Disability Update

MAURICE BROOKS

Membership Service; Training & Future Planning; Disability Advisor

Here’s hoping for a stress free 2022

2021 saw a lot of technical advancements in electric powered vehicles. All the main stream manufacturers are now producing new models with electric only and hybrid versions. Looking in the main magazines there are only about a couple of companies converting vehicles, adapted to disabilities. The electric drive train gives drivers the opportunity to have conventional pedal configurations, partial hand control and full hand control.

The infrastructure is rapidly being installed (25,000 approx) to the end of 2021. Looking through the press it seems the disabled motorist will still have to rely on the service court operators to assist when their attention is attracted by signalling with the horn or using a dedicated button near or on the terminal you want to use. Those of us who manage to be a bit more mobile will have no difficulty accessing the charging cord and plugging it in. Payment is by credit card type terminals attached and there are many companies issuing accounts.

Will we ever see a Hydrogen powered motorhome?

Of course, the above is only one innovation in the propulsion of a vehicle. Hybrid vehicles (which I think is my preferred option). Electric and fossil fuel. I ask why bother? Well, combining both of these you will or should save on pollution. It also extends the range of the vehicle. Once the electric option has done its job and the batteries need assistance then a diesel or petrol engine cuts in supplying power for propulsion and topping up the batteries. So, with careful route planning, you can do your journey and get back home to put the car on charge ready for the next trip. Short runs invariably use just electric and energy can be recouped from braking and other methods.

Hydrogen – this gas is passed over a number of metal plates thus causing electricity to be produced and either used immediately or stored. This is perhaps the most expensive option but it produces water as the only waste product. This option is being trialled/used on larger vehicles (HGV) and coaches/buses.

So, when will a fully converted motor caravan be produced? I don’t think the major converters will be producing a large tag axle or anything over 3.5 tonne. With motor caravans edging towards £100,000 (top end) adding electric and replacing diesel, will add many thousands of pounds to the OTR price.

The disability equipment suppliers do not change their products often but looking through brochures there is always the gizmos and must haves. Most disabilities affect the ability to do a task. Our hands get weaker or more painful. Having to ask another person to open that sauce bottle or open a tin of beans is demeaning to the sufferer. But a simple solution

“A simple change in layout can make life easier and keep you on the road.”

is usually at hand. A tea towel wrapped around a jar makes the lid bigger, so more torque and easier opening. Walk in showers and baths really help with personal hygiene. Mobility about the home can be improved by moving furniture to widen gangways. Take a look at the layout of your home and perhaps you can minimalise by selling off large items and replacing by more modern and functional items. The same applies to your motor caravan. If you have access to a friendly handyman or your partner is handy with a saw and chisel you can adapt to make life easier. It’s sometimes a good idea to include a way to replace any alterations with the original layout. Dealers seem to like vans they take in part exchange to be as they were first produced. There are specialist converters who can make a veritable palace on wheels. Alright it costs but there are schemes to make this type of conversion affordable. First of all VAT relief (0%) is available. Ask your dealer at purchase (new only) for the necessary forms and declare your disabilities.

There are publications such as Disabled Motoring Magazine to browse. This is available free online or subscription for the printed version. If you don’t find the answers to

“A tea towel wrapped around a jar can make it easier to open.”

problems you are experiencing, please drop me and email and I will try my best to help. All contact information is available every month in “The Motorcaravanner Magazine.

PS: I taken the decision to not include any COVID related opinions here as it affects us all.

So, here’s hoping we have a less stressful 2022 and we can get back to attending some of the 500 events that are occurring all over the UK.