Top Car Blog

Choosing a disability car can be a difficult task, and the disabled user’s needs are a top priority. Comfort and security are important, as well as making sure the modifications and features of the vehicle are appropriate to the requirements of the user. With these Top Tips, we hope you will be able to make an informed choice, with minimal hassle and optimum results.

Tip One: Starting the Search

At the moment there are a number of companies offering converted cars on a rental or purchase basis. www.disabledvehicles.org.uk provides a search engine covering some of the top names in the industry and covers the whole of the U.K. Alternatively, if you are eligible for the Motability scheme, you could go straight to their site.

Note: At this point, you will have to decide whether you want to convert an existing vehicle (there are companies that specialise in conversions and adaptations), or rent or buy a specially converted vehicle.

Tip Two: Check if you are eligible for Motability

Motability is an independent charity that runs the Motability scheme, which allows disabled users and carers to own or lease a specially adapted disabled vehicle at an affordable price, substituting insurance, breakdown cover and special features for your weekly DLA. Find out more here.

Tip Three: Choosing the right car

It is important to think about what kind of vehicle you will need. Are you the driver, or the carer? Do you want a car, or would a specially converted van or MPV be more suitable? Think about how many people you would need to fit into the vehicle; if you have a large family, a van or MPV might be more suitable. You will also need to think about what kind of layout you will need, and the dimensions you would need to accommodate the needs of the user. Most converted cars have ramps for wheelchair or scooter access, and some converted vans are designed in such a way that the wheelchair does not need disassembling, for higher need groups. There are also some vehicles that can be converted to accommodate two wheelchairs or scooters.

Tip Four: Picking features

Seat height, door opening angle and storage space are the basics in deciding whether a car is suitable or not. Beyond that, there are additional features to consider. Here are some to consider:

• Ramps
• Wheelchair restraints and hoists
• Push-pull hand controls
• Steering aids
• Adapted mirrors

Tip Three: Ask for a demo

Some companies will offer at-home demonstrations of their vehicles, so you get a feel of what the vehicle looks like, as well as its features and modifications and how they work. It is worth asking, as this can be a useful way of knowing if a car is going to work for you. You will also have a qualified member of staff on hand to answer any extra questions you may have.

Tip Four: Test drive, and away!

Now that you have narrowed your search down, the only thing left to do is to take it on the road. It is essential to get it right, and the comfort and safety of the user are of the utmost importance. With this in mind, ask your dealer for a test drive (don’t just limit yourself, pick a few models for the best sense of what works best) and make sure that the vehicle you pick is practical, and suits you and your lifestyle.