Having your vehicle adapted isn’t a compulsory part of the Motability Scheme, but it can help to make it even easier, safer and more comfortable to use your Motability vehicle. There are three different adaptations which can be included, and it can be useful to learn more about these adaptations before you choose your Motability car. This is because some models may be more suitable than others, depending on the adaptation you require. What’s more, grants are available to help cover the cost of some adaptations to make it even more accessible to you.
Adaptations can be made to many different aspects of the vehicle, including the steering wheel, accelerator and gearstick. These can make it possible for you to drive your own car, even if you find it difficult to operate a standard vehicle. Driving adaptations like a hand-controlled brake or electronic accelerator can help you drive from the waist up, while you can also access remote control devices to operate features like indicators and wipers. Other adaptations can help if you need the pedals closer to your seat, or if you need a left foot accelerator due to limited mobility.
Stowage adaptations can help if you need to store equipment in or on top of your car. This might include wheelchairs or scooters, which you might need once you have arrived at your destination. Stowage adaptations can include rooftop boxes with an electric hoist to manoeuvre your wheelchair from the ground, which also allows you to keep your boot space free, or car boot hoists. Both of these can be fitted to your compatible vehicle.
Access adaptations can prove incredibly helpful if you need assistance getting in and out of your vehicle. There are different options available, including a swivel seat that can be manual or motorised. You could also opt for an electric hoist, that includes a permanent mount to physically lift you in and out of your vehicle. Other simpler adaptations include a side step or transfer plate. These can be fitted to your vehicle and stored away when not in use.
The team at Brindley will take the time to understand your lifestyle, needs and who will be in the car. This can help us to find the most suitable vehicle on Motability. It’s important to remember that not every adaptation is compatible with every car.
We can help to arrange your chosen adaptations with an installer, who can also offer insights on the right vehicle. Installers can also offer a demonstration of how the adaptation works, if required. Once you’ve chosen your vehicle, we can order it for you. At each of our dealerships we have a dedicated team of Motability specialists to help guide you through the process.
If you have realised after you have already leased the vehicle that you require an adaptation to make it easier, then you may be able to if you have the right insurance. It’s always best to adaptations when ordering a new vehicle, as not every adaptation is compatible with every car.
You may need to speak to an adaptations installer to determine whether the adaptation is transferable, as they aren’t compatible with every car. It’s a good idea to do this at the end of your current lease. There’s usually no charge to transfer adaptations, but it’s important to check and you should always let your insurance provider know if you’ve added an adaptation.
If you encounter a problem with your adaptation and it’s not working as it should, it’s important to get in touch with the installer. All routine repairs are included in your lease, so you should be able to get it rectified easily.