Over 400 adaptations are available on The Motability Scheme, allowing your car to perfectly fit your requirements. Most of these are free, although less common ones will incur a small additional charge.

The adaptations fall into three neat categories – driving, stowage and access. Driving adaptations may help you to control the vehicle where it otherwise would not be possible, stowage adaptations allow you to load and carry your scooter or wheelchair safely, and access adaptations help you get in and out of the car. If you use a wheelchair, a WAV is not the only option – many cars can be fitted with devices that will take all the hassle out of access. Please note that some adaptations require an automatic gearbox, so check with one of our Motability specialists to get the right car for you.

Here are some of the popular options fitted:

Driving adaptations

Driving Adaptations

  • Hand controls – usually a lever mounted on or near the steering wheel to control the accelerator or brakes.
    Electronic accelerators – there are a number of different types, but all let you use to finger to control the acceleration and braking.
  • Left foot accelerators – useful if you have limited mobility in your right leg. An accelerator pedal is mounted to the left of the brake pedal, while the standard accelerator pedal is folded away. The original pedal can still be used if a nominated driver doesn’t need the left foot accelerator.
  • Pedal modifications – such as having the pedals extended for easier reach.
  • Steering wheel ball – this can give you more control when steering the car, and is often essential if hand controls are fitted.
  • Remote control devices – controls such as the indicators, windscreen wipers and headlights can be placed within easy reach on the steering wheel.
Stowage adaptations

Stowage Adaptations

  • Car boot hoist – a robotic arm picks up your wheelchair or scooter and stores it in the boot. Two different types are available depending on your needs. Adding a boot hoist is a great alternative to a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV).
  • Rooftop stowage – handy if you still need to use your car’s boot. An electric hoist lifts the folded wheelchair from the ground and into the specially designed roof box. Please note you may not be able to park in height-restricted car parks with this adaptation
Access Adaptations

Access Adaptations

  • Transfer plates – a foldable surface that attaches onto the side of your car seat, making the transition between wheelchair and car easier.
  • Electric person hoist – to physically lift you into the car. Much of the hoist can be removed and stored in the boot.
    Swivel seats – a seat that can turn out of the car for easier access. Some can move outwards and change the angle or height of the seat. Please note that you may need help to store your wheelchair if you are unable to do so by yourself.

Delighted to assist you

Established in 1919 in Oxfordshire, Hartwell Automotive Group Ltd is a trusted leader in the automotive industry, dedicated to providing you with the support and guidance you deserve.

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Hartwell Automotive Group Ltd.

Wootton Business Park, Wootton, OX13 6FD

Hartwell Automotive Group Ltd is a credit broker, not a lender and is an Appointed Representative of Hartwell Finance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We can introduce you to a limited group of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase. Credit providers may have different interest rates, charges and acceptance criteria and therefore we cannot guarantee advertised offers are available in every case. We do not charge you a fee for our services. We are only able to offer a range of finance products from these providers, which may be suitable for you and we will explain the key features of these products to you. These finance providers will pay us for introducing you to them. Other lenders may be available to you personally and we are happy to work with these.

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