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Motability
New Found FreedomBy choosing to lease your scooter or powered
wheelchair through Motability, you will join over half a million
satisfied customers who are already enjoying one of our worry-free
packages. So whether it is for a trip down to the shops, to use
around your home or to visit friends and family, Motability can
make it easier.
Motability
was set up in 1978 by the Government with all party support and
since then has helped over two million people become mobile. We have
been offering services to disabled people for over 30 years, by
using their mobility allowance in exchange for a brand new car,
scooter or powered wheelchair. There are currently around 550,000
people enjoying the benefits of Motability, so you will be in great
company.
The Motability Scheme is directed and overseen by Motability, a
charity that also raises funds and provides financial assistance
to customers who would otherwise be unable to afford the mobility
solution they need.
Motability Operations is a not-for-profit company responsible for
the finance, administration and maintenance of Motability cars,
scooters, and powered wheelchairs. When you lease a product through
Motability, all or part of your higher rate mobility allowance is
paid directly to Motability Operations for the length of the agreement.
If you are interested in finding out more about leasing a car through
Motability, you can visit www.motability.co.uk or call us on 0800
953 3060. You cannot lease both a car and a scooter or powered wheelchair
at the same time.
This Guide explains what leasing a scooter or powered wheelchair
through Motability means, how it works, the benefits, as well as
some tips to help you make the right choice for you. Our network
of Motability trained dealers are ready to help should you have
any questions about the different products available.
Which one is right for you?
To get the most out of your scooter or powered wheelchair you will
need to choose one that matches your needs and lifestyle. With many
different sizes and models to choose fromwe have listed a few things
to consider to help you in your choice.
You
may already know whether a scooter or powered wheelchair is right
for you, but if you are not sure here is a quick guide. A scooter
is probably the right choice if you can travel relatively independently,
get on and off the scooter on your own, and are likely to need it
for trips to the local shops, or to visit family and friends.
A powered wheelchair may be the right choice if you need
prolonged mobility assistance throughout the day, mobility around
the home, are not able to transfer on and off seats easily or can
only operate joystick controls.
Ease of getting on and off
If you have difficulty with your leg movements you will need plenty
of room to get on and off the scooter in comfort. To help, some
models will be fitted with a seat that swivels round at least 90°.
Try getting on and off various models to see which works best for
you before you decide.
Ensuring trips are comfortable
If you are going to use your product regularly, or for longer trips,
think about how far it can travel on a fully charged battery and
also the comfort of the seat. If you need to take it in your car,
many scooters can be dismantled into parts or folded, but it is
worthwhile trying this out to make sure you, or a friend or family
member, know how to do this and are able to lift the parts into
and out of your car. Some powered wheelchairs cannot be dismantled
or transported safely in a car, so think about how this might impact
your journey.
Where you intend to use your scooter or powered
wheelchair, and what for, will also have a bearing on which model
is most suitable for you. Factors such as the clearance, turning
circle, and manoeuvrability will vary from model to model, so if
you travel on smaller pavements with sharper corners, or intend
to use the product around your home, you will need to bear this
in mind. Also, if there are steep hills that you regularly need
to travel up, you may need extra power, especially once you are
carrying shopping. Your dealer will explain the options in greater
detail.
Enjoying a smooth ride It is also worth thinking about the
kinds of surfaces you usually travel on, as some products come with
solid tyres and others are air filled. Also consider whether a sturdier
model or something a bit lighter to get you around. To get the most
out of your scooter or powered wheelchair you will need to choose
one that matches your needs and lifestyle. Your dealer will go through
a full assessment with you to ensure you make the right choice for
your lifestyle.
Feel at ease and in control
However long your average trips are, you will want to be comfortable
and feel totally in control of the scooter or powered wheelchair.
So when you test them out, check that the steering column or ‘tiller’
is in easy reach and if not, ask the dealer if it can be adjusted.
On all models, the controls themselves are usually very simple,
and can be operated even if you have limited strength in your hands.
Remember to recharge it
As your product is battery powered you will need to be able to plug
it in wherever you store it. When our dealers come to your home
to carry out an assessment they will advise you on a solution that
might be suitable for you, particularly if you need to store it
outside.
Optional extras
Your scooter will automatically be provided with a weatherproof
cover, and many of the models also come with a storage basket. There
are also many other accessories available at extra cost including
storage units, ramps, crutch and cup holders. Your dealer will be
able to advise you on whether any additional accessories would be
beneficial for your needs.
Custom-built
Most powered wheelchairs come in a standard design but in some cases
your disability might require you to have your powered wheelchair
custom-built. If you believe this to be the case, please contact
your nearest specialist dealer – you will find their details on
our website.
What’s next
If you are interested in leasing a scooter or powered wheelchair,
your next step should be to contact a few Motability dealers. Talk
through your needs with them and they will arrange to bring products
for you to try. If you would like to see a wider range of products
you can visit a dealer showroom, although not all dealers have this
facility.
Your dealer will also carry out a suitability assessment to make
sure you are choosing a product that is right for your needs and
can be stored safely at your home. If you organise a home visit
the dealer will not be able to bring all of their products, so it
is important you speak to each dealer about all of your needs beforehand.
Make
sure you try out all the models you are interested in before deciding
which one is best for you. If during your assessment the dealer
identifies a model which would be suitable for you, they will make
sure you get to try this out before deciding whether you want to
place an order.
Remember you will have your scooter for
the next three years so make sure you get all the advice you need
to pick the one that is right for you.
There are lots of sources of independent advice to help you make
the most informed decision – for example,Mobility Assessment Centres,
the NHS, and health professionals.
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