Mobility Info - UK
Accessible Vehicle Converters
There is now a large range of adaptations available to the disabled motorist, whether as driver or passenger, and an increasing number of companies nationwide who specialise in adapting, supplying or hiring out wheelchair accessible vehicles. Here are details of a few of them.
Autobility Ltd. is a leading supplier of quality second-hand wheelchair accessible vehicles, sourcing and delivering throughout the United Kingdom. They offer no-obligation home demonstrations, comprehensive warranty, part exchange, financing, insurance and pre-delivery service. All used vehicles are thoroughly checked before delivery, including both the mechanical elements and the specific adaptations. Autobility also offers a hire service of various sizes of vehicle on a short, medium or long-term basis. They can be contacted on freephone 0800 298 9290, or visit their website at www.autobility.co.uk.
Invatravel Conversions, based in Southport, is a division of Brotherwood Automobility. They have a significant stock of new and used models for sale that they can demonstrate and deliver throughout the North. In addition, they possess a fleet of vehicles for hire on a weekly or monthly basis. Invatravel’s spacious Volkswagen Caravelle conversion is ideal for larger families, incorporating a hydraulic lift or ramp that provides easy wheelchair access. Other vehicles offered include the Kia Sedona, Fiat Multipla and Volkswagen Sharan. See www.invatravel.com or telephone 01704 506608.
CJ Conversions, covering Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas, adapts new and used vehicles to suit its customers’ individual needs. Customers are fully involved in the vehicle conversion, from discussing their requirements to checking on the progress of the modification. CJ supplies and fits ramps, winches, side steps, seats, restraint systems, windows and interiors. All sorts of driver aids are available. Foot pedal extensions, left foot accelerator pedals, steering devices, dual controls, hand controls and infrared controls are just some of the items that can be fitted, as well as automatic wheelchair hoists and special rotating seats that simplify transfer to and from the vehicle. CJ Conversions are contactable on 01522 576600 or at www.cjconversions.co.uk.
Des Gosling Mobility Ltd. is a small, friendly business based in Derbyshire offering a mobile service and free demonstrations throughout the Midlands. Priding itself on its expert, knowledgeable staff who keep abreast of all the latest developments, the company offers hand controls, driving aids and access solutions. It also supplies and installs wheelchair and scooter lifts and hoists, plus seating solutions. Visit www.desgoslingmobilityltd.com or phone 01332 863742.
Amvale Mobility hires out wheelchair accessible vehicles from one day up to three years and offers a nationwide delivery and collection service. Their extensive fleet includes vehicles suitable for a single person right up to larger people carriers that can accommodate three wheelchairs plus passengers. They also sell used WAVs. Models of vehicle that Amvale stocks include the Renault Kangoo, Peugeot Expert, Kia Sedona and Citroen Dispatch. The company principally uses quality Gowrings, Brook Miller and Aspect conversions and provides hire-before-you-buy and part exchange options. Contact Amvale on 0845 603 9464 or via www.amvalemobility.co.uk.
Thorntrees Garage of Leyland, Lancashire, stocks more than fifty second-hand models of petrol and diesel vehicles in its wheelchair-friendly premises. Whether automatic or manual, all conversions feature lowered floors and ramps or lifts. Most Thorntrees vehicles are for wheelchair passengers but the Kangoo Assist is suitable for a wheelchair driver. Customers are welcome to try out vehicles with no obligation to buy; customers in the local area can even be collected. Thorntrees also hires out vehicles for daily, weekend or weekly periods. www.thorntreesgarage.co.uk. Telephone 01772 622688.
Auto Mobility Concepts is a company specialising in sourcing and adapting vehicles for individual customers as well as providing scooters, wheelchairs and other living aids. Based in Hertfordshire, the company has premises in Hemel Hempstead and Chesham, plus the recently opened Watford branch. The new shop has a large demonstration area and a large range of wheelchair accessible vehicles to assess and purchase. Auto Mobility Concepts are experts in vehicle adaptations, however complex, from hand controls to hoists and ramps. Time is taken to explain everything to customers, from instruction manuals and maintenance to guarantees and service requirements. Anything unavailable in the branches can be ordered for customers. Visit their website at www.automobilityconcepts.com. Telephone numbers are 01923 804142 (Watford), 01442 270202 (Hemel Hempstead) and 01494 776944 (Chesham).
Gleneagles Conversions, based in Fife, is Scotland’s premier specialist vehicle converter. They carry out conversions to cars, people carriers and minibuses for wheelchair passengers or drivers. Their premises are well stocked with new and second-hand vehicles, and they also supply and fit vehicle adaptations, such as hand controls and more complex drive-from-wheelchair systems. Vehicles available include such well-known makes as the Renault Kangoo, Toyota Hiace, Fiat Doblo and Peugeot Tepee. Gleneagles are a member of the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters Association and a Motability Premier Partner. Contact www.gleneaglesconversions.co.uk, telephone 01334 657722.
City Motor Services is a specialist vehicle adaptation company offering high quality and low mileage ex-Motability vehicles at low prices. Based in Cardiff, the company has many years’ experience serving Wales and South West England. Some used vehicles are less than a year old and offer a saving of several thousand pounds over a brand new model. City Motor Services provide excellent after sales care and give trustworthy advice on warranties and financing. Visit www.citymotorservices.co.uk or phone 029 2036 4800.
Brotherwood Automobility of Sherborne has 22 years’ experience in conversions for wheelchair passengers and offers new, second-hand and ex-demonstrator vehicles. Vehicles are also available for long and short term hire. When converting vehicles, Brotherwood takes care to keep the head height of the wheelchair passenger at the same level as the car’s other occupants where possible. Their conversion of the Fiat Multipla even allows the wheelchair passenger to sit alongside the driver rather than be isolated at the back. They offer home demonstrations and all their vehicles meet the requirement to transport and restrain a 190kg wheelchair and its user. The company’s vehicles include the Kia Sedona, Peugeot Partner Tepee and Volkswagen Caddy. See www.brotherwood.com or phone 01935 872603.
Autoadapt UK Ltd. offers award winning, safety-tested solutions for adapting vehicles. One such solution is the Carony Drive, a unique new power wheelchair specifically designed for the wheelchair driver. The chair lowers to a height of just 38cm which, combined with a width of a mere 64.5cm, allows the user to comfortably keep their knees clear of the steering wheel when driving. The footrests automatically move forwards as the chair is lowered. The driver enters the vehicle via a ramp or lift and fixes the chair to the Carony Drive LOC, an electrical tie-down mechanism. An indicator light lets the user know they are securely fixed, and an emergency lever allows for a quick release should the need arise. The chair and lock system are compatible with compact vehicles such as the Renault Kangoo, as well as larger vans. Telephone 01213 335170 or see www.autoadapt.co.uk.
Conver-Tech is a specialist converter for mobility vehicles. The company builds quality bespoke vehicles to suit the individual client, having first discussed their needs in detail. They also have a range of models that can be ordered from stock and have demonstration vehicles available. Many of their conversions incorporate dropped floors for easy access. Some of the vehicles offered by the Maidenhead-based company include the Chrysler Voyager, Volkswagen Caravelle, Peugeot Tee Pee and Citroen Despatch. Visit their website at www.conver-tech.co.uk or telephone 01628 636303.
Cowal Mobility, situated near High Wycombe, has over 35 years’ experience in designing, making and installing quality driving aids and vehicle conversions. In everything they do, Cowal’s main considerations are quality engineering, safety and ease of use. They can offer assessments to newly disabled drivers to determine their needs and capabilities; because they also undertake development projects, they see no problem as insurmountable. A member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, Cowal Mobility installs adaptations from all manufacturers, including hand controls, wheelchair stowage systems, electronic ring accelerators, radial controls, hoists and much more. They can be contacted on 01494 714400 or at www.cowalmobility.co.uk.
PB Conversions is based in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, manufacturing and fitting its own hand controls, left-foot accelerators and hoists. It also installs many other types of equipment. Standard controls can be designed to fit any car and are able to be used by anyone who needs to drive the vehicle. PB Conversions offers free advice to all customers and its own products come with a three-year warranty and free annual servicing. One of the company’s specialities is the adaptation of drive-from-wheelchair vehicles. Go to www.pbconversions.co.uk or phone 01525 850588.
Atlas Vehicle Conversions of Hampshire is one of the country’s leading specialist vehicle conversion companies. As well as supplying WAVs and minibuses, Atlas fits and services tail lifts on customers’ existing vehicles. Atlas’s wide range of vehicles includes the spacious new Renault Kangoo and the Volkswagen Caddy, which can seat five people including one wheelchair passenger and the driver. MPVs and minibuses including models from Mercedes, Peugeot, Fiat and Citroen can accommodate from six to seventeen passengers or from one to six wheelchairs, with any combination in between. A nationwide network of service agents is available to service and maintain specialised equipment supplied by Atlas. Contact www.atlasconversions.co.uk, telephone 023 9226 5600.
