The Energy Saving Trust are working with Motability, the Charity, to learn about your thoughts on electric WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles). They are running a survey, to understand the mobility needs of WAV customers and any potential barriers to getting an eWAV.
The survey only takes 15 minutes to complete, and it will close at 5pm on 14 October 2022. Once you complete it, you’ll also have the option to be entered into a prize draw to win one of five Amazon vouchers (each worth £100).
Why is this survey being done?
As the UK Government has announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, it is very important that disabled motorists are not left behind.
There are already various initiatives underway to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to all disabled people. However, this survey (which is being run by Energy Saving Trust & Motability, the Charity) focuses specifically on the needs of WAV users. It is being carried out by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) – and it aims to gather information on the mobility needs of WAV users, including any barriers they might face in the transition to electric vehicles.
For context, electric WAVs have some unique challenges that make them difficult to convert. For example, electric vehicles often have their batteries placed in the floor of the vehicle, and this can be a challenge as the floor usually needs to be removed to convert a van into a WAV.
You can take a look at our video to learn more about how electric WAVs are converted, and to see two electric WAVs that are currently available to lease on the Motability Scheme.
What will the information be used for?
The results from this survey will allow Energy Saving Trust and Motability, the Charity, to gain a better view of the range of accessibility issues with electric vehicles for disabled consumers. They will be able to share these insights with other key people working in policy and the motoring industry, so that we can all work together to solve these issues.
Please be assured that the data that they collect will be kept securely, as outlined in the Market Research Society Code of Conduct, and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). You can contact EricHarris@ridc.org.uk if you have any other questions about how your data will be used.
Do I need to complete all of the questions?
No, you can feel free to answer as many questions as you would like, and to leave some of them unanswered. The reason that the survey asks for some information on your personal details is because it helps them to understand the needs of different WAV users depending on where you live & what your individual circumstances are.
All of your responses are voluntary, however we’d highly appreciate any information that you are comfortable to share. This can help us to identify specific barriers for certain subgroups of disabled people and help to find a fair solution for everyone.
Please be assured that your data will be anonymised before being processed by Motability, the Charity, and will not be saved against your personal records. RiDC will delete the information you have given them six months after the survey date.
What should I do if I have any questions?
If you have any questions or would like to give your answers over the phone, please contact: EricHarris@ridc.org.uk and they will arrange for someone to call you.
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