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With Motability it's easy to choose the adaptations you need - often at no additional cost. There are over 100 specialist adaptation companies in the UK, and the Motability specialist at your local Motability accredited car dealership will be able help you choose the best adaptations for you. Adaptations generally fall into 3 categories:
Driving Adaptations: Driving control adaptations can help make some of the basic areas of driving easier for Motability customers, including speed control, signalling and steering.
Stowage Adaptations: If you are unable to lift your wheelchair or scooter into your Motability car, there are a range of different stowage systems that can help, such as a boot hoist or rooftop stowage unit.
Access Adaptations: Seating and access adaptations allow easier access to the vehicle for the driver and passenger, meaning you can stay in your preferred
position with help from adaptations like transfer plates, hoists and swivel chairs.
Over 50,000 Motability customers have adaptations fitted to their cars to make their experience as a driver or passenger as easy and comfortable as possible.
Around 150 adaptations can be fitted to your Motability car at no extra cost. Visit an adaptation installer near you to discuss the adaptations you need, then visit a Motability-accredited car dealership to talk through your options and choose your new Motability car.
Once you’ve ordered your car, the Motability specialist will also be able to help you order your adaptations which will be fitted to your new car before it’s handed over to you.
If you use a wheelchair or scooter a car boot hoist is a good way of getting it into the car. Speak to an accredited adaptation partner to make sure you choose a car that will work well with a fitted hoist.
Operated at the touch of a button, an electric person hoist can lift a disabled person into a Motability vehicle on a sling.
To help make driving more comfortable and give you greater control, you can add aids like an easy release or push button handbrake, foot pedal extensions, a raised car seat and indicator switches, all through the Motability scheme.
If you can't use your right leg comfortably, you can add a left foot accelerator to the vehicle, allowing you to control speed and braking with your left foot instead of your right.
With a hand control adaptation you can control the speed of the car with a manual push/pull device fitted next to the steering wheel. There are also electronic devices available that require less effort to use.
Adding a steering ball to the steering wheel will allow you to steer the Motability car with one hand and operate the other controls with the other.
Many cars available through the Motability scheme now come with standard features like automatic transmission, push button start, height-adjustable seats, automatic windscreen wipers, voice recognition, automated parking and parking cameras to help make driving, or travelling, easier and safer.
Speak to your Motability-accredited advisor to find out which cars on the Motability Scheme have these features and how they can help to improve your driving experience.
While most simple adaptations can be easily fitted at no extra cost, some of the more complex adaptations may not be covered by your Mobility Allowance.
If you need financial help to pay for an adaptation, a converted vehicle or perhaps specialist driving lessons, there are charitable grants available from Motability and the government, which could help with any costs that your Allowance won't cover. To find out more, and for details of how to apply for a grant, contact the Motability Customer Services team.
If you need further advice about an adaptation for a Motability car, visit an Independent Mobility Assessment centre. A specialist will assess your needs and offer advice on adaptations, driving safely, practical ways to get in and out of a vehicle and give you the chance to go out on a test drive in an adapted car.
These centres are run by independent occupational therapists and technical specialists who are there to help you to choose the right adaptations for your disability.
Motability’s all-inclusive 3 year / 60,000 mile package includes:
Insurance cover for 2 named drivers is included.
The cost of servicing and maintaining your car is included.
Full breakdown cover provided by RAC Motability Assist is included.
Tyre and windscreen repair and replacement cover is included.
Motability will automatically tax the vehicle every year.
Many helpful adaptations are available at no extra cost.