This article explains how the Motability Scheme can help increase your mobility after an amputation and get you back on the road. Read more below.
You can continue to lead a full life after you’ve had an amputation—including driving and all the freedom that comes with it. The Motability Scheme has many adaptations available to make motoring accessible and comfortable for someone who has lost a limb.
How the Motability Scheme can help
Adaptations refer to a wide range of changes or adjustments that can be made to a car to make it suitable for someone to drive. This could be alternative ways to use steering, acceleration, brakes and other controls. As well as adaptations for driving itself, you might need to think about getting in and out of the car—there is also a wide range of adaptations available to make access easier. For example, you may need a car with swivel seats for easy access or a boot hoist to help stow a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
The Motability Scheme offers around 500 vehicle adaptations and many are available for no extra cost when fitted to your vehicle at the start of your lease. Most cars available on the Motability Scheme can be adapted, however, it’s best to look at what adaptations you require before choosing the car make and model to make sure that they are compatible. We also work with around 100 adaptation installers who will provide expert advice to help you choose the right adaptations for your needs.
If you’d like to find out more about the types adaptations we offer, you’ll find information, including videos showing the adaptations in action on our Adaptations Overview page. If you need more product specific information, get in touch with one of our network of adaptations installers, search for your nearest specialist using our find an installer tool. Alternatively, if you’re ready to take the next step then find your local dealer to start the application process for both your new car and your adaptations.
How to access adaptations
Des Gosling, of Des Gosling Mobility in Derby says: “It’s very important that a potential Motability Scheme customer tries out a car first. Looking at a picture is not enough. You need to get your hands on it and try it out. Here we have seven demonstration cars with various adaptations for customers to try—they’re very welcome to try the lot if they want.
“As well as thinking about the driver’s needs, we also look at the passenger’s side as it may be the passenger who needs adaptations if they’re amputees and have nominated a driver on their behalf. So think about if you need a swivel seat or transfer plates to get into the car. It’s important to think about accessibility but also comfort.”
Hear Bridget’s story
Bridget is a Motability Scheme customer who loves driving with a left foot accelerator
Bridget O’Hara lost her right leg from a motorcycle accident eight days after her 21st birthday. “My mum made me learn to drive after I came out of the hospital. I didn’t want to be in a car after being hit by one in a head-on collision, but she did the right thing. For years I bought and drove cars that were automatics. As I’ve gotten older and now need to stow my scooter, I realised I needed something bigger and adapted. So I went to Des and they helped me choose the right adaptations and a compatible Motability Scheme car.”
Bridget now has a Hyundai Tucson with a left foot accelerator and a hoist for her electric folding Genie scooter. “I’ve had the higher rate mobility allowance for some time but I just thought one day that I’ll use it for a bigger, more comfortable car. I also wanted something with a seat higher up so it would be easier to get in and out of the car. The prosthetic on my right leg, which was amputated above the knee, is locked and I need to lift it to get into the car.
“Anybody can drive my car. That’s because Des put an electronic left foot accelerator in using a conversion kit. The original accelerator is still in the car and there’s a little yellow label on the dashboard which warns the driver that the car is fitted with left foot acceleration. You then switch from left to right so only one of the accelerators ever works at a time.”
Bridget has high praise for the Scheme.
“Having always bought my cars, I was quite daunted by the responsibility of leasing a car but now I wish I’d done it years ago. I’d like to shout from the rooftops how great the Motability Scheme is.”
“I was daunted by the responsibility of leasing a car but now I wish I’d done it years ago”
Find out about the Motability Scheme
If you’d like to find out more about the Scheme, request an information pack below and we’ll send you all the information that you need to make the right choice.
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