adapted vehicles
Sirus Automotive – The New Caddy Conversion
Volkswagen’s new Caddy has recently hit British shores and SIrus Automotive are using it as the base model for three of their conversions. Offering independent driver and wheelchair passenger solutions, Sirus were good enough to bring the wheelchair driven I-Can along to Able towers. They do seem rather proud, and, after spending some hands-on time with it ourselves, we can see why.
First let’s get the tech details out of the way. The model we tested, the I-Can, is based on the 1.6 Turbo Diesel 7 speed DSG Automatic Caddy MPV from Volkswagen. A powerful yet suprisingly economical base vehicle that offers 49.6mpg and low CO2 emissions of 149g/km. Being a Volkswagen you are assured that the build quality is suitably German — so no complaints there.
Able have dealt with Sirus for a number of years so we know they are a quality, skilled company but it’s still surprising to actually see how good one of their conversions is up close.
Adapting a vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair driver is no small engineering feat of course — swathes of interior have to be removed, resculpted and replaced but the Sirus engineers, mechanics and I can only assume, motoring elves, somehow merge this all seamlessly into the base structure. If I hadn’t known differently I would easily have assumed that the car had come direct from the manufacturer to this specification.
To be perfectly honest though, the heart, the pleasure… the point of this vehicle is not the tech specs, or the build quality, or even the price. It is what it offers to the wheelchair driver (or passenger)— true freedom and independence.
The car can be accessed and driven by a wheelchair user without all the transfer hassles, without family, carers or friends having to aid and assist. Just press the button to open the back gate and ramp, roll on in (on your own chair) to a safe and secure driving position and off you go! (more…)
Adapted RVs open up a whole new world to disabled people
Just imagine never having to explain yourself to a hotel receptionist again. Just imagine going wherever you like, wherever the road leads to. Just imagine parking up and taking your holiday wherever and however you like. Just imagine owning an RV.
Jeff Bull from Coachbuilt GB is something of a legend in the RV, caravan and motorhome industry. “We’re the only people in the country that adapt from standard vehicles.” He states proudly. He absolutely right; if you want your RV (recreational vehicle) adapted to suit a change in your needs then he’s your man.
Jeff’s pedigree in the industry is undisputed as he explains: “Originally I was manufacturing director of Avondale (caravans).” Adding: “We manufactured motorhomes and caravans. We had a dealer that wanted to do a standard disabled version and we had great debates with him because of the low numbers involved. There’s no such thing as a standard disabled person with a standard disabled requirement.” In other words because of the low orders, the project wasn’t economically viable and was put to one side. Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction though and after Avondale went into administration he was left with a highly skilled workforce in search of a project. “All of the people here have been in the industry between 25 and 35 years. They were the top men and we were perfectly used to moving furniture and fixtures around in vehicles. So we set up by starting with a standard unit and tweaking it just like Motability do for cars. You buy a car that suits your aspirations and you have it tweaked to meet your needs.” (more…)
Adapted Vehicles: Access Doesn’t Get Easier Than This!
Whether you are looking for a single wheelchair accessible vehicle or a multi-purpose people carrier, that can carry several wheelchair passengers, Atlas Vehicle Conversions can help.
With their lowering suspension and automatically deployed, low profile electric ramps, the Atlas range of wheelchair accessible cars and MPVs is one of the easiest to access and a must for anyone looking for stylish wheelchair accessible transport.
Created by Atlas Vehicle Conversions under the vehicle manufacturers’ quality control the vehicles are designed to carry both wheelchair and seated passengers, in style and comfort.
As Managing Director, Joe Cordina says, “30 years experience has given us a good insight into our customers’ needs and desires. Each customer has their own special requirements, but the common denominator is that they all want getting in and out of their vehicle to be as easy as possible and that’s where our range scores every time”.
The thoughtful design and quality finish makes these vehicles stand out from the crowd. Each vehicle comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty, nationwide after sales support and offers a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. (more…)
Adapted Vehicles: WAV Evolution
For over 30 years having a wheelchair accessible vehicle has meant getting in through the back, loosing rear seats and staying in the back where the luggage should go, or, if you are really lucky, sitting in the front but still loosing a lot of the original vehicle’s features. (more…)
