fitted with a wide range of hand andother controls – this will be done as part ofthe conversion, which will be tailored tosuit you and your wheelchair. A few WAVsare designed so you transfer to the driver'sseat once you are inside (see page 15).

WAVs either have a ramp or a lift. Alllifts are powered but some ramps aredeployed by hand (you will need help). Ifyou use a ramp, a winch can be fitted tohelp get you in (only suitable if someonehelps you, as you won’t be able to attachthe winch yourself). All drive-from WAVsare designed to be used without help sothe doors open and the ramp unfolds at atouch of a button.

The number of passengers a WAV cancarry depends on the base vehicle and theconversion. Some carry just the driver and

a passenger in a wheelchair, but some willcarry five or more additional passengers.Some WAVs have folding or removablerear seats that can be used when awheelchair is not being carried.

You go in at the rear or the side of thevehicle. Side-entry WAVs can be easier foron-street parking (because you don't needso much room behind, and you don't haveto get your wheelchair into the road), butyou may not be able to use them in all carparks. The Wav-Evolution (from WilsonHealy Conversions) has a specially adaptedfront door that lets you enter directly intothe driver's or front passenger's space.

There is a large range of WAVs to choosefrom. Motability have a free guide.Mobility Centres (see page 30) give advice.Contact converters (see our Mobilityaddress list) for detailed information on thevehicles they supply. Always try out a WAVyou are considering – converters will bringa demonstration vehicle to you. TheWheelchair Accessible Vehicles ConvertersAssociation (see page 34) requires itsmembers to provide this service and tomeet other service standards.

I Can from Sirus – from £33,295 Wav-Evolution – from £20,995

24

FinanceMOTABILITY

If you receive the Higher Rate MobilityComponent of Disability Living Allowanceor the War Pensioner’s MobilitySupplement you are eligible for theMotability scheme. Your allowance goestowards the cost of a car, poweredwheelchair or scooter, through contracthire or hire purchase schemes.

Motability Contract Hire SchemeYou use your Mobility Allowance to leasea new car from Motability for three years(five years for a wheelchair accessiblevehicle). Maintenance and servicing costs,comprehensive insurance for two drivers(a third driver can be added for a fee) andRAC breakdown assistance are included.

You can choose a model from a widerange of manufacturers. If you choose onethat is more expensive than is covered bythe Mobility Allowance, you make anadvance payment (£10 – £10,000+,depending on the car and the allowanceyou get).

Motability aim to offer at least 200 carswhich require no advance payment –including some wheelchair accessiblevehicles. There are also cars availablewhich will leave you with something leftover. If you travel more than 20,000 milesa year, you will be charged 5p for eachextra mile.

The Motability Contract Hire scheme

will also cover, or contribute to, the costof adaptations. Motability has a list ofadaptations available, with costsattached. They operate a ManagedAdaptation Programme which can makethe process both easier and cheaper – youcan only make use of this programmewhen you are ordering your new car. If youwant to fit adaptations to a car youalready own, or fit something not onMotability's price list, you will have tofund this yourself. Motability administer anumber of funds (see Grants below) whichmay be able to help. Any adaptationsmust be supplied and fitted by aMotability accredited supplier.

Motability Hire Purchase SchemeWith this scheme you use the HigherRate Mobility Component to buy the carover three, four or five years. There are norestrictions on mileage. You areresponsible for arranging your owninsurance, breakdown assistance (if youwant it) and maintenance and servicing.Once the hire purchase term has beencompleted, the car is yours, along withany adaptations.

GrantsMotability administer a number ofgovernment funds as well as having theirown Charitable Fund.

If you are on the Motability schemeyou can apply for a grant for such thingsas adaptations, advance payments onmore expensive vehicles and driving

25

lessons (for people under 25). You haveto provide details of your circumstanceswhich will be checked.

Motability can only help towards theleast expensive solution that meets yourneeds. Contact Motability Operationsfor more information.

Motability OperationsCity Gate House22 Southwark Bridge RoadLondon SE1 9HBTel: 0845 456 4566Textphone: 0845 675 0009www.motability.co.uk

OTHER SOURCES OFFINANCECharitiesSome charities give grants to individuals.n Your local library should be able to help

you find sources, such as the RoundTable, Rotary or Lions Club and otherlocal charities.

n Try your appropriate disability groupsuch as Scope, the MS Society or theMuscular Dystrophy Campaign, whomay know of sources of help.

n If you are aged 50 or over, Charity Search provide a free service to help you find a grant-giving charity:

Charity SearchFreepost (BS 6610)AvonmouthBristol BS11 9TWTel: 0117 982 4060 (9:30 to 2:30 Mon–Thurs)Email: [email protected]

n The Family Fund helps families withseverely disabled children aged 17 andunder, whose household income is lessthan £28,000 a year. They may be ableto contribute towards the cost ofadapting a car or with driving lessons.They do not usually help with the cost ofbuying a car.

The Family FundUnit 4, Alpha CourtMonks Cross DriveHuntingdonYork YO32 9WNTel: 0845 130 4542Fax: 01904 652 625Textphone: 01904 658 085Email: [email protected]

n FunderFinder (www.funderfinder.org.uk)has a database of organisations that givegrants. Call them to find out where youcan see their database locally. Tel: 0113 243 3008.

Statutory sourcesn Social services – may be worth trying,

especially if you do not get DisabilityLiving Allowance or if you have alreadyused your mobility component to lease or buy a vehicle.

n Access to Work – if you are in work orare applying for a job you may be ableto get help from the Access to Workscheme. They may cover the cost ofadaptations to a vehicle if this is theonly or most cost effective way for youto get to work. Cases are assessed on an individual basis. Contact your localJobcentre Plus or visitwww.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

FINANCE

26

FINANCE

VATYou do not pay VAT on products designedand sold specifically for disabled people.This means all adaptations, installation,repair and maintenance are zero rated.

What kind of adaptations count?n Those which make it possible for you

to get in and out of the vehicle, such as a swivel seat

n Those which make it possible for you todrive, such as hand controls for primarydriving controls and infra red systems forsecondary controls. Note that standardextras such as automatic transmissionwould not be enough to qualify

n Those which enable a wheelchair to be carried in the vehicle, such as a hoist. Trailers, roof or rear racks wouldnot count as they are not vehicleadaptations.

Adaptations have to be permanent – which means in practice that they have to be welded or bolted on. Repair andmaintenance to the vehicle is also zerorated. The supplier of the vehicle has to be satisfied that you qualify, and youwill have to sign a form declaring yourdisability.

Wheelchair and stretcher usersAdditionally, if you use a wheelchair orstretcher you may not have to pay VAT onthe price of the car or for its repair ormaintenance.

To qualify you must:n be a wheelchair user – temporary

users do not count and nor do scooterusers or

n need to be carried in a stretcher.

The car must:n have been designed or substantially

and permanently adapted for theperson who normally uses a wheelchairor stretcher

n carry no more than 12 peoplen be for domestic or personal use.

Vehicles owned and run by businesses donot qualify. However you can use aqualifying adapted vehicle for work if it isincidental to its main private use.

VAT relief applies only to new cars, so ifyou are buying a car with the intention ofhaving controls fitted, it may be worthyour while to consider buying a new carrather than a secondhand one as you willnot have to pay VAT on the car.

More information: VAT Notice 701/7 VATrelief for people with disabilities fromHMRC national advice serviceTel: 0845 010 9000www.hmrc.gov.uk.

Note

n You must buy and adapt thevehicle at the same time – youcannot get a VAT refund foradaptations made later.

n Alterations made to a car before it is registered have to have typeapproval. In practice this meansthat it is only legal to fit theseadaptations after registration.You have to register the car, haveit adapted and then pay for it. Talk to the firm who is adaptingyour car – they will know theropes and be able to makeappropriate arrangements.

27

SPECIALIST SUPPLIERSMENTIONED IN THIS GUIDESpecialist suppliers, adapters andconverters we mention in this guide.See also our Mobility address list.A Slice Of UK LivingTel: 07703 489584www.ukliving.infoAdaptacarTel: 01769 572785www.adaptacar.co.ukAutoadapt UKTel: 0121 333 5170www.autoadapt.co.ukAutochairTel: 0800 214 045www.autochair.co.ukBraiden InternationalTel: 01623 422717www.gentle-giant.comBrig-Ayd ControlsTel: 01707 322322www.brig-aydcontrols.co.ukChris Elliott AdaptionsTel: 01733 333023www.chriselliottadaptions.co.ukElap MobilityTel: 01254 871599www.elap.co.ukKC MobilityTel: 01924 442386www.kcmobility.co.ukQ’Straint Tel: 01227 773035www.qstraint.comSirus AutomotiveTel: 0121 505 7777www.sirusautomotive.co.uk

Steering DevelopmentsTel: 01442 212918www.steeringdevelopments.co.ukUnwin Safety Systems Tel: 01935 827740www.unwin-safety.comWilson Healy ConversionsTel: 01704 227979www.wh-conversions.co.uk

BUYING SECONDHANDYou can buy adapted vehicles and equipmentsecond hand from some converters, and fromthese sources: n Disability Equipment Register –

www.disabilityequipment.org.uk n Disability Now (see page 33)n Disabled Living Foundation (see page 33)

has a list of secondhand sourcesn DisabledGear – www.disabledgear.comn Justmobility – www.justmobility.co.uk

GENERAL AIDS SUPPLIERSLess specialised equipment is avaiable fromlocal mobility shops (look in the phone book)or from mail order companies.Able Living0871 22 05232 www.ableliving.comAbility Answers01792 412700 www.abilityanswers.comBritish Red Cross Shop0844 8930089 www.redcross.org.uk/shopHearing and Mobility0844 8881338www.hearingandmobility.co.ukHomecraft Rolyan0844 4124330 www.homecraft-rolyan.comNottingham Rehab Supplies0845 1204522 www.nrs-uk.co.uk

Suppliers

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DRIVING LICENCEMobility Centres or disabled drivers’organisations will be able to help you finda driving instructor who specialises inteaching disabled drivers. They use carswith adapted controls or will teach you in your own vehicle.

Drivers of adapted cars take the sametest as everyone else. If you drive anadapted vehicle and you have advised the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency,details will appear in code form on yourlicence. The adaptations recorded are:modified transmission, modified clutch,modified braking and accelerationsystems, modified control layouts,modified steering, modified rear viewmirrors and modified driving seats. Youcan only drive cars with similarequipment.

There’s no top age limit to driving. You have to renew your licence at 70 and every three years after that. A formwill be sent to you by the DVLA.

You must tell them of any disabilitywhen applying for a licence for the firsttime. You must also tell them if you have a new medical condition or one which hasgot worse since passing your driving test orsince your last licence was issued.Conditions you have to tell them aboutinclude fits or blackouts, seizures, diabetes,angina attacks which are provoked bydriving, memory problems, stroke, braininjury, brain surgery, pacemaker, difficultyin using your arms or legs and any visualcondition which affects both eyes.

You may be sent a questionnaire and willbe asked to give permission for theMedical Advisor to contact your doctor or specialist. If your driving licence is forautomatic vehicles only, you must makesure the clutch pedal is removed if youhave adapted a manual gearbox. Furtherinformation from www.dvla.gov.uk or inWhat you need to know about drivinglicences from a post office.

VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY (ROAD TAX)You don’t have to pay Road Tax if you get the Higher Rate Mobility Componentof the Disability Living Allowance or theWar Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement.

If you are not the driver you have toprovide the name of whoever will drive for you. The vehicle must be registered in your or your nominee’s name. It must beused only by you or for your benefit – suchas to do your shopping. Anyone can drive itas long as they are insured.

To claim, get an exemption certificatefrom the Disability Living Allowance Unitof the Department for Work and Pensions(08457 123 456) or the Veterans Agency(0800 169 2277). You can then get yourfree tax disc at post offices which issueroad tax, or by post. If the dealer isregistering your new vehicle for you, youwill need to let them have your certificate.Renewals can be made online.

Motability Contract Hire vehicles don’tneed a certificate – the tax disc will bearranged by Motability.

The legal side

29

INSURANCEUnder the Disability Discrimination Act,insurers are not allowed to refuse disableddrivers insurance or charge extra withoutjustifying evidence. Premiums must bebased on a reasonable assessment of risk.Insurers will take account of any DVLArestrictions on your licence, but this is notin itself justification for a higher premium.However, you may have to pay more:

n while you are adjusting to a newdisability if there is evidence that thiswill increase the risk

n to cover any extra cost of repairing an adapted vehicle.

As with all insurance, shop around to get thebest deal. If you feel you are being chargedmore for your policy than other drivers insimilar circumstances, ask the insurancecompany for details of why they consideryou to be a greater risk. Mobility Centres andorganisations of disabled drivers have lists ofspecialist insurance companies.

We know of the following companieswhich specialise in insurance services fordisabled people:

n Chartwell 0845 260 7051n En-route 0800 783 7245n First Senior 01582 840067n Fish 0800 012 6329n Lockton 020 7933 0000n Premier Care 01476 591104

BLUE BADGE SCHEME

The Blue Badge Scheme offers parkingconcessions for disabled people withsevere walking difficulties who need topark close to their destinations. Thescheme also applies to registered blindpeople, people with severe upper limbdisabilities in both arms who regularlydrive a vehicle and children under two withspecific medical conditions.

You can use designated disabled parkingbays in car parks and on the street, park forup to three hours on single and doubleyellow lines and often park for free in localauthority car parks and bays (check first, assome local authorities still charge).

The scheme is administered by localauthorities which deal with applicationsand issue badges.

For more information:Department for Transport Blue Badgehelpline:020 7944 2914 or 0161 367 [email protected] (follow the Access forDisabled People link)

THE LEGAL SIDE

30

Key to servicesThe centres vary in size and in the services they offer. Here we detail some of the services offered:I free information serviceD advice on choosing a vehicle, driving it,

driving controls and learning to driveP assessment and advice about getting in

and out of vehicles, loading of wheelchairs and other equipment

W advice on selecting and using awheelchair or scooter

T driving tuition for new drivers, peoplereturning to driving and those who willbe using different controls

A fitting adaptations for drivers orpassengers

BristolLiving (formerly Disabled Living Centre)The Vassall CentreGill Avenue, FishpondsBristol BS16 2QQSatellite centres: Cheltenham, Sparkford,

SemingtonTel: 0117 965 9353Fax: 0117 965 3652Email: [email protected]: I D P W T

CornwallCornwall Mobility CentreServicing the South West PeninsulaTehidy House, Royal Cornwall HospitalTruro, Cornwall TR1 3LJTel: 01872 254 920Fax: 01872 254 921

MOBILITY CENTRESYour first stop is likely to be a MobilityCentre – for telephone advice or for anassessment of your needs, for example.There are 17 Mobility Centres in the UK.They give practical and independentadvice and assessment to disabled driversand passengers. They will assess yourability to drive, advise you about vehiclesthat might suit you and about anyadaptations you may need. They are wellinformed on motoring and disability issuesgenerally. Each centre has expert andfriendly staff who are likely to have metand solved similar problems before. Theyare non commercial and impartial.

An assessment for a driver referring himor herself will cost from £50 to £130(depending on the centre). In Scotlandassessment is free if referred by a GP. Costsfor assessment as a passenger are lower –generally around £20 – £50. Motabilitycustomers may qualify for a freeassessment under the ManagedAdaptation Programme.

Mobility Centres are accredited by theForum of Mobility Centres and havecertain minimum standards. For moreinformation on the centres contact:

The Forum of Mobility Centresc/o Providence Chapel, WarehorneAshford, Kent TN26 2JXTel: 0800 559 3636Email: [email protected]

Usefulorganisations

31

Email:[email protected]

www.cornwallmobilitycentre.co.ukServices: I D P W T A

DerbyshireDerby DrivAbilityKingsway Hospital Kingsway, Derby DE22 3LZTel: 01332 371 929Fax: 01332 382 377Email: [email protected] www.derbydrivability.comServices: I D P T

HampshireSouthampton Mobility CentreUnit 211, Solent Business CentreMillbrook Road WestMillbrook, Southampton SO15 0HWTel: 023 8051 2222Email: [email protected]: I D P T

HertfordshireHertfordshire Action on DisabilityThe Woodside Centre, The CommonsWelwyn Garden City AL7 4DDTel: 01707 324 581Fax: 01707 371 297Email: [email protected]: I D P W T

KentThe Driving Assessment and Advice CentreCobtree Ward, Preston Hall HospitalLondon Rd, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7NJTel: 01622 795 719Fax: 01622 795 720Email: [email protected]: I D P T

LancashireWrightington Mobility CentreWrightington HospitalHall LaneWiganLancs WN6 9EPSatellite centre: Tyldsley (Manchester)Tel: 01257 256 409Fax: 01257 256 538Email: [email protected]: I D P

NorfolkEast Anglian Drive Ability2 Napier Place, ThetfordNorfolk IP24 3RLSatellite centres: Coggeshall, SpaldingTel: 01842 753 029Fax: 01842 755 950Email: info@eastangliandriveability.org.ukwww.eastangliandriveability.org.ukServices: I D P W T

OxfordshireRegional Driving Assessment CentreUnit A, Anvil CourtStanton Harcourt RoadEynshamOxfordshire OX29 4UDServices: I D P W T

SurreyQueen Elizabeth’s Foundation

Mobility CentreDamson Way, Fountain DriveCarshalton, Surrey SM5 4NRTel: 020 8770 1151Fax: 020 8770 1211Email: [email protected]/our-services/mobility-

servicesServices: I D P W T

UsefulorganisationsUSEFUL ORGANISATIONS

Tyne and WearNorth East Drive MobilityWalkergate Park Centre for Neuro-rehabilitation and

Neuro-psychiatry Benfield RoadNewcastle upon Tyne NE6 4QDTel: 0191 287 5090 Email:

[email protected]: I D P

West MidlandsRegional Driving Assessment CentreUnit 11 Network ParkDuddeston Mill RoadBirmingham B8 1AUSatellite centres: Cannock, Hull,

Northampton, OxfordTel: 0845 337 1540Fax: 0121 333 4568Email:[email protected]: I D P T

West YorkshireThe William Merritt CentreDisabled Living Centre and Mobility

ServiceSt Mary’s Hospital, Green Hill RoadArmleyLeeds LS12 3QETel: 0113 305 5288Fax: 0113 231 9291Email: [email protected]: I D P W

NORTHERN IRELANDDisability ActionPortside Business Park, 189 Airport RoadBelfast BT3 9EDSatellite centres: Ballymena, Dungannon,

Londonderry, NewryTel: 028 9029 7880Fax: 028 9020 7881Email: [email protected]: I D P T

SCOTLANDScottish Driving Assessment ServiceAstley Ainslie Hospital, 133 Grange LoanEdinburgh EH9 2HLSatellite centre: Mobile Driving Assessment

ServiceTel: 0131 537 9192Fax: 0131 537 9193Email:

[email protected]: I D P

NORTH WALESNorth Wales Mobility and Driving

Assessment ServiceDisability Resources CentreGlan Clwyd Hospital Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire LL18 5UJTel: 01745 584 858Fax: 01745 582 762Email: [email protected]: I D P W T A

SOUTH WALESSouth Wales Mobility and Driving

Assessment Service, Rookwood HospitalFairwater Road, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YNTel: 029 2055 5130Fax: 029 2055 5130Email: [email protected]: I D P

32

33

OTHER ORGANISATIONSBlue Badge NetworkHas up-to-date information, news andideas relating to parking concessions inparticular and disability issues in general.11 Parson’s StreetDudley DY1 1JJTel: 01384 257001Fax: 01384 257317Email:

[email protected]

A website providinginformation aboutpublic services. They

have useful sections on motoring and on disability.www.direct.gov.uk/disabledpeople

Provide advice andinformation ondisability equipment.

They have a database of products andsuppliers with details of conversions,hoists and lifting equipment, car seats,hire vehicles, accessories and much more. 380–384 Harrow RoadLondon W9 2HUTel: 0845 130 9177(weekdays 10am to 4pm)www.dlf.org.ukwww.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Disabled Motorists’FederationAn umbrella organisation for

disabled motorists’ clubs. It providesinformation and advice on travel, vehiclesand modifications. The Way Ahead,quarterly, is free to members. Membership £14 a year.

c/o Chester-le-Street and District CVSVolunteer CentreClarence TerraceChester-le-Street DH3 3DQTel/Fax: 0191 416 3172www.dmfed.org.uk

Disability NowA monthly newspaper published by SCOPEwith reviews by disabled people and adsfor secondhand vehicles and equipment.Subscribe or order from your newsagent. Tel: 0844 249 0228Email: [email protected]

Driver and Vehicle Licensing AgencyDrivers Medical GroupTel: 0300 790 6806Fax: 0845 850 0095Email: [email protected]/motoring Northern IrelandDriver and Vehicle AgencyTel: 0845 402 4000Email: [email protected]

A self help organisationrun by disabled peoplefor disabled people,

which encourages greater independencethrough enhanced mobility. They provideinformation and have a regular magazinefor members. Membership is £16 per year(£21 for joint members).AshwellthorpeNorwich NR16 1EXTel: 01508 489 449Fax: 01508 488 173 Email: [email protected]

USEFUL ORGANISATIONS

34

MobilityRoadshows have awide range of

adapted cars to see and try, as well asmobility products. Manufacturers andorganisations are on hand to give adviceand demonstrations. Roadshows are free.

Mobility Choice organise a roadshow everyyear at the East of England Showground,Peterborough and every two years at theRoyal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. Tel: 0845 241 0390Fax: 0845 241 2136Email: [email protected]

Disability Action organise an annual showin Northern Ireland.Tel: 028 9029 7880Fax: 028 9029 7881Textphone: 028 9029 7882Email: [email protected]

A voluntaryorganisation ofengineers whoinvent, design and

make devices or carry out adaptations tohelp disabled people to be moreindependent or to enjoy leisure activitieswhen nothing exists on the market to solvetheir particular problem. England, Wales and NID9 Chaucer Business ParkKemsingKent TN15 6YUTel: 0845 130 0456Fax: 0845 130 0789Email: [email protected]

Remap ScotlandThe website has a useful map showing thelocations of local groups.Forgue House, Forgue, Huntly AB54 6DATel: 01466 730 736Email: [email protected]

Service CallA service that allows disabledpeople to use petrol stations and

other services that are difficult to access.You carry an infrared transmitter (£14.95inc p&p), which you use to signal that youneed assistance at participating outlets,which include thousands of petrol stations,banks, supermarkets, shops and others.Tel: 0800 214 045www.service-call.net

Wheelchair AccessibleVehicle ConvertersAssociation

The trade association for companies whomake and sell WAVs. WAVCA aims toimprove the quality and safety of WAVsand lobbies for legislation for wheelchairpassenger vehicles.

Members must: n have been trading for at least 2 yearsn offer at least 3 years warranty n have passed safety tests on restraints

and seat beltsn demonstrate a commitment to

customer service

WAVCA c/o Lewis ReedPlantation Court, Plantation RoadWirral International Business ParkBromborough, Wirral CH62 3QREmail: [email protected]

Ricability guides

CHOOSING A CARThings to think aboutif you have adisability; details of featuresthat may help you; ways of adapting acar to suit you

CARCONTROLSInformation on typesof adaptations andhow to get them; it covers simple andmore complexconversions

GETTING AWHEELCHAIR INTO A CARA run down ofequipment to helpyou stow or carry awheelchair, includingramps, hoists, racksand trailers

ricability


Choosing a car

2011

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ricability


Car controls

2011

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ricabilityricability

Ricability is a research charity that publishes independent informationon products and services for older and disabled people

RicabilityUnit G03 The Wenlock50–52 Wharf RoadLondon N1 7EUTel: 020 7427 2460Fax: 020 7427 2468Textphone: 020 7427 2469e-mail: mail@ricability.org.ukwww.ricability.org.ukwww.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk

ISBN: 978-1-907408-03-8© RicabilityAutumn 2010


Getting awheelchair into acar

2010

EDITIO

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Seven shorter guides are for drivers with particular disabilities:

Motoring after amputationMotoring after brain injuryMotoring after a strokeMotoring with arthritisMotoring with cerebral palsyMotoring with multiple sclerosisMotoring with restricted growth

All these guides are available in print andonline at www.ricability.org.uk.

On our website there is also aninteractive guide to car measurements.On it you can search for vehicles whichhave features that make them easier toget in and out of (for example height ofseat, width of door, headroom) or whichhave room for a wheelchair or othermobility aid.

MOBILITYADDRESS LISTAddresses of alladaptation suppliersand converters in theUK and the servicesthey offer

ricability

Mobilityaddress list

June 2010

Mob addressesFINAL WPG:Layout 1 23/06/2010 09:21 Page i

n For full details of the Motability Insurance range visitwww.motability.co.uk or call direct:

Motability HOME InsuranceMotability PET InsuranceMotability TRAVEL Insurancen For every policy sold, the insurance providers will pay a proportion of the

premium in commission to Motability to helpdisabled people remain mobile.

Motability has teamed up with leading home, pet and travel insurers

0800 783 00610800 369 90940800 519 9957

Ricability is an independentresearch charity that publishesinformation on products and services for older and disabled people

RicabilityUnit G03 The Wenlock50–52 Wharf RoadLondon N1 7EUTel: 020 7427 2460Fax: 020 7427 2468Textphone: 020 7427 2469Email: [email protected]

Research: Jasper HolmesPhotography: Robin BeckhamCover illustration: Michael MundayDesign: Price WatkinsPrint: WPG

ISBN: 978-1-907408-04-5© Ricability2011

ricability

ge tting in and o ut of a car - · pdf filege tting in and o ut of a car. ... getting a...

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