Drive from Wheelchair? Don't mind if I do
Discussion
I've never been much good at dominating the stairs, instead, I'm a bit of an expert at blocking hallways and jamming up door frames instead. So driving a conventional car as a wheelchair user has always been out of the question, meaning that there'll be no talk of steering feel or how brilliant a manual is from me!
Instead my options are pretty limited, basically leaving me with vans to choose from. Neither is it as simple as getting your provisional, ringing around instructors for prices, and looking at shonky Fiestas or A Classes on PCP. The provisional needed my GP to fill out a form talking about my Cerebral Palsy. However this had been complicated by the DVLA pretending it was BL in the 70s and going on strike. Meaning it was like getting blood from a stone finding out whether everything was good to go. It took a phone call to find out that they'd had the form for a few weeks and my provisional was in the post.
But along came the most recent lockdown at the start of last year that delayed things. After the lockdown induced wait I had to contact Motability (a charity that can provide and adapt vehicles) If I thought the DVLA were bad, these were worse. I like to be able to understand a process before I start it. Their website is appalling meaning I had to ring up and enquire. They had no idea, I may as well have asked a donkey how to run a marathon. After some pushing and prodding, I find out from an advisor that I had to apply for funding before I could get the assessment. To me, it felt the wrong way round, surely I needed to know about what adaptations etc I needed before putting for grant funding. Even then, Google found nothing on people's experiences, or any details on the means tested funding.
I filled out the form, which wanted to know why I needed a DFW, what make my chair was, measurements from the chair, and, oddly, my weight and height. I'm surprised it didn't ask what I had for breakfast. Once that was done, things moved quickly. I had to pay a figure towards adaptations, but it was far lower than my best case scenario. I was then contacted by a nice Geordie chap who demonstrates vehicles suitable to be WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) and DFWs. After a chat, in which I seemed to know more about the cars themselves than he did, we'd booked to see three vans on Thursday. The Ford Tourneo Custom (or Transit as I'll be calling it), The Peugoet Rifter and the DFW champion, the Mercedes Sprinter.
Although when he and the team arrived, we didn't get off to the best of starts. In typical modern Mercedes fashion the Sprinter had broken down on the way down from Newcastle. With a suspected starter motor failure. :rooleyes: After taking a few measurements, I was told we'd need two appointments as I had to see the Sprinter. Never mind, plenty could be achieved today.
(Before I go on, I'd like to apologise for my dreadful photography skills, or if they end up upside down)
First off we looked at the Transit, which was pulled into the drive and I was instructed how to open it up. Rather handily, it could all be done using the key fob to open the boot and lower the ramp.
The floor had been lowered and it was feared it may be a touch too big for me as my eye line may be too low. But as I entered I was pleasantly surprised. I pulled my chair (Spectra XTR2: The Vauxhall Astra of wheelchairs) up to the steering wheel, and everything fell nicely to hand.
The interior was nicely put together, the screen was incredibly clear and the chair seemed to fit in very nicely. Now, there was no talk of adaptations as the correct vehicle needs to be identified first. I thought this was a little inefficient as I knew I'd need proper hand controls and some functions like the gear lever etc removed and reconfigured into buttons. Think the PRND buttons on a DB9, but not as nicely finished). After some photos of me in situ were taken and more measurements made, I was offered the chance to be taken for a test drive. DFW vans can double up as WAV vans too, so the drivers seat was reinstalled in seconds and I was clamped in the back. I realised this would be a benefit once I pass my test as I could drive to a party, get suitably lashed on scotch (I will be in the whisky thread, long time lurker too) and have someone drive me home!
My Dad was with me to look over the vans, and we decided to give the driver a brief tour of Roy Axe's hometown of S
horpe, by going up to the Morrisons roundabout and back. Lucky chap. 
I tell you what, I was impressed. My parents own a Seat Alhambra diesel and as the diesel Transit fired up it was much quieter than the canal boat Massey Ferg... sorry VAG lump in the Seat. It felt pretty smooth on the move. The gearbox shifted seemlessly and the only thing that I thought was a touch jittery was my chair. It has its own very basic suspension that makes leaf springs look advanced, but it can be adjusted similar to the Ohlins on a Volvo. Once that is resolved, I could certainly see myself driving longer distances in comfort. The engine pulled nicely too, but I quitely winced as I saw the price of diesel at Morrisons.
One thing that went against the Transit was it’s electric handbrake. In the Alhambra and the Rifter you flick the lever and it’s on. In this, you need to hold the rocker switch down until a light on the dash stopped flashing. That meant the brake was more than 80% on. How contrived. Why not just on or off? What am I going to do with it? Go back to Morrisons once I pass and attempt handbrake turns?
Anyhow, we returned home, and pulled the Rifter onto the drive. I actually came into this preferring the Rifter, it was smaller, which would be far easier for me to learn in. Though, I did say that if I have to learn in a van in the size of a tank, I will do. It was also a petrol, which appealed given the slightly daft anti diesel rhetoric nowadays. Packing the 1.2 engine thats becoming common within the Stellantis range, I was interested as to how it would cope with a pretty heavy car, mods and wheelchair. But the positive thoughts I had coming into this soon fell flat.
Yes, that is the right indicator lighting up. It was all part of it's pretty demonic routine of opening the boot and lowering the ramp. However it all began with the suspension rather sharply dropping like a stone. A big difference between this and the Transit is that the standard suspension had been ripped out and replaced with air. As I entered I dipped my head and felt like everything was cramped compared to the Transit. This actually became a genuine issue as the bolts that held my footplates on caught the bottom of the driver's door and parts of the centre console. I couldn't get positioned properly like I could in the Transit. The driver and the geordie chap tried to wave this concern away, but I made them aware I was not impressed.
The photo probably flatters the Rifter, the interior felt scratchy, and I imagine it will age as well as milk left out in the sun over what could be up to 7 years of ownership. I was incredibly undewhelmed. My chair's control box caught on the passenger armrest as I tried to swing it back. It felt very tinny and cramped. You'll notice that little pressure gauge to the left of the gear selector. I couldn't see that on the Transit, and it did look a bit scruffy. I could also hear the air pump rather loudly raising the suspension.
We soon saddled up for a drive. A tick in the Rifter's box was the fact I could be an upfront passenger. But that was about it really. We did the same circuit up to Morrisons. Any form of acceleration and the 1.2 groaned like a teenager being woken up any earlier than noon on a weekend. The gearbox wasn't up to much either. I noticed the briefest of pauses between gearchanges. The ride wasn't great either, it felt fidgety which on top of the chair's fidgeting, it wasn't comfortable. I felt like I wouldn't want to be going up and down the M180 in it regularly. It felt like a van with windows and seats. Though, I liked the overhead storage and the fact that my adaptations and Rifter would be serviced at home. Although the Ford dealer is just a few minutes walk from my house too, so it’s no big tick.
But there were a few big crosses in it's box. The reversing camera didn't come on as was hoped, if I wanted front parking sensors I'd need to cough up an extra £1000 for the pleasure. I'm not even sure Audi would be that cheeky. But the worst bit of all for me, was as I got out. The bolt on my footplate nearly pulled off a piece of the interior trim until I repositioned things. (If you look carefully at the photo you might see what I mean) I wasn't hoping for brilliance, but I expected better from this Stellantis copy and paste. On top of that I'd have two separate fobs to unlock it and lower the ramp etc. The second of which, I was told, would need the battery replacing regularly The Transit has a clear lead.
But this isn't the end of this. I spoke with the Geordie chap again the day after where he was keen on me still seeing the Sprinter, as when I have my assessment it will be in the Merc. So I will be driving one of those briefly. But a Tourneo Connect and a VW Caddy will be joining the party next month. There was the opportunity to look at a VW Shuttle (Transporter) but with a year's build time and low roofline for me,I took the decision to abandon it and look at the other 3. I’m open minded on which one I get, but I just want to get learning really.
I did find out after that the pressure gauge in the Rifter wasn't for the air suspension but the internal fire extinguisher that's built into all adapted vehicles. If my van did catch fire, I wouldn't be getting myself out, so that was a relief. I'll also get installed a similar system to Onstar and a tracker if I break down or need help.
I’ll keep things updated over the coming months.
Michael
Instead my options are pretty limited, basically leaving me with vans to choose from. Neither is it as simple as getting your provisional, ringing around instructors for prices, and looking at shonky Fiestas or A Classes on PCP. The provisional needed my GP to fill out a form talking about my Cerebral Palsy. However this had been complicated by the DVLA pretending it was BL in the 70s and going on strike. Meaning it was like getting blood from a stone finding out whether everything was good to go. It took a phone call to find out that they'd had the form for a few weeks and my provisional was in the post.
But along came the most recent lockdown at the start of last year that delayed things. After the lockdown induced wait I had to contact Motability (a charity that can provide and adapt vehicles) If I thought the DVLA were bad, these were worse. I like to be able to understand a process before I start it. Their website is appalling meaning I had to ring up and enquire. They had no idea, I may as well have asked a donkey how to run a marathon. After some pushing and prodding, I find out from an advisor that I had to apply for funding before I could get the assessment. To me, it felt the wrong way round, surely I needed to know about what adaptations etc I needed before putting for grant funding. Even then, Google found nothing on people's experiences, or any details on the means tested funding.
I filled out the form, which wanted to know why I needed a DFW, what make my chair was, measurements from the chair, and, oddly, my weight and height. I'm surprised it didn't ask what I had for breakfast. Once that was done, things moved quickly. I had to pay a figure towards adaptations, but it was far lower than my best case scenario. I was then contacted by a nice Geordie chap who demonstrates vehicles suitable to be WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) and DFWs. After a chat, in which I seemed to know more about the cars themselves than he did, we'd booked to see three vans on Thursday. The Ford Tourneo Custom (or Transit as I'll be calling it), The Peugoet Rifter and the DFW champion, the Mercedes Sprinter.
Although when he and the team arrived, we didn't get off to the best of starts. In typical modern Mercedes fashion the Sprinter had broken down on the way down from Newcastle. With a suspected starter motor failure. :rooleyes: After taking a few measurements, I was told we'd need two appointments as I had to see the Sprinter. Never mind, plenty could be achieved today.
(Before I go on, I'd like to apologise for my dreadful photography skills, or if they end up upside down)
First off we looked at the Transit, which was pulled into the drive and I was instructed how to open it up. Rather handily, it could all be done using the key fob to open the boot and lower the ramp.
The floor had been lowered and it was feared it may be a touch too big for me as my eye line may be too low. But as I entered I was pleasantly surprised. I pulled my chair (Spectra XTR2: The Vauxhall Astra of wheelchairs) up to the steering wheel, and everything fell nicely to hand.
The interior was nicely put together, the screen was incredibly clear and the chair seemed to fit in very nicely. Now, there was no talk of adaptations as the correct vehicle needs to be identified first. I thought this was a little inefficient as I knew I'd need proper hand controls and some functions like the gear lever etc removed and reconfigured into buttons. Think the PRND buttons on a DB9, but not as nicely finished). After some photos of me in situ were taken and more measurements made, I was offered the chance to be taken for a test drive. DFW vans can double up as WAV vans too, so the drivers seat was reinstalled in seconds and I was clamped in the back. I realised this would be a benefit once I pass my test as I could drive to a party, get suitably lashed on scotch (I will be in the whisky thread, long time lurker too) and have someone drive me home!
My Dad was with me to look over the vans, and we decided to give the driver a brief tour of Roy Axe's hometown of S
horpe, by going up to the Morrisons roundabout and back. Lucky chap. I tell you what, I was impressed. My parents own a Seat Alhambra diesel and as the diesel Transit fired up it was much quieter than the canal boat Massey Ferg... sorry VAG lump in the Seat. It felt pretty smooth on the move. The gearbox shifted seemlessly and the only thing that I thought was a touch jittery was my chair. It has its own very basic suspension that makes leaf springs look advanced, but it can be adjusted similar to the Ohlins on a Volvo. Once that is resolved, I could certainly see myself driving longer distances in comfort. The engine pulled nicely too, but I quitely winced as I saw the price of diesel at Morrisons. One thing that went against the Transit was it’s electric handbrake. In the Alhambra and the Rifter you flick the lever and it’s on. In this, you need to hold the rocker switch down until a light on the dash stopped flashing. That meant the brake was more than 80% on. How contrived. Why not just on or off? What am I going to do with it? Go back to Morrisons once I pass and attempt handbrake turns?
Anyhow, we returned home, and pulled the Rifter onto the drive. I actually came into this preferring the Rifter, it was smaller, which would be far easier for me to learn in. Though, I did say that if I have to learn in a van in the size of a tank, I will do. It was also a petrol, which appealed given the slightly daft anti diesel rhetoric nowadays. Packing the 1.2 engine thats becoming common within the Stellantis range, I was interested as to how it would cope with a pretty heavy car, mods and wheelchair. But the positive thoughts I had coming into this soon fell flat.
Yes, that is the right indicator lighting up. It was all part of it's pretty demonic routine of opening the boot and lowering the ramp. However it all began with the suspension rather sharply dropping like a stone. A big difference between this and the Transit is that the standard suspension had been ripped out and replaced with air. As I entered I dipped my head and felt like everything was cramped compared to the Transit. This actually became a genuine issue as the bolts that held my footplates on caught the bottom of the driver's door and parts of the centre console. I couldn't get positioned properly like I could in the Transit. The driver and the geordie chap tried to wave this concern away, but I made them aware I was not impressed.
The photo probably flatters the Rifter, the interior felt scratchy, and I imagine it will age as well as milk left out in the sun over what could be up to 7 years of ownership. I was incredibly undewhelmed. My chair's control box caught on the passenger armrest as I tried to swing it back. It felt very tinny and cramped. You'll notice that little pressure gauge to the left of the gear selector. I couldn't see that on the Transit, and it did look a bit scruffy. I could also hear the air pump rather loudly raising the suspension.
We soon saddled up for a drive. A tick in the Rifter's box was the fact I could be an upfront passenger. But that was about it really. We did the same circuit up to Morrisons. Any form of acceleration and the 1.2 groaned like a teenager being woken up any earlier than noon on a weekend. The gearbox wasn't up to much either. I noticed the briefest of pauses between gearchanges. The ride wasn't great either, it felt fidgety which on top of the chair's fidgeting, it wasn't comfortable. I felt like I wouldn't want to be going up and down the M180 in it regularly. It felt like a van with windows and seats. Though, I liked the overhead storage and the fact that my adaptations and Rifter would be serviced at home. Although the Ford dealer is just a few minutes walk from my house too, so it’s no big tick.
But there were a few big crosses in it's box. The reversing camera didn't come on as was hoped, if I wanted front parking sensors I'd need to cough up an extra £1000 for the pleasure. I'm not even sure Audi would be that cheeky. But the worst bit of all for me, was as I got out. The bolt on my footplate nearly pulled off a piece of the interior trim until I repositioned things. (If you look carefully at the photo you might see what I mean) I wasn't hoping for brilliance, but I expected better from this Stellantis copy and paste. On top of that I'd have two separate fobs to unlock it and lower the ramp etc. The second of which, I was told, would need the battery replacing regularly The Transit has a clear lead.
But this isn't the end of this. I spoke with the Geordie chap again the day after where he was keen on me still seeing the Sprinter, as when I have my assessment it will be in the Merc. So I will be driving one of those briefly. But a Tourneo Connect and a VW Caddy will be joining the party next month. There was the opportunity to look at a VW Shuttle (Transporter) but with a year's build time and low roofline for me,I took the decision to abandon it and look at the other 3. I’m open minded on which one I get, but I just want to get learning really.
I did find out after that the pressure gauge in the Rifter wasn't for the air suspension but the internal fire extinguisher that's built into all adapted vehicles. If my van did catch fire, I wouldn't be getting myself out, so that was a relief. I'll also get installed a similar system to Onstar and a tracker if I break down or need help.
I’ll keep things updated over the coming months.
Michael
Blimey, never again will I take being able to get into a car and drive it for granted. Thank you for giving us the insight into what it's like to be physically impaired and a keen driver. Seems like an awful lot of hoops to jump through just to get to the point of choosing a suitable vehicle. Having said that, enjoy the freedom of the motor car!
Michael, that's a bloody cracking read.
I've barely scraped the surface of this topic a few years ago after my better half had major surgery to both femurs, but we just needed something with hand controls and enough space in the boot for a wheelchair or crutches.
We found Motability to be utterly brilliant, but understand you're asking much more specific and detailed questions than our vanilla needs! Their service was always utterly impeccable though - and as you say surprisingly cheap for many things you'd think would be bloody expensive. Saving VAT helps, obviously.
Pics aren't working for me unless I click the little error box thingy - but looking forward to hearing how you find the Merc, Caddy, etc. Surprised you've kept the Caddy on the list but dropped the Transporter?
I've barely scraped the surface of this topic a few years ago after my better half had major surgery to both femurs, but we just needed something with hand controls and enough space in the boot for a wheelchair or crutches.
We found Motability to be utterly brilliant, but understand you're asking much more specific and detailed questions than our vanilla needs! Their service was always utterly impeccable though - and as you say surprisingly cheap for many things you'd think would be bloody expensive. Saving VAT helps, obviously.
Pics aren't working for me unless I click the little error box thingy - but looking forward to hearing how you find the Merc, Caddy, etc. Surprised you've kept the Caddy on the list but dropped the Transporter?
I used to be a member of a forum where the founder of https://sirusautomotive.co.uk/ was quite active, he seemed amazingly diligent in his research and development so would be worth a look if you’re after something well put together.
Thanks for the comments chaps. This is quite a niche thing and I'm not certain there are any other members in a similar situation to me. Plus for anyone who does this in future, there'll be my experience.
I'm using Flickr and I'm using [pic] URL [/pic] (without the spaces) as detailed in a thread, but I can't get it to work
I was keen on the Transporter, but I was told that if we had decided to go for one of them there's a year's waiting list for one because of the semiconductor shortage. Also, the roofline on it is quite low and I was told I might not have much more than an inch or so's headroom. Shame as I thought both the Transit and Transporter may be well be ideal for me.
Michael
Sway said:
Michael, that's a bloody cracking read.
I've barely scraped the surface of this topic a few years ago after my better half had major surgery to both femurs, but we just needed something with hand controls and enough space in the boot for a wheelchair or crutches.
We found Motability to be utterly brilliant, but understand you're asking much more specific and detailed questions than our vanilla needs! Their service was always utterly impeccable though - and as you say surprisingly cheap for many things you'd think would be bloody expensive. Saving VAT helps, obviously.
Pics aren't working for me unless I click the little error box thingy - but looking forward to hearing how you find the Merc, Caddy, etc. Surprised you've kept the Caddy on the list but dropped the Transporter?
What did you both end up with? Once I submitted my grant application they did seem to greatly improve. Within a few weeks I was told my contribution and made my appointment to see the vans. I have the direct number of the person handling my case and the Geordie chap. I will have to pay for lessons, and I expect they will cost more than my adaptations!I've barely scraped the surface of this topic a few years ago after my better half had major surgery to both femurs, but we just needed something with hand controls and enough space in the boot for a wheelchair or crutches.
We found Motability to be utterly brilliant, but understand you're asking much more specific and detailed questions than our vanilla needs! Their service was always utterly impeccable though - and as you say surprisingly cheap for many things you'd think would be bloody expensive. Saving VAT helps, obviously.
Pics aren't working for me unless I click the little error box thingy - but looking forward to hearing how you find the Merc, Caddy, etc. Surprised you've kept the Caddy on the list but dropped the Transporter?
I'm using Flickr and I'm using [pic] URL [/pic] (without the spaces) as detailed in a thread, but I can't get it to work
I was keen on the Transporter, but I was told that if we had decided to go for one of them there's a year's waiting list for one because of the semiconductor shortage. Also, the roofline on it is quite low and I was told I might not have much more than an inch or so's headroom. Shame as I thought both the Transit and Transporter may be well be ideal for me.
AlmostUseful said:
I used to be a member of a forum where the founder of https://sirusautomotive.co.uk/ was quite active, he seemed amazingly diligent in his research and development so would be worth a look if you’re after something well put together.
I am not surprised as the Transit is from Sirus! The ramp and some switchgear were nicely installed. Plus the small detail of the key fob being reprogrammed to lock/unlock, open the boot and lower the ramp is really useful.Michael
We had a S Max for a couple of years, did the job perfectly.
Gotcha on the Transporter lead time. I'm a little surprised the roofline is lower than the Caddy (we've currently got an old Maxi Life as a mobile tip wagon while we renovate our house) - but to be fair I'm tall in the upper body and there's acres of headroom above me especially if I removed the storage shelf.
As the mods are so unintrusive (couple of bolt holes drilled in the lower steering column plastic trim) and can be removed, there wasn't any grant or anything required - all included in the lease as covered by the PIP mobility component. We did pay a couple of grand up front but got a decent chunk of that back when returned.
Gotcha on the Transporter lead time. I'm a little surprised the roofline is lower than the Caddy (we've currently got an old Maxi Life as a mobile tip wagon while we renovate our house) - but to be fair I'm tall in the upper body and there's acres of headroom above me especially if I removed the storage shelf.
As the mods are so unintrusive (couple of bolt holes drilled in the lower steering column plastic trim) and can be removed, there wasn't any grant or anything required - all included in the lease as covered by the PIP mobility component. We did pay a couple of grand up front but got a decent chunk of that back when returned.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, hope you can find a van that works well for you. I personally have a soft spot for Transits when it comes to vans, but most modern ones are pretty good I think. Apart from the Peugeot it seems!
I've taken the liberty of opening your pics and grabbing the actual image URLs (as opposed to the Flicker image page URLs), hopefully this will have all of the pics from the original post, in the correct order. If you want to quote my post, you can probably see the code I used and copy-paste it back into your first post, if that's helpful.
Let us know how you get on!
Pics for the original post:
I've taken the liberty of opening your pics and grabbing the actual image URLs (as opposed to the Flicker image page URLs), hopefully this will have all of the pics from the original post, in the correct order. If you want to quote my post, you can probably see the code I used and copy-paste it back into your first post, if that's helpful.
Let us know how you get on!
Pics for the original post:
Thanks for the help with the photos, I'll have to look as to how upload them properly for next time.
Looking through the range available to me only the Rifter is petrol all the others are diesels. I had read an article saying EVs are currently difficult to convert as access is needed to the chassis for some adaptations where the batteries are now stored. Also the software used to make the EVs work are almost impossible to access to program in the adaptations too. 2030 onwards could be interesting.
Looking through the range available to me only the Rifter is petrol all the others are diesels. I had read an article saying EVs are currently difficult to convert as access is needed to the chassis for some adaptations where the batteries are now stored. Also the software used to make the EVs work are almost impossible to access to program in the adaptations too. 2030 onwards could be interesting.
Decent write up. Surely the Transit is going to be the way to go? I've been really impressed with them when I've had them as hire vehicles, whereas anything PSA I've ever hired (particularly with that horrible 1.2 turbo) has been dreadful. Anyway, Guy Martin likes Transits and that means they get extra cool points...
I wasn't expecting to update things until next week, but a phonecall with the Geordie chap brought things forward to Wednesday. Another Transit from a different mobility company had just come to market, it had a slightly shorter wheelbase than the one pictured above and unlike the Allied version, I could ride as a passenger if that was ever required.
I was looking forward to seeing it, but alas, that wasn't to be the case as the only demonstrator in the UK was stranded up in Edinburgh as it was yet to be declared roadworthy! But it did allow me to meet the infamous Sprinter that was much talked about, but never seen last time. With it's new start motor fitted, it was ready and raring to go. I was expecting a look at a few of the adaptations, the van itself and we'd all be on our way until I could get to see the second Transit. But no.
Things had already taken a slight twist as the Caddy and Tourneo Connect I'd mentioned before were discounted. Like the Rifter, they were on the small side and given my protestation of not wanting to see the Rifter or it's asthmatic mouse of an engine again, they were discounted based on the dimensions of them, and my chair. So it's a three way tie between a Transit, a slightly smaller Transit, or the Billy big time Sprinter. Once I'd been lifted up and entered, it became Transit v Transit. The extra headroom and space was lovely. (You might spot that unit there on the right, which holds clamps, restraints etc for the chair and some of the adaptations. If I wanted to I could move into one of these and call it my first flat!
But the pros ended there, the standard interior fitments were scratchy, but did look of slightly better quality than the Rifter. The climate control was single zone and had the vibe of a van with windows rather than a base A Class on a much bigger scale. The door cards were moulded plastic and the headliner was retrofitted by the provider of the Sprinter! Though, I did like the steering wheel, but it got little use.
The unexpected soon hit, and I was told I was going to be taking this tank for a bit of a drive!
There had been no talk of this over the phone and I certainly hadn't prepared myself for this in the run up. Mind you, I wasn't going to say no! On the way here the Geordie chap had done some reconnaissance, and had identified a quiet housing estate we go for a drive around.
We'd chosen a few quiet roads close to Scunny General Hospital to practice around. (Useful if I piled into a garden wall) After the drivers seat was removed using a socket set, I was introduced to the hand control that was seen as ideal for me.
Yes, doesn't it look like something you'd stick up your backside!
Anyhow, there's also the option of a more cylindrical joystick which has whats called a bleep button which can flash the lights and operate indicators. I believe there are other things that can be programmed through it too. I tried it with the 'plug on it. On a rainy Wednesday in March I was in charge of braking as the geordie chap gently pressed the accelerator back and moved at walking pace towards a telegraph pole in the middle distance. But I realised the brakes were vague and I wasn't sure how much I needed to move the lever forward to bring things to a careful stop. But ungracefully I did it. I must've looked a sight, a black Sprinter with L plates creeping down a side street. Anywhere else I'd have been done for curb crawling! The joystick was plumbed into that blackbox labelled Paravan. You can't just fire an adapted van up and go, you need to calibrate the system by by moving the lever hard left, then right and applying some of the brake then you can drive off.
The German owner of Paravan seems a character himself. Like me, he's disabled and set up this company specialising in various hand controls. Clearly he's done well for himself as the instructor told me he'd bought a Ferrari F12 and had similar hand controls fitted to it!
I've no idea how he copes as everything was vague! There was no resistance to the joystick. I soon stepped up to steering, but I was soon applying throttle as there was no feel to things and the accelerator was incredibly sensitive. Yes, it's a van, but 160hp put in the hands of a novice was a lot. The accelerator was disabled, leaving me in charge of steering. I'd soon got that down despite being told the estate wasn't the best choice as the corners were very tight. But I kinda liked the challenge! It was very strange seeing the steering wheel spin around almost of it's own accord. But I did see the bad side to some drivers. On a residential road, I was overtaken once outside a corner shop and aggressively pipped at by a builders' van A rather kind driver had flashed her lights to let me out at a T junction, but given my understandable cautiousness, I hesitated and two cars pulled out from behind her, overtaking her car, and cutting in front of me. Charming.
It gave me the chance to think about anticipation, and expect the worst as I approached every corner, parked car and pedestrian. It was here that the sheer heft of the Sprinter came to play. Especially trying to navigate around parked cars and making sure the back end had fully swung round before I centered the 'stick. But the ride was bumpy and the thing pitched and wallowed as we rolled over drain covers and when accidentally clipped a kerb
Soon after, we decided I should give it a go at accelerating and steering. Things got difficult, I struggled with the sensitivity and ballsed up a rather sweeping left on a side street. From the slightest of movement in my fingers, the revs shot up to 2500, meaning the brake in the passenger side had to be applied. I got a bit flustered, and did think this was a bit much to do with no prior notice and on a public road. We pulled up, and it was decided that yes, this was too much too soon. But there was plenty I could take way from this. I think the Geordie chap admitted the estate he'd chosen wasn't quite right. We both decided I needed an open space where I could chuck the Sprinter about and get a real feel for things as well as having plenty of room to correct!
After a chat on Friday, it was decided the joystick should be swapped a golf ball to give me more surface area, and to explore whether it could be reprogrammed so I could push forward to accelerate like I do on my chair. Either way, we are still in the trial and error phase! It was identified that the sprawling car park at the home of my football club Shorpe United (they're crap I know!) could be used.
I'd been in Liverpool over the weekend for my birthday and it did me good. I realised that to do this I need to master the intricacies of acceleration and braking. Even though everything is as tricky as handling an eel while wearing thick gloves. If I dropped anyone into my chair and told them to navigate through the kitchen they'd struggle, but I mastered it. I can master this too. At least next time I know whats coming.
Michael
I was looking forward to seeing it, but alas, that wasn't to be the case as the only demonstrator in the UK was stranded up in Edinburgh as it was yet to be declared roadworthy! But it did allow me to meet the infamous Sprinter that was much talked about, but never seen last time. With it's new start motor fitted, it was ready and raring to go. I was expecting a look at a few of the adaptations, the van itself and we'd all be on our way until I could get to see the second Transit. But no.
Things had already taken a slight twist as the Caddy and Tourneo Connect I'd mentioned before were discounted. Like the Rifter, they were on the small side and given my protestation of not wanting to see the Rifter or it's asthmatic mouse of an engine again, they were discounted based on the dimensions of them, and my chair. So it's a three way tie between a Transit, a slightly smaller Transit, or the Billy big time Sprinter. Once I'd been lifted up and entered, it became Transit v Transit. The extra headroom and space was lovely. (You might spot that unit there on the right, which holds clamps, restraints etc for the chair and some of the adaptations. If I wanted to I could move into one of these and call it my first flat!
But the pros ended there, the standard interior fitments were scratchy, but did look of slightly better quality than the Rifter. The climate control was single zone and had the vibe of a van with windows rather than a base A Class on a much bigger scale. The door cards were moulded plastic and the headliner was retrofitted by the provider of the Sprinter! Though, I did like the steering wheel, but it got little use.
The unexpected soon hit, and I was told I was going to be taking this tank for a bit of a drive!
There had been no talk of this over the phone and I certainly hadn't prepared myself for this in the run up. Mind you, I wasn't going to say no! On the way here the Geordie chap had done some reconnaissance, and had identified a quiet housing estate we go for a drive around. We'd chosen a few quiet roads close to Scunny General Hospital to practice around. (Useful if I piled into a garden wall) After the drivers seat was removed using a socket set, I was introduced to the hand control that was seen as ideal for me.
Yes, doesn't it look like something you'd stick up your backside!
Anyhow, there's also the option of a more cylindrical joystick which has whats called a bleep button which can flash the lights and operate indicators. I believe there are other things that can be programmed through it too. I tried it with the 'plug on it. On a rainy Wednesday in March I was in charge of braking as the geordie chap gently pressed the accelerator back and moved at walking pace towards a telegraph pole in the middle distance. But I realised the brakes were vague and I wasn't sure how much I needed to move the lever forward to bring things to a careful stop. But ungracefully I did it. I must've looked a sight, a black Sprinter with L plates creeping down a side street. Anywhere else I'd have been done for curb crawling! The joystick was plumbed into that blackbox labelled Paravan. You can't just fire an adapted van up and go, you need to calibrate the system by by moving the lever hard left, then right and applying some of the brake then you can drive off. The German owner of Paravan seems a character himself. Like me, he's disabled and set up this company specialising in various hand controls. Clearly he's done well for himself as the instructor told me he'd bought a Ferrari F12 and had similar hand controls fitted to it!
I've no idea how he copes as everything was vague! There was no resistance to the joystick. I soon stepped up to steering, but I was soon applying throttle as there was no feel to things and the accelerator was incredibly sensitive. Yes, it's a van, but 160hp put in the hands of a novice was a lot. The accelerator was disabled, leaving me in charge of steering. I'd soon got that down despite being told the estate wasn't the best choice as the corners were very tight. But I kinda liked the challenge! It was very strange seeing the steering wheel spin around almost of it's own accord. But I did see the bad side to some drivers. On a residential road, I was overtaken once outside a corner shop and aggressively pipped at by a builders' van
A rather kind driver had flashed her lights to let me out at a T junction, but given my understandable cautiousness, I hesitated and two cars pulled out from behind her, overtaking her car, and cutting in front of me. Charming. It gave me the chance to think about anticipation, and expect the worst as I approached every corner, parked car and pedestrian. It was here that the sheer heft of the Sprinter came to play. Especially trying to navigate around parked cars and making sure the back end had fully swung round before I centered the 'stick. But the ride was bumpy and the thing pitched and wallowed as we rolled over drain covers and when accidentally clipped a kerb
Soon after, we decided I should give it a go at accelerating and steering. Things got difficult, I struggled with the sensitivity and ballsed up a rather sweeping left on a side street. From the slightest of movement in my fingers, the revs shot up to 2500, meaning the brake in the passenger side had to be applied. I got a bit flustered, and did think this was a bit much to do with no prior notice and on a public road. We pulled up, and it was decided that yes, this was too much too soon. But there was plenty I could take way from this. I think the Geordie chap admitted the estate he'd chosen wasn't quite right. We both decided I needed an open space where I could chuck the Sprinter about and get a real feel for things as well as having plenty of room to correct!
After a chat on Friday, it was decided the joystick should be swapped a golf ball to give me more surface area, and to explore whether it could be reprogrammed so I could push forward to accelerate like I do on my chair. Either way, we are still in the trial and error phase! It was identified that the sprawling car park at the home of my football club S
horpe United (they're crap I know!) could be used.I'd been in Liverpool over the weekend for my birthday and it did me good. I realised that to do this I need to master the intricacies of acceleration and braking. Even though everything is as tricky as handling an eel while wearing thick gloves. If I dropped anyone into my chair and told them to navigate through the kitchen they'd struggle, but I mastered it. I can master this too. At least next time I know whats coming.
Michael
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Thank you! Rattly ramps were a worry I had too, but in all 3 of the vans I've been in so far they have all been incredibly well damped. The mirror was obstructed in the Sprinter, but I could see enough through the top third of the rear windows. It made things that little bit harder though and I did find myself relying more on my wing mirrors.
Michael
anonymous said:
[redacted]
When I was at Junior School I was taken to School in Council minibuses. They used LDV Convoys mostly (Though I do have fond memories of a 70+ year old driver doing 70 down a quiet A road in a Renault Master! ) and the ramps rattled like mad even on new ones. The adaptations and ramps will be serviced yearly, so hopefully that can keep things quiet. That would be a brilliant idea, but because there's no real free market competition to improve wheelchairs like there is a car, these things aren't particularly clever. I got my first chair when I was 6 and I bet that at least 75% of it's design is the same as my current one. It's a bit like Bentley's 6.75 V8, but without any charm or fantastic noise.
I'm hoping once EVs are cracked for adaptations, some enterprising engineer will think of something like this. I think the adaptations are still pretty straight forward as when I brake I can see the pedal being depressed etc. I've been reading PH on and off for 10+ years and I haven't seen anything like this either, so felt compelled to do this and show what it's like being a petrolhead from a different perspective.
Michael
Three visits from the Geordie chap seems to have been the charm.
I went into last Monday expecting to see two vans, the Sprinter (of which I'd be taking for another spin) and another Transit, but this one is to be provided by GM Mobility rather than Allied. But I was pleasantly surprised as I rolled out my front door, to see the new VW Caddy. Before I go on, I need to apologise as I completely failed to get a photo of the back end (striking in a modernist way) or with the ramp down.
Being on the small side, ingress and egress through the boot felt pretty tight. I ducked my head instinctively like I did on the Rifter. It was a little wider inside but my chair still felt like a Koi Carp in a deep puddle. It was difficult not to foul against the jump seats with my chair just squeezing through along the lowered floor. But once I got behind the wheel, things were far roomier. Headroom was incredibly ample, I didn't feel cramped and I wouldn't have any hypothetical passenger jostling with me for elbow room. Though the driver arm rest on the door was adapted to become detachable, and frankly, it did look a bit cheap.
The interior was nice too, although the plastics did look a touch scratchy. I know big screens aren't particularly popular on PH, but I like this one and found the haptics for the climate control incredibly responsive, even on the move. I wasn't keen on the little lever for the gearbox though, it looked pretty poor quality. I think some shinier plastics on the touch points would've done no harm. Although I wouldn't be using it, the steering wheel obscured my view of the speedo, meaning it would have to go.
On the move the Caddy was impressive. We did the same short trip up to Morrisons and the 1.5 TSI pleasantly surprised me. It was rather quiet under acceleration and the cylinder deactivation was impossible to percept besides the trip saying it was in use. Ride was comfortable as an upfront passenger, pretty much at the same standard as the Transit. I could see myself going for a long run in it if I ended up with this. While I was out for the drive, I spoke to the demonstrator about getting a fixed seat. Whichever van I go for, I'm likely driving it for anywhere between the next 5-7 years. Being a big chunk of time I wanted a seat with ISOFIX in case I do have a family in the years ahead. I'm sure any rear seat passengers would enjoy sitting something better than a jump seat on a long drive too The demonstrator seemed keen to point out that I could get a fixed seat in the back of the Caddy, but the space behind was telling me otherwise. I had to discount the Caddy.
Transit v Transit.
Whereas the last Transit I saw was provided by Allied Mobility, this one was provided by GM Mobility. The big difference between them both is that the GM model has a slightly shorter wheelbase, I can ride upfront as a passenger and the handbrake is more of a simple switch. But the dig difference here was that GM has freshly released this version to market and, although no one seemed certain, there was plenty of stock ready to go, apparently. The boot opened and ramp dropped with a separate fob compared to the Allied Transit though. Other than that, the floor was flat meaning I could spin round and exit frontwards if I liked. But more importantly, it meant I could get a fixed seat installed behind the passenger seat!
We took it for a spin, but I learnt nothing new, it was the same highly competent experience I got from the first one. Although I did notice that those penny pinchers at Ford didn't equip the Titanium spec Transit with Climate Control. That was disappointing, but not the end of the world.
And so, on the street corner outside my house, it was decided my first whip was going to be a Transit, the GM model. I wondered if I could get away with calling it my passion wagon?
Decisions made and the vans sent home, I grabbed my water bottle and sun glasses and headed out in the Sprinter for another demonstrative drive with some more potential adaptations. This time, we'd chosen an open space rather than a housing estate. My boyhood football club and the worst league side in England had allowed us to use their large (and underused) car park to drive around and not worry about smacking into someone's Micra while I did it.
Just beyond that line of parked cars was a mobile covid testing centre, but we had more than enough space as I was parked halfway between the back fence and the test centre. Some adjustments were made after the difficulties of last time. The sextoy like stick which I was never going to get on with was replaced with an actual golf ball!
I have one of these on my wheelchair, although I assume this one wasn't fitted by my Dad a few years ago. It did feel pretty homemade for a professional company, but I liked that little touch. Once it was rigged up, and I put my sunglasses on, things fell into place. Instead of gripping the base of the stick, I was able to put my palm on the top and gently build up some throttle. There was no surges in acceleration and the cornering felt far better. I really got into the swing of driving around an empty carpark tracing along the roads. I also realised the benefit the creep autoboxes can bring in situations like these. Although other than that row of cars, there was no way I could test out my judgement and hazard perception. But this pockmarked car park with potholes and a strip of concrete that looked like a nasty repair did cause issues with the joystick. Hit these as I turned and it caused the van to rock, meaning my hand rocked which caused the steering to go haywire. Utterly safe, isn't it?
Anyhow the Geordie chap thought it was because of my steering efforts, it was still difficult to steer without accidentally accelerating into a corner. I did it once, but it was very gentle. He said the rocking came about because of the sheer girth of the Sprinter, the road and the fact that I was correcting my steering going into some sharper corners, but he had a solution.
Apologies for the poor photo here, but this one half of whats called a tiller. It's essentially a set of handlebars, but beefed up slightly. Only being able to fully use my left hand meant I only used the left side. Those buttons are dummies and there was no accelerator or brake, meaning all I could do was steer. If I were to go for this option, a trigger would be built on the front of the handle for my throttle and one on the back for the brake. He felt that this would be a better fit, I was sceptical but willing to give it a go. To see how I'd do with acceleration, one of those rings was attached allowing the throttle to be controlled on the steering wheel. With the Sprinter in park, I gently revved the diesel up to 2000rpm, down to 1500, and then back to 2000. Apparently that proved that I could cope with the trigger on the tiller
With the brake and throttle out of my hands, we were off, and do you know what? Steering with the tiller was a revelation, with a little bit of tension built into it, things felt more precise, my judgement a touch sharper, and I couldn't replicate the swaying. We even took the van for a brief drive around the edge of the stadium. It felt more intuitive to me and more straight forward with steering, acceleration and brakes now separated from an odd marriage of inconvenience. To prove it, the Geordie chap sharply accelerated up to 40 before braking, I just held on the tiller meaning the van carried on tracking true. Even though the tiller I was using had an issue with one of the teeth missing (the steering wheel couldn't centre properly, unless I overcorrected) I took to it like I do to a bottle of sherry cask whisky.
But there was a tiny fly in the ointment as the structure holding the tiller up kept falling into my knee. A minor issue, but an important one. I'd garnered enough of his confidence from the Geordie chap to say that he'd have been happy for me to steer the few miles home, rather than me going back in the back. Based on the issues we were having we decided against it as if it did lead to an accident, neither of us fancied answering the awkward questions the rozzers would have
Once we got home, we signed off some paperwork and formally decided on the GM Transit. The only delay I could face from here is the time it would take Paravan to build the tiller I need and ship it over from Germany. I asked how this would work in the Transit, the gear lever would remain with a hold button fitted to the tiller. It would allow me to take my hand off the brake and shift into P, R or D. The steering wheel is likely to go, but I'm still uncertain on that.
For now, things fall quiet as it's unlikely anything will happen until my Transit is adapted and a lockdown system is fitted to my chair. That will require a trip to Driffield where I'd see my first car in the metal and finalise placement of controls, seatbelts etc. Hopefully there are plenty of these Transits in stock...
Michael
I went into last Monday expecting to see two vans, the Sprinter (of which I'd be taking for another spin) and another Transit, but this one is to be provided by GM Mobility rather than Allied. But I was pleasantly surprised as I rolled out my front door, to see the new VW Caddy. Before I go on, I need to apologise as I completely failed to get a photo of the back end (striking in a modernist way) or with the ramp down.
Being on the small side, ingress and egress through the boot felt pretty tight. I ducked my head instinctively like I did on the Rifter. It was a little wider inside but my chair still felt like a Koi Carp in a deep puddle. It was difficult not to foul against the jump seats with my chair just squeezing through along the lowered floor. But once I got behind the wheel, things were far roomier. Headroom was incredibly ample, I didn't feel cramped and I wouldn't have any hypothetical passenger jostling with me for elbow room. Though the driver arm rest on the door was adapted to become detachable, and frankly, it did look a bit cheap.
The interior was nice too, although the plastics did look a touch scratchy. I know big screens aren't particularly popular on PH, but I like this one and found the haptics for the climate control incredibly responsive, even on the move. I wasn't keen on the little lever for the gearbox though, it looked pretty poor quality. I think some shinier plastics on the touch points would've done no harm. Although I wouldn't be using it, the steering wheel obscured my view of the speedo, meaning it would have to go.
On the move the Caddy was impressive. We did the same short trip up to Morrisons and the 1.5 TSI pleasantly surprised me. It was rather quiet under acceleration and the cylinder deactivation was impossible to percept besides the trip saying it was in use. Ride was comfortable as an upfront passenger, pretty much at the same standard as the Transit. I could see myself going for a long run in it if I ended up with this. While I was out for the drive, I spoke to the demonstrator about getting a fixed seat. Whichever van I go for, I'm likely driving it for anywhere between the next 5-7 years. Being a big chunk of time I wanted a seat with ISOFIX in case I do have a family in the years ahead. I'm sure any rear seat passengers would enjoy sitting something better than a jump seat on a long drive too
The demonstrator seemed keen to point out that I could get a fixed seat in the back of the Caddy, but the space behind was telling me otherwise. I had to discount the Caddy.Transit v Transit.
Whereas the last Transit I saw was provided by Allied Mobility, this one was provided by GM Mobility. The big difference between them both is that the GM model has a slightly shorter wheelbase, I can ride upfront as a passenger and the handbrake is more of a simple switch. But the dig difference here was that GM has freshly released this version to market and, although no one seemed certain, there was plenty of stock ready to go, apparently. The boot opened and ramp dropped with a separate fob compared to the Allied Transit though. Other than that, the floor was flat meaning I could spin round and exit frontwards if I liked. But more importantly, it meant I could get a fixed seat installed behind the passenger seat!
We took it for a spin, but I learnt nothing new, it was the same highly competent experience I got from the first one. Although I did notice that those penny pinchers at Ford didn't equip the Titanium spec Transit with Climate Control.
That was disappointing, but not the end of the world. And so, on the street corner outside my house, it was decided my first whip was going to be a Transit, the GM model. I wondered if I could get away with calling it my passion wagon?
Decisions made and the vans sent home, I grabbed my water bottle and sun glasses and headed out in the Sprinter for another demonstrative drive with some more potential adaptations. This time, we'd chosen an open space rather than a housing estate. My boyhood football club and the worst league side in England had allowed us to use their large (and underused
) car park to drive around and not worry about smacking into someone's Micra while I did it. Just beyond that line of parked cars was a mobile covid testing centre, but we had more than enough space as I was parked halfway between the back fence and the test centre. Some adjustments were made after the difficulties of last time. The sextoy like stick which I was never going to get on with was replaced with an actual golf ball!
I have one of these on my wheelchair, although I assume this one wasn't fitted by my Dad a few years ago. It did feel pretty homemade for a professional company, but I liked that little touch. Once it was rigged up, and I put my sunglasses on, things fell into place. Instead of gripping the base of the stick, I was able to put my palm on the top and gently build up some throttle. There was no surges in acceleration and the cornering felt far better. I really got into the swing of driving around an empty carpark tracing along the roads. I also realised the benefit the creep autoboxes can bring in situations like these. Although other than that row of cars, there was no way I could test out my judgement and hazard perception. But this pockmarked car park with potholes and a strip of concrete that looked like a nasty repair did cause issues with the joystick. Hit these as I turned and it caused the van to rock, meaning my hand rocked which caused the steering to go haywire. Utterly safe, isn't it?
Anyhow the Geordie chap thought it was because of my steering efforts, it was still difficult to steer without accidentally accelerating into a corner. I did it once, but it was very gentle. He said the rocking came about because of the sheer girth of the Sprinter, the road and the fact that I was correcting my steering going into some sharper corners, but he had a solution.
Apologies for the poor photo here, but this one half of whats called a tiller. It's essentially a set of handlebars, but beefed up slightly. Only being able to fully use my left hand meant I only used the left side. Those buttons are dummies and there was no accelerator or brake, meaning all I could do was steer. If I were to go for this option, a trigger would be built on the front of the handle for my throttle and one on the back for the brake. He felt that this would be a better fit, I was sceptical but willing to give it a go. To see how I'd do with acceleration, one of those rings was attached allowing the throttle to be controlled on the steering wheel. With the Sprinter in park, I gently revved the diesel up to 2000rpm, down to 1500, and then back to 2000. Apparently that proved that I could cope with the trigger on the tiller
With the brake and throttle out of my hands, we were off, and do you know what? Steering with the tiller was a revelation, with a little bit of tension built into it, things felt more precise, my judgement a touch sharper, and I couldn't replicate the swaying. We even took the van for a brief drive around the edge of the stadium. It felt more intuitive to me and more straight forward with steering, acceleration and brakes now separated from an odd marriage of inconvenience. To prove it, the Geordie chap sharply accelerated up to 40 before braking, I just held on the tiller meaning the van carried on tracking true. Even though the tiller I was using had an issue with one of the teeth missing (the steering wheel couldn't centre properly, unless I overcorrected) I took to it like I do to a bottle of sherry cask whisky.
But there was a tiny fly in the ointment as the structure holding the tiller up kept falling into my knee. A minor issue, but an important one. I'd garnered enough of his confidence from the Geordie chap to say that he'd have been happy for me to steer the few miles home, rather than me going back in the back. Based on the issues we were having we decided against it as if it did lead to an accident, neither of us fancied answering the awkward questions the rozzers would have
Once we got home, we signed off some paperwork and formally decided on the GM Transit. The only delay I could face from here is the time it would take Paravan to build the tiller I need and ship it over from Germany. I asked how this would work in the Transit, the gear lever would remain with a hold button fitted to the tiller. It would allow me to take my hand off the brake and shift into P, R or D. The steering wheel is likely to go, but I'm still uncertain on that.
For now, things fall quiet as it's unlikely anything will happen until my Transit is adapted and a lockdown system is fitted to my chair. That will require a trip to Driffield where I'd see my first car in the metal and finalise placement of controls, seatbelts etc. Hopefully there are plenty of these Transits in stock...
Michael
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