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The Motability Managed Adaptations Programme

If you think you may benefit from an adaptation in your new car, Motability's Managed Adaptations Programme offers a wide variety of options that could make your driving experience more comfortable. The programme takes away the hassle by managing the process for you from start to finish.

Sometimes, mobility issues can be resolved by simply choosing the right car. Features such as automatic transmission, automatic sliding doors, start button ignition and parking sensors can all help make driving easier.

However, if you think that an adaptation would be useful, it’s advisable to consider this at the same time as choosing your Arbury vehicle. The majority of common adaptations can be made to fit most cars, although some may be more suitable than others.

Adaptations to your vehicle can help with things like speed and steering, signalling and safety, stowage, seating and access.

What to do next

A Motability-accredited adaptation installer will be able to give you expert advice on choosing the right adaptation to suit your individual needs, along with the most suitable vehicle models. You can find an installer at a Driving Mobility centre.

Start by considering your daily travel and how an adaptation may impact this. For example, if you’re considering a wheelchair stowage system for the roof of your car, height restrictions on car parks may pose some issues.

Once you’ve found the adaptation you need, Arbury will be able to order both the car and the adaptations of your choice through the Motability Managed Adaptations Programme. Your new car will be delivered with the adaptations installed and ready to drive away.

What’s available?

Push/Pull hand control: If you’re unable to use the foot pedals in your car, a push and pull device will enable you to control the speed with your hand. To operate, push the lever forward to apply the brake and pull it backwards to apply the accelerator.

Radial accelerator: Similar to the push and pull control, the radial accelerator can help you control the speed of your car if you’re unable to use the foot controls. To operate, push downwards on the lever in a slight radial action to accelerate, pushing the lever away from the body to brake.

Steering wheel ball: If you have difficulty holding or turning a steering wheel or have the use of only one hand, having a steering wheel ball fitted means you’ll have more control when steering your car. To operate, simply hold the ball, making sure your hand is comfortable, and use it to turn the steering wheel in the direction you need.

Left foot accelerator: If you’re unable to use your right leg, you could use a pedal transfer to switch the accelerator to the opposite side, enabling you to control the speed with your left foot. To operate, you pull down the pedal required and the other pedal flips up automatically (for a twin flip accelerator). You can then use that pedal while the other is safely folded up, out of the way. Floor-mounted left foot accelerators operate with a guard to cover the pedal not in use.

Easy release handbrake: If you have limited strength or flexibility in your arms, an easy release handbrake device will reduce the effort needed to apply and release the handbrake. To operate, some use buttons and some use a small lever – it’ll depend on the type of device you choose.

Infrared controls: If you have limited movement in your upper body, infrared controls can bring everything to your fingertips. They make it easier to manage certain functions in your car, which make it safer or more comfortable to drive. To operate, press the button of the function you need on a simple keypad, which is often attached to the steering wheel.

Electric boot hoist wheelchair storage: If you can’t lift your wheelchair into your boot, an electric hoist will solve this problem by easily taking the weight and manoeuvring into the boot of your car. To operate, use the electric keypad to lift and move the wheelchair into the boot once attached. Operation will depend on the model but most are similar.

Rooftop wheelchair stowage: If you need your boot to store other things such as luggage, equipment or even the dog, you might want to store your wheelchair in a rooftop box. To operate, a hand-held control will lift, fold and store the wheelchair once attached. Operation will depend on the model but most are similar.

Swivel seat: If you have limited body movement or stiff legs, a swivel seat can help you get in and out of the car more easily. This can also increase driver and passenger comfort. To operate, use a remote control to turn the chair to face the driver or passenger, allowing plenty of space to sit down. Use the remote control to then move the chair round into the required position.

Whether you require a simple steering ball or full hand controls, we can help you get the right products fitted to your new Arbury vehicle, ready for you to collect and enjoy. Please contact a member of the Arbury team today for further details.