Your Motability Scheme vehicle can help you get involved in your next accessible hobby. Whether you’re looking for fitness, fun or a new social circle, we’ll spark your inspiration with some fresh ideas for the year ahead.
Your car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter, or powered wheelchair is the perfect way to explore new accessible hobbies, activities, and experiences.
It’s your gateway to your wellbeing and to connecting with others.
- Get a fresh start this year
- Explore the great outdoors
- Get creative on the go
- Connect with your community
- Discover new passions, together
- Plan for the year ahead
Get a fresh start this year
As one year ends and another begins, it’s the perfect time for fresh starts. Trying a new hobby can be exciting, great for your wellbeing, and give you lots of optimism for the year to come.
It can be something as simple as taking up gardening, or as big and ambitious as a new sport. It’s easy to adapt your new hobby to suit you, and to use your Scheme vehicle to make getting there easier.
Explore the great outdoors
Discovering nature can be easier than you think. Here are a few simple ideas to help you explore the country:
Take a country drive
Head out for a peaceful drive on quiet country roads. A scenic route is a great way to switch off from busy city or suburban life.
Plan your trip before you set off. If you have an electric vehicle (EV), our route and range planner can help you find chargepoints along the way.
Remember, most vehicles benefit from a longer drive now and then, to keep everything running smoothly. Before you head out, explore our guide to driving safely on country roads.
Go on a coastal walk at an accessible nature reserve
Nature is often closer than you think, with your Scheme vehicle by your side. There are woods, coastlines and reserves hidden across every county in the UK.
Picture a scenic stroll, along a beautiful English coast. You can enjoy it in your wheelchair if you use one. And, if the weather is on your side, it makes for a beautiful day out.
Explore accessible days out that carers tend to love. Or choose your own spot. It could be somewhere new, or a favourite place you keep going back to. The important thing is getting out and enjoying the fresh air.
The Wildlife Trusts has a map that shows all the accessible nature reserves. Choose one that suits you, then set off to enjoy what people often take for granted.
Get green fingers
Gardening is a calm hobby, not just for older people. If you’re looking for something tranquil, with gratifying rewards over time, this is the activity for you.
Check out our guide to accessible gardening. It has lots of tips to help you develop your hobby. You can pop your pots and plants in your Scheme vehicle’s boot or storage space too.
Get creative on the go
Thinking of visiting somewhere new in the UK? Some hobbies pair well with a holiday. Here are some ideas:
Photography
Get behind the camera and see what catches your eye. Take pictures of anything that feels inspiring to you. A beautiful sunset. Or even an usual-shaped tree.
You can use a professional camera if you want to. But most smartphones take excellent photos.
Sketching
Whether you’ve never sketched before, or you just have not picked up a pencil in a while, it’s a relaxing hobby. Try it the classic way, with a pencil on a piece of paper. Or sketch on a tablet, with a digital pen.
And, if you use a powered wheelchair, it can be a great place to sketch from. Find something sturdy to rest on your lap, take your time, and see where it takes you.
Team BRIT racing driver Noah Cosby loves to create art alongside his racing career and even designed his own helmet. We spoke to Noah about his love of the Japanese art Kintsugi.
Noah said: ‘It’s putting broken pottery together with gold, and it looks really cool. It felt like a metaphor for my situation. Using flaws and imperfections and being better than you were before.’
A spot of birdwatching
Let’s be honest. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re into birds and categorising things, it might become your next big passion.
A scooter or powered wheelchair can give you a great vantage point for watching birds. Remember to pack your binoculars and a notepad to record what you spot.
Connect with your community
Your Scheme vehicle can give you the confidence to get out and meet people. Whether you’re a social butterfly or it takes you time to warm to new faces, these ideas can help:
Help your community
Enjoy a hobby and help people at the same time. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities that are great fun, like painting a fence, planting a bee nesting site, or helping kids play a sport.
Spend part of a day giving back to people who need it. And if you like it, make it a regular thing. You’ll be the local hero if you offer to transport food or sporting equipment in your car or WAV.
Join a book club
Book clubs need a bit of commitment. But they’re rewarding when you put in the effort, turn up, and leave feeling like you’ve had a great discussion with fellow book lovers.
Join one, then get there in your Scheme car or scooter. See if you like it and share your favourite reads. You might find kindred souls along the way.
Discover new passions, together
Going on activities alone will build your confidence, but going with someone else can be even more fun. Here are some fantastic and inclusive things you can do with your friends or family:
Wheelchair-accessible days out
Accessibility and inclusivity are important, so always check the activity first. Use our The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain as inspiration.
It has over 200 reviews, so you can discover new places with the peace of mind that your next day out will be lots of fun for you and your friends alike.
Learn a wheelchair sport
Wheelchair basketball is a fun and inclusive sport. It’s the perfect activity to enjoy with friends and family.
Watch our video with Charlotte Moore, wheelchair basketball player for Great Britain. She explains why she loves the sport and how her Scheme vehicle helps her.
Visit the British Wheelchair Basketball website to find a club near you. And if you’re in Scotland, Scottish Disability Sport offers lots of accessible sporting options.
Visit an exhibition
Museums can be fun and educational. Check what’s on at your local museum or gallery. You’ll find they have plenty of upcoming exhibitions covering everything from cars to fine art.
Accessible Great Days Out UK has a great collection of inclusive museums and galleries you can visit. Remember to check if the museums or galleries you plan to visit allow scooters first.
Plan for the year ahead
The best way to stick to your new goal is to make small, achievable plans. Try a free class to see if you like it, then yourself time to get into the swing of it. No one starts out as an expert.
Expanding your horizons can give you greater focus and a new sense of purpose. And that can be good for both your physical and mental health.
Most important of all, make sure it’s fun. When we enjoy something, we’re much more likely to keep going and get more out of it.
Looking for more inspiration?
You’ll find more ideas for accessible adventures and days out in our newsletter.
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