Motorbility van

[LosingGrip]

My brother is in a wheelchair and has a motorbility vehicle. At the moment he has a VW Caddy.

It's due to be replaced in November time, and we are on the look out for a replacement.

It needs to be bigger than the Caddy as he has outgrown it. However he shouldn't grow anymore, so will hopefully stay in the same sized wheelchair. It also needs to be big enough to have two carers, and his equipment for the day in (which is why the caddy is too small).

Not fussed brand wise, engine size doesn't matter (although we had a Dispatch ten years ago and that was shockingly bad). Personally I'd like something that isn't like a van inside, the caddy is spot on in that respect.

Any ideas on what to look at would be great .

[Pistonheader101]

Hyundai i800?

[Teddy Lop]

Bigger in what aspect? They make a lwb caddy that adds 1m of volume, or is it something as short with a higher roof line you want?

[LosingGrip]

Pistonheader101 said:

Hyundai i800?

Thanks!

Teddy Lop said:

Bigger in what aspect? They make a lwb caddy that adds 1m of volume, or is it something as short with a higher roof line you want?

Bit of both really. At the moment we have to tilt his chair back so he doesn't hit his head as we push him in. Not the end of the world, but that extra head height as you wheel him in would help (this may be down to how they adapt it).

I'm sure most are, but it will also need to be something that can be driven on a normal car licence, so nothing with to many seats etc.

[Teddy Lop]

LosingGrip said:

Bit of both really. At the moment we have to tilt his chair back so he doesn't hit his head as we push him in. Not the end of the world, but that extra head height as you wheel him in would help (this may be down to how they adapt it).

I'm sure most are, but it will also need to be something that can be driven on a normal car licence, so nothing with to many seats etc.

you can get smaller caddy class vans with LWB and hi top but IMO they're too stretched and you're better going for the next van class up. I've just taken delivery of a transit custom which is regarded as one of the best in class all things considered, the pricier vw transporter and merc vitos will drive a bit better, I guess as its motability long term reliability and depreciation aren't considerations?

[LosingGrip]

Teddy Lop said:

you can get smaller caddy class vans with LWB and hi top but IMO they're too stretched and you're better going for the next van class up. I've just taken delivery of a transit custom which is regarded as one of the best in class all things considered, the pricier vw transporter and merc vitos will drive a bit better, I guess as its motability long term reliability and depreciation aren't considerations?

Transit Custom is a good shout. Yeah reliability and depreciation isn't a issue, however one being more reliable would be better as if it breaks its a right pain getting a suitable replacement.

[Teddy Lop]

LosingGrip said:

Transit Custom is a good shout. Yeah reliability and depreciation isn't a issue, however one being more reliable would be better as if it breaks its a right pain getting a suitable replacement.

most things will give you a few years before they start disintegrating unless you're unlucky won't they, last year my mechanic said he had several new transits sat in his yard for several weeks due to a backlog on a faulty part, something to do the the power steering iirc, but thats luck of the draw and can happen to anything.

[clockworks]

Will the carers be OK with driving (and parking) a bigger van?
Fiat Doblo seems to be quite popular as a wheelchair vehicle, and is an OK drive.

[Glasgowrob]

transporter is the logical step up if a caddy is proving too small for your needs

[WAVman]

This is the business I am in, I'm assuming he needs an accessible vehicle with lowered floor.

I guess his current Caddy will be a Maxi LWB with 2+3+wc on the 3rd row.

There is a Caddy LWB conversion with 2+2 seating, this has lots more interior space and the wheelchair can get further forward in the vehicle.

The Doblo is a terrible accessible solution, the suspension is very firm and not good for a wc passenger.

How is he funding the advance payment? If he will be applying to the Motability Grant Scheme, choice of vehicle may be restricted as it may be up to Motability what he has.

[LosingGrip]

clockworks said:

Will the carers be OK with driving (and parking) a bigger van?
Fiat Doblo seems to be quite popular as a wheelchair vehicle, and is an OK drive.

They'll have to be to a degree. Might sound harsh, but he can't not go out because someone doesn't like driving something bigger.

Fiat Doblo is to small. We looked at it a few years ago.

WAVman said:

This is the business I am in, I'm assuming he needs an accessible vehicle with lowered floor.

I guess his current Caddy will be a Maxi LWB with 2+3+wc on the 3rd row.

There is a Caddy LWB conversion with 2+2 seating, this has lots more interior space and the wheelchair can get further forward in the vehicle.

The Doblo is a terrible accessible solution, the suspension is very firm and not good for a wc passenger.

How is he funding the advance payment? If he will be applying to the Motability Grant Scheme, choice of vehicle may be restricted as it may be up to Motability what he has.

Yeah current Caddy is 2/3/WC. We did like the Dispatch when he was in the second row between the two seats as not as fair back.

It will be the grant scheme yeah. Which is why we don't want anything fancy. Just something suitable for him and his needs.

Yeah it needs to be with a lowered floor.

[stuartmmcfc]

My transit is very good but downsides are it can be a bit bouncy in the back and not all Carer’s like to drive it because of its perceived size.
Upsides are it’s plenty big enough for 4 able passengers (2 in front plus driver and 1 either side of me) a dog and me and my kit, plenty of extras , good to drive and reliable.
Plus it’s got a lowered floor and a ramp.
It can seem a bit o/t when there’s just 2 of us but it’s so versatile.

[caelite]

I've heard good things about the new Peugeot MPV that came out recently, the Drifter. Even Jezza Clarkson of all people gave it a fairly good write up for its practicality and drivability for what it is.

Based on the new partner van, which I'd say is a bit bigger than the Caddy. But with more creature comforts and versatile seating (that I imagine is easily removed for wheelchair kit

https://www.driving.co.uk/news/jeremy-clarkson-lau...

Edit: these guys give it a good write up too;

https://www.alliedmobility.com/car/peugeot-rifter-...

Edited by caelite on Friday 19th April 22:57

[SydneyBridge]

Mercedes vito

https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/en/motability...

[WAVman]

You gents are all very worthy with your suggestions, but what the OP needs is a proper converted Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, his brother travels in the car in his wheelchair.

OP, as long as you are within the 6m change window, you can apply for a grant for the advance payment and take it from there. I would advise you do this first. Nowhere on the application does it ask what vehicle you want.

Be careful though, Motability are keen in extending contracts for two more years rather than issue a grant. You need to say that the current vehicle is no longer fit for purpose.

[LosingGrip]

WAVman said:

You gents are all very worthy with your suggestions, but what the OP needs is a proper converted Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, his brother travels in the car in his wheelchair.

OP, as long as you are within the 6m change window, you can apply for a grant for the advance payment and take it from there. I would advise you do this first. Nowhere on the application does it ask what vehicle you want.

Be careful though, Motability are keen in extending contracts for two more years rather than issue a grant. You need to say that the current vehicle is no longer fit for purpose.

Thanks very much!

We are coming up to five years with the current one, so don't think they'll extend it on more will they?

Think its November time, parents are dealing with that part im just helping with finding something more suitable .

[WAVman]

LosingGrip said:

Thanks very much!

We are coming up to five years with the current one, so don't think they'll extend it on more will they?

Think its November time, parents are dealing with that part im just helping with finding something more suitable .

Yes, a standard WAV contract is 5 years. If the advance payment for the current vehicle was from the Grant fund, and you are applying to the grant fund again for the new car, if it is still fit for purpose then they will extend for two years.

You do not have to do this, but they will not help you from the grant fund and would need to pay AP yourselves.

[LosingGrip]

Bit of a bump!

We ended up with a Ford Transit Independence. Fecking huge to what he had, but so much better! Three seats at the front and one in the back and then my brother in his wheelchair.

I drove it today to pick some chairs up for him and it's lovely to drive! Considering the size and it's a van it didn't feel like it.

Not sure what sized engine it has, but doesn't seem slow at all!

[stuartmmcfc]

We’ve got the same.
Over a year in and still pleased.
Just watch the speed humps when he’s in the back in his chair. I can always tell when I’ve upset the Wife from the speed she goes over them!

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say a Transit or Hyundai i800