Your guide to adaptations

Inside:

Need-to-know handy details about adaptation types

Step-by-step guide to leasing your Motability Scheme with adaptations

Questions answered our customers most frequently asked adaptations questions Watch our adaptations film clips motability.co.uk/adaptationsfilms

Who’s involved We are Motability Operations Ltd, a company authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. All Motability Scheme are leased to customers by us. Hello and welcome to our adaptations guide Adaptations are a range explain the basic functions of devices that can be fitted of some of our most popular to your car, typically falling adaptations, and get you into three categories: to on the road to finding help you drive, to help you the right answers to your stow your wheelchair or mobility needs. We’ll take scooter and to help you get you through each stage in and out of your car. Today step-by-step, from getting over 50,000 customers have the right advice, to ordering adaptations fitted to their adaptations for your , to make their or Motability car. travelling experience easier and more comfortable. This guide is designed to Our advice Many cars now have standard features Driving p4 such as automatic Adaptations , push to help improve your button ignition, auto driving experience wipers, auto lights and parking sensors, all of 1 which can help make driving or travelling Stowage p10 easier. Speak to your Adaptations Motability Scheme dealer to stow your scooter about how these features or wheelchair could help improve your experience. 2 You can find your nearest dealer by Access p12 visiting our website Adaptations at motability.co.uk to help you get in 3 and out of the car Ordering p14 Adaptations a helpful guide to 4 the process

motability.co.uk 3 Driving 1 Adaptations Driving adaptations help with speed control, steering and signalling. They vary from simple attachments, to replacing all existing controls with a system individually designed for you. In most cases the original controls can still be used with adaptations in place, so nominated drivers can still use the car. Most driving adaptations require an automatic gearbox, and you must ensure you are able to control the safely when using any adaptations and comply with any specific codes on your driving licence.

4 motability.co.uk Speed control

Push/pull device

A push/pull device is a good option if you find it difficult to use standard foot pedals to accelerate and . You just pull the control towards you to accelerate, then push away to brake. Push/pull devices are designed for use with automatic gearboxes only.

motability.co.uk 5 Driving Speed control 1 Adaptations

Electronic accelerators

If you find push/pull Trigger accelerator hand controls take too With a trigger accelerator much effort, an you pull with your finger electronic accelerator to accelerate, and push may help. These enable away to brake. you to accelerate by pressing on a ring positioned either in front of or behind the steering Over ring accelerator wheel, or by simply The over ring accelerator pulling on a trigger is fitted on top of the steering device. All electronic wheel. You push it down accelerators come with towards the a hand operated brake. to accelerate.

Our advice Under ring accelerator There are a number of Electronic Accelerators The under ring accelerator available. To find out which is fitted behind the would be most suitable for steering wheel. You pull you and any car you are it towards the steering considering, speak to your wheel to accelerate. adaptation installer.

Ghost ring accelerator The ghost ring accelerator is fitted behind the steering wheel. You control the speed by using your fingers in side to side movements.

6 motability.co.uk Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Left foot accelerators

If you have limited Floor-mounted accelerator mobility in your right A floor-mounted accelerator is fitted to the left of the brake, leg and cannot use the so that you are able to use your left foot to accelerate. standard accelerator A pedal guard is fitted over the original pedal whilst the new comfortably, you may accelerator pedal is being used. benefit from having a left foot accelerator fitted. This will allow you to control the speed with your left foot, while the original accelerator is safely out of the way.

Our advice Twin-flip accelerator If you have never driven with a left foot accelerator A twin-flip accelerator is an additional pedal fitted to the it is important to speak left of the brake pedal, enabling you to use your left foot to to your adaptations accelerate. When the new pedal is in use the original pedal installer or a Mobility folds away. If you have a nominated driver that does not Centre for advice. require adaptations, in most cases you can fold the new pedal away and the original pedal can still be used.

motability.co.uk 7 Driving Steering and Signalling 1 Adaptations

Steering aids

If you have difficulty holding or turning a standard steering wheel, there are a number of simple solutions that may well help you. Steering ball If you have hand controls fitted, a steering ball is often essential, as it enables you to steer the car with one hand, while operating hand controls with the other. You can combine a steering ball with a remote control device to assist with other functions such as headlights and indicators. Many can be easily attached and removed.

Our advice If you find using a steering wheel difficult, or it makes your arms tired on longer journeys, lightened, power-assisted steering could help and comes as standard on the majority of new cars. You should speak to your dealer to find out more.

8 motability.co.uk Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Signalling and general aids

If you struggle to Built-in indicator switch Easy release handbrake reach or operate a An indicator switch can be If you have difficulty car’s standard controls added to your hand controls. operating a standard such as the indicator, This simple addition allows handbrake, an easy release handbrake or foot you to operate the indicators handbrake reduces the lever by flicking a switch, whilst grip required and eliminates pedals, there are remaining safely in control the use of the thumb to simple adaptations of your car. depress the button. to make things easier.

Remote control devices Remote control devices help make it easier to operate some of your standard car controls, such as the indicators, windscreen wipers and headlights. Pedal extensions If you have difficulty reaching Our advice foot pedals when driving, If you find using a you could have them handbrake difficult, many extended, bringing them new car models feature closer to you. This will give an electronic handbrake you more comfort while as standard. You should controlling the car with ease. speak to your dealer to find out more.

Remember Not all adaptations work with all cars, check with your installer that any driving adaptations you need are suitable for any car you are considering.

motability.co.uk 9 Stowage 2 Adaptations The easiest way to lift your wheelchair or scooter into your car is with a stowage system, such as a boot hoist or rooftop stowage unit. Both options work at the touch of a button, taking the weight of the wheelchair or scooter, helping you guide the product into either your car boot, or your rooftop stowage unit. Adding a boot hoist can offer an alternative to a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV).

10 motability.co.uk Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Car boot and rooftop stowage

The size and weight of A car roof top stowage your wheelchair or scooter unit could be a solution will affect the type of boot if you transport a manual hoist you need and the wheelchair, and need space required. Take it with to use your boot to store you to the dealership to other items. They can rule out any cars that don’t 2-way hoist usually be installed on have enough boot space. either the passenger or 2-way hoists are for lighter It’s critical you speak to an wheelchairs. They operate driver side. installer to be absolutely with an up and down action sure there is room for both only, so you will need to the wheelchair or scooter push the wheelchair into the and the hoist to function. boot by hand, then secure the product using tie-downs. Although generally for use with smaller products, the rear seats may still need to be part or fully folded flat, Rooftop stowage unit so again this is an important A rooftop stowage unit consideration when deciding allows you to store a folded, which hoist is best for you. lightweight manual wheelchair, in a box, on the roof of your car. 4-way hoist An electric hoist lifts the folded Our advice 4-way hoists are ideal if you wheelchair from the ground need to transport a scooter or Your dealer will need and then manoeuvres it into larger wheelchair. They help to know the height and the rooftop box. move the product in and out weight of your product. of the boot at the touch of a Also, due to the complex button, although you will also nature of boot hoists, it is need to guide the product by important that you speak hand. In many cases, your with your adaptation product will only fit with one installer to discuss how they work. or more rear seats folded down. You may also need to dismantle your scooter.

motability.co.uk 11 Access 3 Adaptations These adaptations allow easier access for passengers or drivers and offer an alternative to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs). The key advantage to access adaptations is that they allow you to remain in your preferred position within the car and with certain adaptations on the original car seat.

12 motability.co.uk Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Getting in and out of your car

Transfer plates Swivel seats A transfer plate is fitted to A permanent swivel seat the side of the car seat and turns, and in some cases provides a smooth surface moves in and out of the between the wheelchair and Electric person hoist car, then lowers or tips, to the car seat to help you with The electric person hoist make getting in and out of the transfer. Once you have includes a permanent the seat easier. Manual and transferred into the vehicle mount fitted to the car, powered versions are available. and are comfortable, the three sections that clip Remember, you may need transfer plate can simply together and form a frame help putting your wheelchair be folded out of the way. and a specially designed in the boot if you are not able Transfer plates can be either canvas sling seat. to do it yourself. manual or electric, however The sling is slipped onto Wheelchair swivel seats are electric versions cost more. the hoist and is raised also available. They are made automatically by pressing a up of two parts and allow your push button control. Once wheelchair base to connect to Our advice you are seated in the car, a specially designed car seat. the frame of the hoist can be Wheelchair swivel seats cannot To use a transfer plate removed and stowed in the be operated independently, it is essential that you boot, but the sling remains as you will need someone to consider your upper body help put the wheelchair base strength, as you’ll need to in place, making it easier to reverse the process at the into position and store it once be able to transfer yourself you are in the car. out of your wheelchair, end of the journey. onto the transfer plate and back again. Note: Swivel seats can only be fitted in some cars. Please speak to one of our adaptation installers that specialises in swivel seat installations, who will happily advise on vehicle choices.

motability.co.uk 13 Ordering 4 Adaptations The following pages will help explain the process of choosing and ordering a car fitted with adaptations, including the best steps to take to make sure you drive away with the most suitable combination of car and adaptations. On page 18 you’ll find a useful list of frequently asked questions, but if there’s anything else you would like to know please find more detailed information at motability.co.uk/adaptations.

14 motability.co.uk Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Getting a Motability Scheme car with adaptations You can apply to lease Top tips for adapting How do I get adaptations on a product through the your car: the Motability Scheme? Motability Scheme if 1. Not all adaptations are Arranging adaptations when you receive one of the suitable for every type of car; ordering your Scheme car is following allowances, it’s all about compatibility of the easiest and most cost car and adaptation. That’s effective way to do so – your and have at least 12 why it’s so important to adaptation installer can ensure months remaining: consider the adaptations that the combination of the car Higher Rate Mobility you need before you choose and adaptations, along with Component of the your car. a wheelchair or scooter if you use one, all work together, and Disability Living 2. Adaptation installers Allowance (HRMC of DLA) are the best people to your car is delivered with your adaptations fitted ready to enjoy. Enhanced Rate of the give advice on which Mobility Component of adaptations might best suit Over 150 of our most popular Personal Independence your needs, especially if you adaptations can be fitted to Payment (ERMC of PIP) are considering stowage or your car at no extra cost. Others access adaptations. require payment in addition to War Pensioners’ Mobility your Advance Payment directly Supplement (WPMS) 3. Not all adaptations on the Scheme are available to your car dealer at the start of Armed Forces from every installer. Once your lease. Independence you know what you need, if Adapting your car during Payment (AFIP) the supplier you have been your lease considering cannot supply it If you need to add any simply speak to another of adaptations during your lease, our Scheme installers. you will need to inform our 4. If you can’t see what Customer Services team on you need on our full price 0300 456 4566 and RSAM on list at motability.co.uk/ 0300 037 3737 to ensure you adaptations, please speak are covered before contacting to our Customer Services any Motability Scheme team on 0300 456 4566 and adaptations installer to discuss we’ll work with you to find a your needs. You will need to pay solution. the cost of these adaptations direct to the adaptation installer.

motability.co.uk 15 There are just three simple steps to choosing the adaptations and car that best suit your needs

If you’ve never driven a car with adaptations, you should consider contacting Driving Mobility, an organisation with a network of independent assessment centres who specialise in mobility assessments. There are 16 centres across the UK, each employing qualified occupational therapists and driving instructors. They will provide you with an independent assessment, as well as practical driving experience in a car fitted with adaptations, to help you understand the types of adaptations you may need to improve your driving or travelling experience. Call our Customer Services team on 0300 456 4566 if you would like to arrange a Mobility Centre assessment before speaking to an adaptation installer or dealer.

16 motability.co.uk Find a choice of adaptation installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

There are over 100 adaptation installers First... across the UK who supply the Motability Scheme. You can find their contact details Speak to an adaptation and information about the adaptations they installer and discuss provide at motability.co.uk/adaptations your needs or call 0800 093 1000. Remember, the adaptations you need may not be suitable for all cars. Speak to your installer about which cars are most likely to work with your chosen adaptations.

With a huge selection of cars to choose from, Then... there’s bound to be one that suits your needs, budget and the adaptations you require. Visit a dealer There are nearly 5,000 dealers across the UK and choose with trained Motability Scheme specialists who your car will be happy to talk you through your options. You can search for local dealers in your area, and find up-to-date pricing for all the cars on the Scheme at motability.co.uk.

Once you have chosen your adaptations and Finally... car, your Motability Scheme dealer will Order your new car complete the simple online ordering process and adaptations with you. They will work with a preferred installer to ensure that your brand new car is fitted with the adaptations you need before it’s delivered. You can also arrange a free introductory session to help you get used to using your new adaptations. Simply speak to your dealer when you place the order.

motability.co.uk 17 Adaptations... your questions answered

Q. Can I buy adaptations Q. Can I transfer an Q. I am part way through my without involving my dealer? adaptation from my old car? current lease but now need A. Ordering adaptations through A. Some adaptations may be adaptations, what do I do? your dealer when you order able to be transferred as long as A. If you think you would benefit your car is the only way to take they are suitable for your new from an adaptation for your advantage of the great prices car. If you had your adaptations current Motability Scheme car offered through the Motability fitted at the start of your lease, you should first call our Customer Scheme. You can arrange then you may have the option Services team on 0300 456 4566 adaptations yourself, but only of transferring them from your and they will advise you on the through a Motability Scheme existing vehicle to your next steps that you need to take. You adaptation installer and you Motability Scheme car at no will also need to inform RSAM by will need to pay the cost of any extra cost, providing they are calling 0300 037 3737 to make such adaptations directly to the still suitable for your needs sure you are covered by your installer. Remember to contact and for your new vehicle. For insurance policy. You will have to our Customer Services team and more information, talk to your pay for the adaptation yourself RSA Motability (RSAM) first, to adaptation installer or call us on and payment will need to be ensure your insurance covers this. 0300 456 4566. made directly to the installer. Your Q. Can I use more than Q. Can I get any financial adaptation installer will inform you of how long the installation one installer? help with the cost of process will take. Remember adaptations? A. No. You must use one – only a Motability Scheme installer to fit all the adaptations A. Many of our adaptations are adaptation installer should fit and/ that you need. Most installers available at no additional cost, or remove adaptations. will fit all the common but if you are unable to afford adaptations, however if you essential adaptations Motability, Q. I’ve never had adaptations have any issues, please contact the charity, may be able to help. before, where do I start? your local adaptation installer or To ensure their limited funds go A. Our adaptation installers will our Customer Services team. to those most in need, financial be happy to help you choose the assistance applications are Q. I need several most suitable adaptation for your means-tested and any help will needs. There are more than 100 adaptations to my car, but only be given towards your basic adaptation installers across the I’m worried they won’t be mobility needs. This means that UK who supply the Motability fitted in time. if you are successful you will not Scheme. You can find their contact A. By placing your order at the necessarily receive help towards details and information about start of your lease, your dealer your preferred adaptations if a adaptations they provide, at and the adaptations installer better value alternative, that motability.co.uk/adaptations will work together to take the meets your needs, is available. or call 0800 093 1000. worry out of ordering your new For more information, call our If you’ve never driven with an car. If there are any delays Customer Services team on adaptation before, it may be or issues along the way, your 0300 456 4566. worth visiting a mobility centre for dealer or adaptation installer an assessment – see page 19 for will let you know and if you contact details. currently lease a car through the Motability Scheme, you will be able to stay in it until your new car is ready.

18 motability.co.uk Useful contacts

The Motability Scheme: War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or Motability Operations Ltd Armed Forces Independence Payment: City Gate House Veterans UK 22 Southwark Bridge Road Telephone: 0808 191 4218 London SE1 9HB veterans-uk.info Telephone: 0800 093 1000 motability.co.uk Insurance RSA Motability (RSAM) If you have specialist Minicom Telephone: 0300 037 3737 equipment, please call our text phone: 0300 037 0100 To find an installer Use the ‘Find adaptations installers’ Disability Living Allowance (DLA) tool at motability.co.uk/adaptations or Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For independent information and advice Department for Work and Pensions Driving Mobility Telephone: 03457 123 456 Telephone: 0800 559 3636 dwp.gov.uk drivingmobility.org.uk Department for Communities (NI) Telephone: 0300 123 3356 communities-ni.gov.uk Find a choice of adaptations and installers near you at motability.co.uk/adaptations. Find a choice of dealers near you at motability.co.uk/findadealer. Enter your postcode, select the dealers you would like to visit and speak to their Motability Scheme specialist to arrange an appointment. Browse our current list of cars at motability.co.uk. Our easy ‘Car Search’ will help you narrow down the types of cars you may be interested in. Or call one of our team who will be happy to help 0800 093 1000

Published by Motability Operations Limited Registered Office: City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 1373876 Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Adapt 05/17