A Guide to Motability Adaptations
- Adaptations are available for some Motability vehicles to make life easier
- They are designed to aid driving, stowage, and access
- Many adaptations come at no extra cost
Over 500,000 individuals enjoy the freedom that the Motability Scheme provides. Some require adaptations to their vehicle to make it suitable for their personal needs.
Adaptations are designed to make driving or travelling more comfortable and convenient.
Read on to learn more about what they are, what is available, and how you go about getting an adaptation fitted to your car.
What are adaptations?
Vehicle adaptations exist to make your life easier. They fall into three categories:
1. Driving adaptations – to help you drive
2. Stowage adaptations – to help you store equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters
3. Access adaptations – to help you get in and out of your car
Everyone has their own specific requirements when it comes to adaptations. If you would like to learn more, contact your Motability Specialist at your local Bristol Street Motors dealership.
What adaptations are available?
There are a wide range of vehicle adaptations available. We’ve highlighted some of the most popular options below.
Driving adaptations
These help with speed control, steering, and signalling.
Left foot accelerators – For individuals with limited mobility in their right leg who can’t use a standard accelerator. A left foot accelerator lets you to control your car’s speed comfortably and safely.
Remote control devices – These allow you to easily access controls without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Functions include flicking indicators, windscreen wipers, and headlights on and off.
Steering ball – For those who find it difficult to turn a steering wheel, a steering ball makes manoeuvres much easier. They're easy to grip, providing greater control.
Stowage adaptations
Stowage systems help to lift your wheelchair or scooter into your vehicle or store it on top of your car.
4-way hoist – These allow you to move a mobility scooter or large wheelchair in and out of your car’s boot at the touch of a button.
2-way hoist – Ideal for lighter wheelchairs, these hoists operate in an up-and-down motion. They require you to push the wheelchair into the boot and secure it with ties.
Rooftop stowage unit – Lift and store a lightweight wheelchair in a box on top of your car with this electric hoist and storage unit package.
Access adaptations
These have been engineered to improve ease of access for both drivers and passengers.
Transfer plates – Slotting onto the side of your car seat, these provide a surface between your wheelchair and the car seat, allowing you to move your body into the vehicle.
Electric person hoist – Incorporating a mount and a canvas sling sheet, this hoist can easily lift individuals into the car.
Swivel seats – Manual and electronic swivel seats are available depending on your needs. These turn, and in some cases lift out of the car to make access easier.
Browse the full range of adaptations or contact us to learn more.
How to get an adaptation fitted to your vehicle
If you think you need an adaptation, chat with one of our Motability Specialists who will be able to advise you further.
Not all adaptations are available on every vehicle, so our team can put you in touch with an expert installer, who can help. The installer will be able to recommend cars that will work with your requirements.
Once you have decided which adaptation(s) you need and have chosen your car, let us take care of the rest. We will work with the installer to ensure everything is fitted ahead of your delivery. We can also help arrange a free induction session to help you get used to any adaptations once you receive your car.
It’s also worth noting that over 70 of the most popular adaptations can be fitted at no extra cost, as long as they are specified at the point of order.
If you have any queries about adaptations, please get in touch with your local Bristol Street Motors dealership. One of our friendly Motability Specialists will be delighted to assist you.