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If mobility issues are a barrier to your motoring, help is available. There's a range of adaptations, accessible through the Motability Scheme, that can make driving more enjoyable and comfortable. Talk to our SEAT Motability specialists to find what works best for you – there are hundreds of adaptations that come at no extra cost. Whether you need additional support for accessibility, driving, or stowage, contact Group 1 SEAT for more information and advice.
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With so many different types of Motability adaptations to choose from, it might feel an overwhelming task to know what’s best for you. The best approach is simple: establish the issue that’s making driving difficult, and then talk to the team at Group 1 SEAT, who will work with you to find a solution.
Adaptations are widely used by motorists already on the Motability Scheme; in fact, there are over 50,000 customers who have had products fitted to their cars to aid and improve their time spent in the vehicle.
There are around 150 different adaptations that can be fitted to a car at no extra cost to the customer, with more complex devices available for a price. All of them make life behind the wheel a little easier, whether that’s helping you to enter and exit the car, operate it safely, or securely stow away clunky but all-important items like a wheelchair or scooter.
Sometimes, the best solution to any problems will be to change your SEAT model for one which already has features such as push-button ignition or parking sensors. Or, you may prefer to retain your existing car and introduce one of the many SEAT Motability adaptations to make the all-important adjustments you need.
Limited mobility in legs, arms and upper body can all have a negative effect on your ability to drive a car. However, from steering aids to electronic accelerators, there are a number of Motability adaptations that can make a positive difference.
Scenario |
Adaptations |
You have limited mobility or control in your legs |
Mechanical hand controls, electronic accelerators, steering aid and pedal guards |
You have limited mobility in your right hand |
Mechanical hand controls or left foot accelerators |
You have limited strength in your upper body |
Steering aids, remote control devices, easy release handbrakes and electronic accelerators |
If you, or a partner, rely on a wheelchair or a scooter for mobility, you’ll need to transport it with you when you travel in your car. These are large and heavy items, and often awkward to stow away. If this is a problem for you, a car boot or rooftop hoist can really help.
Scenario |
Adaptations |
Your wheelchair or scooter is too heavy to lift and stow |
Car boot or rooftop hoists |
The different types of Motability adaptations available for your SEAT model are divided into three main categories. Accessibility, which covers getting into and out of the car; driving, which focuses on actually operating the vehicle; and stowage, which provides solutions around storage.
Wheelchair users face many challenges when it comes to driving, but Motability adaptations offer an alternative to using a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV). Some of the adaptations that can be fitted to a car to improve accessibility include:
Fixed permanently, these seats swivel, turn, lower, tip and move in and out of the car, making it far easier to get in and out of the vehicle. You can have a manual swivel seat fitted or, if you find it easier still, a powered version. There are also wheelchair swivel seats, which connect the base of your chair to a special car seat.
The smooth surface of a transfer plate enables a wheelchair user to easily move from chair to car seat. The transfer plate is fitted to the side of the car seat, and can then be removed and folded away once you’re settled into the vehicle. You have the choice of manual or electric transfer plates, depending on your needs and preference, with electric versions coming at a cost.
An electric hoist is designed to lift a person into the vehicle, and can be a huge help to wheelchair users. The hoist is made up of a permanent mount, a frame, and a canvas sling, which is attached to the hoist with heavy-duty hooks. When you’re in the car, the three-part frame can be taken apart and stored in the boot. The sling stays in position, which is ideal on a practical level as it’s ready for providing support when exiting the vehicle.
For motorists who are having complications steering, turning, accelerating and indicating, driving adaptations make a genuine difference. Choose from simple devices to control systems made just for you.
Holding and operating a standard car steering wheel is a challenge for those with mobility issues in their hands. A steering wheel ball is one potential fix. Fitted to the wheel, it gives you improved control when turning the vehicle.
If using standard foot pedals is a problem, fitting your car with hand controls to operate important basics such as braking and acceleration is highly recommended. A push and pull hand device could be far more convenient.
If you have mobility issues in your legs and arms, a hand control probably won’t help when it comes to driving. Another Motability adaptation option is an electronic accelerator. There are four easy to use types available and all come with a hand operated brake.
Standard accelerators in cars are fitted on the right side of the pedal controls, which is an obvious problem for motorists with limited mobility in their right leg. So if you have reduced mobilty in your right leg, you can get a left foot accelerator. Talk to our SEAT Motability adaptation specialists about which type – floor-mounted accelerator or twin-flip accelerator – suits you best.
Modified pedals can result in bringing these controls much closer to the driver, allowing them to operate the car much easier. If you struggle to reach the pedals in their standard position, ask us about getting them extended.
For some motorists, basic controls in a car – indicators, lights, windscreen wipers – can be tricky to use. Replacing these with a single remote control panel that can be operated with one hand is an effective option.
If you use a scooter or a wheelchair and need to take these with you in the car when you travel, you might like to consider one of the stowage adaptations that are available via Kia Motability.
Car boot hoists do the job of the heavy lifting when it comes to lifting your wheelchair or scooter into the vehicle. When your mobility aid has been moved into the boot of the car, tie-downs keep it secure. Larger wheelchairs and scooters will need a 4-way hoist, while 2-way hoists are suitable for lighter wheelchairs. You’ll need to tell the SEAT Motability Adaptations team about the type of wheelchair or scooter you have so they can advise on which hoist is best for you.
Instead of a boot hoist, you could opt for a car rooftop stowage unit. This keeps the boot of your vehicle free to carry other items. The stowage unit is designed in a box style, and is suitable for hosting a folded, manual wheelchair. The wheelchair is carried to the rooftop stowage unit by an electric hoist. You will need to decide where you want the unit to be installed; either the driver side or the passenger side of the car’s roof.
An alternative to either stowage device is a lightweight, manual wheelchair instead. You can use this exclusively for when you’re travelling, allowing you to leave your main wheelchair or scooter at home. A self-propelled wheelchair is for those users who travel independently, while an assistant-propelled model is designed to be pushed by someone else.
For a guide to the price ranges of some of the Motability adaptations available, take a look at the information below. Contact our SEAT Motability specialists with any queries – the team will be more than happy to help answer your questions and provide more advice about finding the right adaptations for your vehicle and your lifestyle.
Type of Adaptation |
Price Range |
Left foot accelerator |
£0 - £95 |
Steering aids |
£0 - £100 |
Pedal modifications |
£0 - £800 |
Mechanical hand controls |
£0 - £1072 |
Person hoists |
£0 - £1305 |
Electronic accelerators |
£0 - £1885 |
*Prices are grouped by the type of adaptation.
Type of Adaptation |
Price Range |
Wheelchair stowage (in-car systems) |
£0 - £10,990 |
Transfer plates |
£9 - £715 |
Remote control devices |
£50 - £775 |
Permanent swivel seats |
£116 - £8,100 |
Wheelchairs swivel seats |
£170 - £12,365 |
Wheelchair stowage (rooftop systems) |
£667 - £2,750 |
*Prices are grouped by the type of adaptation.
Ordering the right car may resolve many of the issues you’re finding when driving. Many of the models now available on the Motability Scheme already come fitted with helpful features such as push-button engine start, automatic transmissions and automatic lights and wipers.
The first step is to chat to a member of our SEAT Motability Scheme experts, so get in touch today.
When it comes to the cost of SEAT Motability Adaptations, there is plenty of help and support available. While there are around 150 different types of adaptations available, some of the more complex products might not be covered within your Mobility Allowance. However, with grants available, you could still qualify for financial support. Contact us and we'll run through how this works.
The route to more accessible and enjoyable motoring begins here. Start by contacting our SEAT Motability specialists for further advice – we can help by discussing your best options for choosing a Motability car, or the most suitable adaptations to get fitted to your existing vehicle. Get in touch today.
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