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Motability

Ability Matters Group the best dealership in the UK

Ability Matters Group the best dealership in the UK

- Motability Scheme customers rate Ability Matters Group the best dealership in the UK

Ability Matters Group dealership is celebrating being named the UK’s leading scooter and powered wheelchair dealership in the annual Motability Scheme awards. The award for large fleet Dealer of the Year recognises outstanding service to customers of the Motability Scheme, and is based on direct customer feedback. The Group was rated over 9.8 out of 10, demonstrating exceptional commitment to going above and beyond for their customers.

 

Lyndon Reeks, Commercial Manager at Ability Matters Group, commented:

 

Mobility Roadshow to close after 34 years

Mobility Roadshow

The Mobility Roadshow, which has been providing opportunities for disabled and older people to find out about driving and other mobility options since 1983, is to close.

The decision has been taken by the Board of the Charity, Mobility Choice, which has run the event since 1998, in the light of falling exhibitor numbers over recent years. In particular, the growth of the Motability One Big Day and other events, which many of the Mobility Roadshow exhibitors can attend free of charge, has had a significant impact on the viability of the Mobility Roadshow.

The Road Safety Trust?

Road Safety

Mobility Scooter Use Questionnaire

The department of Social Sciences at Nottingham Trent University are conducting a research project to understand mobility scooter use and the experiences encountered whilst using one. Specifically, we are interested in the hazards that mobility scooter users face whilst using a mobility scooter, particularly at road crossings. The project is funded by the Road Safety Trust. 

Our ultimate aim is to increase the safety for mobility scooter users on the road. We also hope that mobility scooter users will be more likely to reap the benefits of using a mobility scooter.

Lewis Reed launches largest range of wheelchair accessible VW Caddy’s in the UK

Lewis Reed VW Candy

 

Following extensive research and development, Lewis Reed is delighted to be the only wheelchair accessible vehicle company in the UK to be able to offer its customers four models from the VW Caddy range.  Several models will be on show on stand TD1 at the Mobility Roadshow.

 

The Caddy Life SWB is a compact, functional vehicle which can accommodate twofront passengers (driver and passenger).  The rear of the vehicle features a flexi-seat system which allows either 5 passengers and no wheelchair user or by splitting the three seats in the back into a 2 and 1, the vehicle can accommodate a wheelchair alongside a single passenger seat ensuring a total of 4 people (including a wheelchair user) can use the vehicle.

Top tips for choosing a Motability car

car

If you’re in the market for a Motability car, it can be hard to know what to look for. There’s so many options out there that it can be hard to know where to even start your search. 

So, to help you choose the perfect Motability vehicle to suit your needs, we’ve brought together these top tips. Ask yourself these questions and you’re sure to end up with an adapted car that will serve you well for years to come.

Are you eligible for the Motability scheme?

Automatic cars: Buy new or convert your manual when switching?

Car

Automatic cars can be a real lifesaver for people with disabilities or injuries, allowing them to enjoy the freedom a vehicle provides, without the need to continuously depress the clutch pedal when changing gear. This can be a particularly important feature if your condition has left you with a weakened leg, but you still need to operate a car regularly.

Shell Partners with fuelService to Make Refuelling Simple and Easy for the UK’s Disabled Drivers

Fuel service

Shell has joined forces with not for profit organisation fuelService to help drivers with disabilities receive assistance at the majority of its service stations. That’s because filling-up the car is one of the biggest challenges for the UK’s disabled drivers. 

 

“Disabled drivers have always struggled to get their cars refuelled,” said Niall El-Assaad, fuelService’sfounder. “In the past the options were to use an infrared transmitter, but few service stations supported it, and at those that did, it hardly ever worked. The other option is to beep your horn, flash your lights and wave your blue badge about – which is potentially embarrassing and offers no guarantee of service.”

The Brotherwood Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Weekend Returns

The Brotherwood Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Weekend Returns

Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th April 2017

Haynes International Motor Museum, Somerset

 

• Explore the UK’s leading range of WAVs

• See the launch of the new Brotherwood Mercedes-Benz V-Class

• Discuss your personal transport needs with expert advisors

• Explore the world-class Motor Museum

 

 

We are pleased to announce that the Brotherwood ‘WAV Weekend’ Event will be returning this April Bank Holiday Weekend, giving you the opportunity to explore and drive the UK's leading range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles in one place.

 

South-East England ‘has the most blue badge residents’

The most blue badge residents in England can be found in the South East of the country, according to data acquired via a freedom of information request by Volkswagen Motability scheme provider, Inchcape Volkswagen.

According to the request sent out to various councils on August 15th 2016, an estimated 364,116 blue badges were found to be in operation throughout South-East England.

Of the councils which provided data, the next highest number of active blue badges can be found in the North West (362,294), with the South West having the third most blue badge residents (279,251). 

Top tips for road safety this winter from the Motability Scheme

Motability

 

Now the clocks have gone back and a frosty chill has settled in, the Motability Scheme has shared its advice for driving safely this winter.

This winter driving checklist coincides with the annual Road Safety Week initiative (21-27 November) and has been compiled with Motability Scheme customers in mind. 

Plan ahead:

• Aim to stick to main roads that will have been gritted and allow extra time in icy conditions.

• Check the weather forecast as well as online traffic reports before setting off to be aware of road conditions. If the weather conditions are severe or heavy snow is forecast, consider whether your journey is essential.

Autochair founder praised as mobility product clocks up nearly 20 years of service

Autochair founder praised as mobility product clocks up nearly 20 years of service

 

A long-serving customer of Derbyshire vehicle adaptation firm Autochair has paid tribute to its founder for helping his wife retain her independence for nearly 20 years.

John Edwards said the expertise of David Walker, who set up the firm more than 30 years ago, had greatly benefitted his wife Hetty’s life after a scooter hoist was first fitted into their car in 1997.

Mrs Edwards has arthritis, which makes it difficult for her to get about and which is why the couple had bought a scooter in the first place, but it was too heavy for them to lift into their then car, a Mitsubishi Shogun, if they wanted to go further afield.

The Big Event Northern Ireland offers a world of worry-free motoring this summer

Eikon Exhibition Centre hosts extensive display of vehicles for disabled people

Disabled motorists and their families can explore their motoring options and find out about the Motability Scheme at The Big Event in Northern Ireland this June. Showcasing the largest display of vehicles for disabled people in Northern Ireland, The Big Event is coming to the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June 2016 following a successful previous event in Belfast in 2014.