A new Motability centre has been created in Bristol to provide disabled people with powered wheelchairs and scooters.
Bedminster-based power chair and scooter specialists Access Able has been appointed as a Motability dealership for the Greater Bristol area.
Disabled people can turn part or all of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of their Disability Living Allowance or their War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement to obtain a new powered wheelchair or scooter.
Bristol has been well-served by car dealerships operating the Motability scheme but the move fills a gap for those wanting increasingly popular powered chairs and scooters with a full support service.
Managing Director of Access Able Bob Sansom said the Motability showroom in St John’s Lane, Bedminster enabled people to join the scheme and try out the many different vehicles to meet their needs.
He said: “The Motability scheme began in 1978 and since then some 3 million cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs have been provided to help people maintain their mobility.
“The scheme is well-known for enabling disabled people to afford a good quality car but it seems some people do not realise it can also be used for scooters or powered wheelchairs.
“The Motability scheme makes an enormous difference to people’s lives which is why we have completely reconfigured our showroom to reflect the new partnership.
“We aim to provide a friendly place where people can try the vehicles to see how they get on and where we can help them fill out the forms and check their eligibility.”
“These days people do not have to stay indoors and rely on friends and relatives if they have a disability or have become infirm with age. Scooters and wheelchairs give people back their independence and that is why this Government-backed scheme exists. We aim to give it a higher profile in Bristol.”
The Access Able range includes car friendly scooters, 4 and 6mph scooters, 8mph road legal scooters, Bariatric range scooters along with second-hand and reconditioned scooters. The centre service and repair mobility scooters, as well as performing safety checks.
Access Able also has a hire scheme enabling people with limited mobility to road test vehicles for a while before buying.
