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Motoring withrestricted growth
2016
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This booklet is for people with restrictedgrowth and outlines some of the keythings to consider when choosing oradapting a car. Information in thisbooklet comes from consultation withpeople with restricted growth and otherexperts. Price information comes fromour market research – use as a guideonly and shop around for the best price.In this booklet we give information on:
l how your condition may affect yourdriving and the rules about drivingwith a disability.
l useful features on standard cars andspecialist products and techniques.
l sources of funding and expert advice,including addresses.More detailed information on
choosing and using a car can be found inthe Rica guides shown here. All ourguides are free – contact us for a copy orsee them on our website:020 7427 2460www.rica.org.ukThe website also has the Find a car
database of car measurements that willhelp you find a car to suit you.
Choosing a carFeatures that may help youand ways of adapting a car
Car controls Adaptations
and how to get them
Family carsCars andequipment for families ofdisabled children
Getting awheelchair into a carEquipment to help you
stow or carry a wheelchair
Getting in andout of a carTechniques and equipmentthat may help
Wheelchairaccessible vehicles
Converted vehicles to carryyou in your wheelchair
Mobilityaddress listAll the adaptation suppliersand car converters in the UKand the services they offer
Motoringwith restricted growthDriving with restricted growth 3Plan of action 4Choosing a car 5Products and techniques 6Finance 9Further information 10
Contents ricability
A guide for older and disabled people
Choosing a car
2011
R
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2011
ricability
A guide for older and disabled people
Car controlsR
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2015A guide for disabled drivers and passengers
Wheelchair accessible vehicles
3
Driving withrestricted growth
People of small stature drive all makes,models and sizes of car. You must beable to reach all the driving controls –pedals, parking brake, gear selector andsteering wheel – and have all roundvision. Make sure you can see over thedashboard and check bulky door mirrorsdo not block your front view or theheadrest your rear view. A standard car may be OK for you or
you may need adaptations to suit yoursize and shape, including pedalextensions and seat modifications.You have to tell the Driver and Vehicle
Licensing Agency (DVLA) if yourcondition affects your ability to drive astandard car. For more information, goto www.gov.uk/dvla or get What youneed to know about driving licences(D100) from a post office. You must alsotell your insurance company about yourcondition and any car adaptations youhave.
AIRBAGSResearch has shown that shorter andlighter motorists – under 160 cm (63 in)
and 55 kg (121 lb) – are more likely tobe hurt by airbags. If you sit closer than32 cm (just under 13 in) from thesteering wheel, you are likely to be inthe ‘airbag deployment zone’ and youcould risk injury.Sit as far away from the steering
wheel as you comfortably can and makesure your seat belt is close fitting and ingood condition. If you can adjust thesteering wheel, tilt it downwards slightlyto face your chest rather than your headto reduce the risk of injury. Reclining theseat might also help. Fortunately manynew cars have ‘smart’ (also called ‘multi-stage’) airbags which inflate fully only if sensors detect suitable seat and driverpositions. Discuss this with your dealer.You could also be injured if you have
your arm across the wheel – as you willat times with a steering ball or spinner(see page 6) – when the airbag fires. If your height, driving position or any
adaptations make you unsafe with anairbag, the adaptation company or themain dealer may be able to deactivate orremove it.
There is more information atwww.rospa.com and www.dft.gov.uk.Search for ‘airbags’ on both sites.
careimages.com
n Use our online search tool ofcar measurements to findcars that suit you.
n Go to www.rica.org.uk andfollow the link for the Carmeasurement database.
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SEAT BELTSSome people find seat belts difficult touse or uncomfortable. They can bemodified, but never have a seat beltmodified by an unqualified person. Youradaptation company should be able toensure any modification is safe and legal.Don’t use cushions to lift yourself up
in the seat unless they are designed to beused this way. They will stop the seatbelt from working properly in a crash.Any product for adapting seat belts mustcome with safety and legal informationand full and clear instructions. Somemay be suitable only for specific vehicles.Belts need to cross your shoulder and
fit low across the pelvis, avoiding thesofter abdomen.You must notify your insurance
company of any adaptations you are using.
Plan of action
1 Ask some basic questions Think about what you may need in thefuture as well as about what suits younow. Prepare to compromise as you maynot find everything in one car.How will you get in and out?Will you be comfortable in the seat?Will you need specialist controls?What equipment will you carry?
2 Collect informationStart with motoring magazines, theinternet and manufacturers’ brochuresas well as the monthly magazinepublished by Disabled Motoring UK (seepage 10). www.youreable.com has anonline discussion forum covering topicsincluding benefits and motoring.
3 Try out before buying Try any car you are considering. Trygetting in and out several times. If youalready use any adaptations, ask if youcan try the car with them fitted.
If you need more specialist help, youcan try out adapted cars at adaptationcompanies. They will also tell you if theadaptations can be fitted to your chosencar. You could also visit one of these:
Mobility Centres (see page 10) for adriving assessment and to find out whatequipment may suit you.
Mobility Roadshow andMotabilityOne Big Day (see page 11) to see and tryout vehicles and adaptations.
4 Get plenty of practiceMake sure that you are not driving withadaptations for the first time when youcollect the car. Ask the adapter if theyhave a demonstration model.Mobility Centres can help you find
specialist instructors locally who cangive you lessons in an adapted car.
Find a car
n To try out a range of differentcars all in the same place, visita secondhand car supermarket.
Tip
l adjustable steering wheel, so youcan get it close to you
l power assisted steering – on somecars this can be lightened by thedealership or by specialistconverters
l pedals – make sure you can pushthem all the way in
l cruise control to maintain aconstant speed
l handbrakes can be stiff if you have aweak hand and wrist – check thatyou can put it on and off
l some cars have electronic, pushbutton handbrakes and you canhave one fitted to many others.
SECONDARY CONTROLSFor things like the horn, lights andindicators – try to find a model wherethese are in the best position for you:l electric windows l electric and heated door mirrorsl heated windscreenl wipers which switch on
automatically when it rainsl lights which switch on
automatically when it gets darkl easy controls for audio equipment,
air conditioning, etc – some carshave voice activated controls
l parking sensors or reversing cameral park assist – steers the car into the
parking space for parallel parking.
BOOTl no sill or low silll internal boot releasel boot which opens by powerl space for your wheelchair if you
have one, or any mobilityequipment you use.
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Choosing a car
If you are buying a new car, thefollowing pointers should help youidentify useful features on standardproduction vehicles. Many people withrestricted growth can drive a standardcar with nothing more specialised than acushion for their back. The less a car ismodified, the higher its resale value.Many helpful features like adjustablepower steering are now available on awider range of models, so you shouldhave a good choice.When deciding on the type of car,
think about your needs and how theymight change in the future. Use the listbelow to tick the features you mightfind useful:
GETTING IN AND OUTl no sills or low, narrow sills l conveniently placed handholdsl seat height that suits you l a seat pad that does not slope up at
the front (lifting your legs awayfrom the floor and from the pedalsif you are the driver)
l a short distance to reach back forthe seatbelt from the driver’s seat.
LOCKING AND IGNITION l remote and central lockingl keyless entry systeml push button startl windows that close automatically
when the car is locked.
PRIMARY CONTROLSFor steering, braking and accelerating:l automatic transmission – a must for
many drivers with restricted growth
MOTORING WITH RESTRICTED GROWTH
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Products andtechniques
We give brief details below of theproducts and techniques that might suit you.If your family or friends also drive
your car, make sure any adaptations donot get in their way or make drivingdifficult for them, or fit removable ones.
GETTING IN AND OUTIf you need support getting in and out,check what you can hold on to becausehand holds above the car door might bebeyond your reach. If you can’t reach to close the door
from the seat, partly close it as you get inor use a stick to hook it towards you. If reaching the boot to close it is a
problem, you can fit an electronic bootcloser or try fixing a strap to it.
Wheelchair users – If you need helpstowing a wheelchair, there is a range ofdevices and techniques for getting youand the wheelchair into your car. See ourguide Getting a wheelchair into a car formore information.
SEATINGThe right seat height is important, andyou may need the flexibility of anadjustable seat. You can make yourexisting seat higher or heightadjustable, add a swivelling mechanismor have a specialist replacement seat fitted (from £800 from adaptation firms).If it helps to swivel, turning cushions
are available from general aids suppliers(mostly £20–£80) and replacementswivel seats (£850 upwards) can befitted by adaptation companies. See ourguide Getting in and out of a car for moreinformation and Mobility address list fordetails of adaptation companies.
PRIMARY CONTROLSSteering – If you have to steer one-handed, for example if you have handcontrols, you can fit a steering ball orspinner to the steering wheel.Spinners come in several shapes and
sizes to suit different types of grip (£15 – £110).
Tips
Steering wheel grips from Alfred Bekker
Here is advice from drivers withrestricted growth:n Learn to drive as young as
you can. n Ask the dealer if you can use
removable extended pedalson a test drive.
n Use a lumbar support cushion on the seat to bringyou nearer to the controls.
n If you have an average sizedtorso and short limbs, adjustyour seat down for comfort.
n Get advice from an independ-ent Mobility Centre.
n Go for a big car – it does theego a world of good.
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There are specialist and custom builtsteering solutions. These arecomplicated and expensive, so you needto get an assessment at a MobiltyCentre. See our guide Car controls formore information.
Pedals –The size, position and shape ofpedals can sometimes be altered to suityour needs. Clutch, accelerator andbrake pedals can be extended to bringthem nearer. Make sure you can pushthe pedals all the way in and let them allthe way out.
Changing gears – Automatictransmission means fewer gear changesand helps with pulling away, especiallyin hill starts.
Usually automatics have a mechanicalgear selector. If this is too hard for youto use, you can have an electronicsystem fitted, but these can beexpensive. Take advice from a MobilityCentre before investing in one of these systems.
Some cars have automated manualgear systems which work without using aclutch pedal. You move a lever or usepush buttons or paddles on the steeringwheel to select a gear.
Adaptation companies can alsoextend the gear selector of a manual orautomatic car to bring it within reach.If you can reach the gear stick, but not
the clutch pedal, you can fit a lever orbutton on the gear stick of a manual carthat allows you to operate the clutchwith the same hand as you use to changegear. This may make it possible for you todrive a manual car (from £2,145).
Pedal Pal bolt-on pedal extensions from £69 apedal – they fit most cars and adjustable andquick release versions are available
MOTORING WITH RESTRICTED GROWTH
Menox Stamp extension kit raises all threepedals – from £680 fitted from Autoadapt
Electronic gear selector, from Adaptacar
Gear controls on steering wheel
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Accelerating and braking – If youcannot use pedals, you can fit handcontrols. You need to have automatictransmission.
l Push pull controls combineacceleration and braking in one lever –mounted on the steering column or onthe floor (£400-£900).
l Separate controls for the acceleratorand brake give you more choice andmay need less effort. An under ringaccelerator (from £1,800) lets yousteer with both hands. This is normallycombined with a hand-operated brakelever (from £360).
Parking brake –Mechanicalattachments can make it easier to usethe handbrake (from £70). Electronicparking brakes cost from around £700. To help with pulling away, especially
in hill starts, manual cars can be fittedwith RSE Auto-brake – ask youradaptation advisor.
SECONDARY CONTROLS If you have difficulty using controls forthe lights and indicators, there aresimple and complex solutions. If you need to work the indicator with
your right hand, for example, you can fitan extension to the indicator stalk thattakes it over the steering column.If you have more complex needs,
electronic systems can be fitted thatbring all the secondary controls togetherin one unit. Prices vary widely dependingon how complex they are and on thewiring system of the car (from £600).
Check the cost of any adaptation youare considering and its compatibilitywith your car with an adaptationspecialist before ordering your car.
OTHER WAYS OF DRIVINGNearly all controls can be altered oradapted to suit you and completesystems built around you if necessary.Obviously the more equipment andadjustment you need, the higher thecost. You will certainly need anassessment at a Mobility Centre andspecialist instruction for systems thatinvolve driving in a very different way.
Jeff Gosling single lever accelerator and brake– here fitted with optional indicator switch
Under ring accelerator
Steering knob combined with wirelesssecondary controls
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RICA GUIDESOur other guides give more detailedinformation about specialist equipment:Getting in and out of a carl hoists which lift and lower you on toa car seat
l lifting seats which swing in and out ofthe car, lowering and locking into aposition to suit you.
Getting a wheelchair into a carl hoists, lifts and ramps to help get awheelchair or scooter into the boot
l boot and rooftop hoists which stow awheelchair once you are in your seat
l trailers and racks which carry awheelchair on the back of the car.
Wheelchair accessible vehiclesl adapted cars that let you travel inyour wheelchair.
Car controlsl primary and secondary controladaptations.
Family carsl seating for safety and support.
Finance
Motability – Contract Hire scheme setup for disabled people, using theHigher/Enhanced Rate MobilityComponent of DLA, PIP or AFIP or theWar Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement.See page 11 for more information.
Access to Work – May help if you areworking or about to start work. Phone0345 268 8499, ask at your Jobcentre orgo to www.direct.gov.uk/disabledpeople.
VAT exemption on adaptations – Youdo not have to pay VAT on adaptations,or on installation, repairs ormaintenance.
VAT exemption on a new car – If youuse a wheelchair or stretcher, you maynot have to pay VAT on the purchase andmaintenance of an adapted car. Information from HM Revenue and
Customs (see page 11).
Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax) – Youdon’t have to pay this if you get theHigher/Enhanced Rate MobilityComponent of DLA, PIP or AFIP. Claimdisability exemption when you apply forvehicle tax. See www.gov.uk/vehicle-exempt-from-vehicle-tax.
Car insurance – Under the Equality Act2010, insurers are not allowed to refusedisabled drivers insurance or chargeextra without justifying evidence. Shoparound for the best deal. Mobility Centres and disabled
motorists’ organisations (see p ages 10-11) have lists of companies thatspecialise in disabled drivers.
Charities – To find one that may help try:l Charity Search – provides a free
service for people over 50, to helpfind a grant-giving charityTel: 0117 982 4060 (9am-2.30pm)www.charitysearch.org.uk
l Turn2Us – a website for people infinancial need: www.turn2us.org.uk
l contacting local support groups (seepages 10-11)
l your library for local charities such as the Round Table or the Rotary orLions Clubs.
MOTORING WITH RESTRICTED GROWTH
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Disability Benefits Helplinel government information service.Tel: 03457 123456 (DLA)
03458 503322 (PIP)www.gov.uk/disability-benefits-helpline
Disabled Living Foundationl advice and information on equipmentand services for disabled people
l training for professionals.Tel: 0300 999 0004 (10am-4pm)www.dlf.org.ukwww.livingmadeeasy.org.uk
Disabled Motoring UKl the campaigning charity for disabledmotorists. They run the Baywatchcampaign against parking abuse andrepresent disabled people’s needs at anational level. Membership £24 peryear – includes monthly magazine.
The StreetAshwellthorpe NR16 1EXTel: 01508 489449Fax: 01508 488173 Email: [email protected]
DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)Drivers Medical Group Tel: 0300 790 6806Fax: 0845 850 0095Email: [email protected]/driving-medical-conditionsNorthern Ireland: Driver & Vehicle AgencyDriver Licensing Medical Section Tel: 0845 402 4000 Email: [email protected]
Furtherinformation
Demandl national charity that designs andmakes specialist equipment fordisabled people
l carries out maintenance and repairson specialist equipment
l online shop selling new and secondhand specialist sporting and mobilityequipment.
Tel: 01923 681 800Email: [email protected]
Blue Badge Scheme
Allows disabled people to parkin restricted areas. The rulesare different in different placesso do read and follow theconditions of use carefully. Thescheme is administered by local authorities who deal withapplications and issue badges.
Contact your local authorityfor more information or phone:0844 463 0213 (England)0844 463 0214 (Scotland)0844 463 0215 (Wales)
[email protected]/apply-blue-badge
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Forum of Mobility Centresl a network of independent, accreditedMobility Centres whichwill: assessyour driving and give you adviceabout how to make it safer, easierand more comfortable; give advice tocarers; in some cases, help you find aspecialist driving instructor.
l national information service ondriving, specialist equipment andvehicle adaptations
Freephone: 0800 559 3636www.mobility-centres.org.uk
HM Revenue and CustomslVAT relief on adaptations (VAT Notice701/7) and motor vehicles (VATNotice 701/59) for disabled people.
Tel: 0300 123 1073www.gov.uk/dvla
The Mobility Roadshowl free events with advice,demonstrations and test drives on carsand mobility products and services.
Mobility Choice in England, Scotlandand Wales:Email: [email protected]
MotabilitylUse Higher/Enhanced Rate MobilityComponent of DLA, PIP or AFIP oryour War Pensioner’s MobilitySupplement to lease a car.
lMaintenance and servicing, insuranceand breakdown assistance areincluded. Motability contributetowards the cost of adaptations.
l You may have to make an advancepayment to cover the cost of the car.
lMotability have useful information,including videos on choosing a car anddriving adaptations on their website.
Tel: 0300 456 4566Textphone: 0300 037 0100www.motability.co.uk
One Big Day/Big EventlMotability run these regional eventsfor customers and people interestedin the scheme – you can see and testdrive cars and adaptations.
Tel: 0300 456 4566www.motabilityevents.co.uk
Remapl voluntary group of engineers whodesign and manufacture devices whenthere is nothing else on the market.
In England and WalesTel: 01732 760209Email: [email protected] Northern IrelandTel: 028 9086 4251Email: [email protected] ScotlandTel: 01466 730736Email: [email protected]
Restricted Growth Associationl Support, information and advice forindividuals who have a restrictedgrowth condition and their families.
Helpline: 0300 111 1970Email: [email protected]
MOTORING WITH RESTRICTED GROWTH
In partnership with:
forum of mobility centres
Consumer research for olderand disabled people.
Rica is an independent charitythat publishes information onproducts and services for olderand disabled people.
Tel: 020 7427 2460Email: [email protected]
@RicaUK
facebook.com/RicaUK
The information in this guideis correct at the time of goingto print (April 2016). It is reviewed every two years.See our website for anychanges since printing.
ISBN: 978-1-907408-34-2© Rica 2016
