Ucan2 - Drive Issue 25

Training scheme for safer mobility scooter driving launches

A scheme to improve the road safety of mobility scooter and powered wheelchairs has launched, with support from The Department for Transport.

With the number of mobility vehicles increasing in the UK, ‘Driving Mobility’ is introducing the first ever accredited training programme so products are matched more effectively with customer capabilities.

Led by clinicians from the Driving Mobility assessment centres, retailers will be able to combine their new skills with their own product expertise, so consumers are able to drive more safely on better suited products.

Isaac Harvey MBE, voted one of the most influential people in the UK with a disability, who was invited to the launch alongside other disability champions,

commented: ”It honestly was just great to be in a space around other change makers and seeing this initiative launched for retailers of mobility equipment to better inform those in choosing the right product that will be safe and suitable for their individual needs. “

Isaac was also joined at the launch event by fellow #Power100 disability influencer Helen Dolphin MBE.

She commented: “There have been too many accidents where disabled people are using equipment that is totally unsuitable. This accreditation will help disabled people in finding an appropriate retailer who will take the time to find out about what they need so they can be safe and

confident using their scooter.”

Edward Trewhella, Driving Mobility CEO said: “Alongside the Department for Transport, we are aware that the way people are travelling is changing especially with increased ownership of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs. Our launch is timely and promises to enhance road safety for all through more suitable mobility vehicle provision and greater awareness of the Highway Code.”

KIA EV6 brings environmentally conscious luxury to the EV sector

By Leon Harvas-Lavigueur

The 2022 KIA EV6 was awarded “Best of the Year” in the 2023 Motorweek Driver’s choice awards, as well as “Best EV”.

“The EV6 pushes all the buttons. Design details like its 5-door coupe-like profile, flush door handles, and unique LED lighting make it a styling leader. Yet, being built on a dedicated EV platform, means an airy interior with exceptional room front and rear, all executed with an ultraclean layout that perfectly blends sportiness and comfort. Every EV6 model begs to be driven with enthusiasm thanks to near-instant throttle response and nailed-down handling. The Kia EV6 is simply an outstanding, breakthrough vehicle design, period!” John Davis, host and creator of Motorweek said for

Kia America.

It is also the 2023 Carwow ‘Buy It Award’ winner.

The KIA EV6 is a fully-electric car with a 161 mph top speed. It can go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It includes a range of safety assistance features such as Forward Collision-avoidance assist and Lane Keep Assist. The car includes a unique throttle pedal, the I-PEDAL, which lets you accelerate, decelerate and stop.

The EV6 recycles energy from deceleration back into the battery to improve range and efficiency.

The car’s construction is environmentally conscious: it uses recycled plastics on the door pockets and floor carpet, with an option for vegan leather in the EV6 ‘Air’. The EV6 includes two curved 12.3” displays for onboard

infotainment and navigational oversight, which have a lot of customisation to choose your personalised display. Both screens have an easy and useful user interface.

The Kia Connect app can be paired with the EV6 for internet capabilities such as live traffic information and a Points-ofInterest directory including charging stations. The car’s windscreen has an AR display of key information, meaning features such as navigation guidance can stay in your windscreen and you can keep your eyes on the road.

The ultra-fast 800V multicharging system of the car means up to 62 miles of driving for every 4.5 minutes charging, minimising charging time at only 18 minutes from 10-80%.

The adaptive front headlights provide the best and most appropriate lighting for nighttime driving. The flat cabin door maximises interior space, while adjustable seats mean anyone can find a setting to get comfortable in the car.

Crash test experts at Euro NCAP gave the EV6 a five-star rating, scoring highly in all aspects of safety.

KIA has a reputation for creating strong and reliable cars, with a 100,000 mile warranty on the EV6. The KIA EV6 is part of the Motability scheme.

Image courtesy of Kia

A closer look at the revised MG HS SUV and MG4 EV

The MG4 EV and MG HS are both available as part of the Motability scheme, and can be adapted to suit specific accessibility needs.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent High Beam Assist.

The company will continue to offer the current plug-in hybrid MG HS PHEV model alongside the new 2023 HS Petrol.

The MG4 EV

The MG HS MG Motor UK has unveiled images of its new, comprehensively updated HS SUV, revealing a striking new design for the company’s best-selling flagship SUV.

Following an extensive redesign, the new HS offers drivers a sharper, more aggressive appearance. At the front, new bi-function LED headlights, a bold grille design and a new front bumper create an enhanced look that confirms the HS as MG’s largest, most luxurious SUV.

At the rear, a new bumper design, revised dual exhaust outlets and LED taillights complete the contemporary styling update, alongside a striking 18’’ diamond cut wheel.

Urban Grey is also now available for the first time within the HS range, as part of an extensive seven colour palette including solid, metallic and tri-coat options.

SE and Trophy models introduced

The new MG HS will now be offered in SE or Trophy specification which have proved popular with UK customers when

introduced on the multi awardwinning MG4 EV.

Both models are powered by a 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol engine delivering up to 162PS. A manual gearbox is available as standard, with an optional dualclutch DCT gearbox offered on both SE and Trophy specifications.

The SE specification, priced from £23,495, includes bi-function LED headlights with front and rear sequential indicators for the first time, alongside air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear parking camera with sensors, rain sensing wipers, keyless entry and a leather steering wheel as standard.

The Trophy, priced from £25,995, includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, rear privacy glass and an upgraded 6-speaker audio system.

Both the SE and Trophy are equipped with MG Pilot, the company’s comprehensive package of safety equipment which includes Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind Spot Detection,

The MG4 EV is MG’s first fullyelectric hatchback. The medium sized hatchback won best electric car at the 2023 Autocar Awards thanks to a host of features optimising space, technology, affordability and driving quality, including its 281 miles of electric range and two battery options. Standard features of the vehicle include a 10.25” touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as MG iSMART app connectivity. It also includes the MG Pilot suite of driver assistance safety systems, making it widely accessible and ensuring safety for any driver.

Assistance systems include: active emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent speed limit assist. The interior of the car is spacious with lots of legroom and headroom.

The Trophy Long Range version of the MG4 EV also includes a 360° parking camera, satellite navigation, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a mobile phone bluetooth key. This version also includes an active grille system to regulate airflow.

The Trophy Long range also includes a wireless charging pad, as well as numerous additions to the MG Pilot Suite safety systems such as blind spot detection. The Trophy Long range can also charge from 10-80% in as little as 35 minutes.

The MG4 EV also carries MG’s trademark 7-year/80,000-mile warranty as standard, which remains one of the longest fullytransferable warranties in its class.

Images courtesy of MG

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Fuel economy and CO2 results for the MG HS. MPG (l/100km) (combined): 36.6 (7.7) to 37.9 (7.4). CO2 emissions: 168-174 g/km. Fuel economy and CO2 results for the MG4 EV. MPG (l/100km): Not applicable. CO2 emissions: 0 g/km Electric range^: 218 miles to 360 miles. These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The MG4 EV are battery electric vehicles requiring mains electricity for charging. There is a new test for CO2 and electric range figures. The electric range shown was achieved using the new test procedure. These figures were obtained using battery power. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. ^These figures may not reflect real-life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors, including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

*Available on MG HS SE Manual models, MG3 and MG4 EV SE SR only. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No 1373876).To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independent Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating dealers between 01.07.23 until 30.09.23. Models shown MG HS MT Trophy in Black Pearl Paint £26055 on the road. MG4 SE SR in Holborn Blue £26,995 on the road. Prices are correct at time of print, are subject to availability and may change.

New insurance company for the Motability Scheme

On 1 September 2023, the insurance provider for the Motability Scheme will be changing, with Direct Line Motability taking over from the current provider, RSA Motability (RSAM).

There’ll be no impact on customers or change to the cover provided under the Scheme, and the contact numbers will remain the same after the change takes place.

In the meantime, customers should continue to contact RSAM for all insurancerelated queries, including any new insurance claims, updates on existing claims and

changes to named drivers until Direct Line Motability takes over.

Our priority is to make this transition as seamless as possible for you, so there’ll be no change to the level of cover you’re provided, and the main contact numbers will remain the same.As we get nearer to 1 September, we wanted to share a few important pieces of information to help you understand more about this change.

Your new cover booklet

Between mid-July and the end of August, every customer on the Scheme will receive a new Insurance Cover Booklet with details of the DLM policy.We’ll be sending these by email to customers that have a Motability Scheme online account, otherwise we’ll send it by post. It will take a number of weeks for us to send all of these

booklets, so please only contact us about this if you have not received yours by the end of August. This new booklet will also not apply until 1 September 2023, so you should keep using your RSAM Cover Booklet until then. After 1 September, you’ll then be sent a new Insurance Cover Note by DLM.

Your drivers

The details of your current drivers will

automatically transfer over to DLM, so you will not need to re-add these after 1 September. Following the change, you’ll also be able to add three drivers to your next application when ordering a new car. This is instead of adding two drivers when you’re applying and a third after collecting your new vehicle. You’ll still be able to change your drivers through your online account, and to make things easier, the new DLM insurance portal will give you the option to save the details of any drivers you’ve previously added.

Create your online account

Many of the digital features available with Direct Line Motability will be accessed through your Motability Scheme online account.

It’s worth creating your online account now so you can enjoy all of these features once they’re released. Following the change, you’ll be able to enjoy many more digital benefits and we’ll be sharing more details on these exciting new features in the coming months.

Will I get new insurance documents?

Yes, we will start to contact everyone in July with more information about the change to Direct Line Motability.

We will also send you a welcome letter and a new Insurance Cover Booklet with details of your insurance cover with Direct Line Motability.

I need to make an insurance claim now, what should I do?

RSAM will continue to provide insurance to the Motability Scheme until the change takes place, so you should continue to

contact them for any new claims, either by calling 0300 037 3737 or by registering a new claim online.

I have an ongoing insurance claim with RSAM, what will happen with this claim?

RSAM will continue to manage your insurance claim, so there is no change. Please continue to speak to them directly for any updates on your claim.

I need to change one of my named drivers, what should I do?

There is no change to the process for changing named drivers, RSAM will continue to make these changes to your policy until Direct Line Motability takes over. The contact numbers will also remain the same after the change takes place.

You’ll still be able to manage your named drivers through your

be able to provide this service for you. Find out more about the insurance cover provided by the Motability Scheme

Will the Scheme breakdown providers be changing as well?

No, If you lease a car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) you should continue to call RAC Motability Assist on 0800 73 111 73.

If you lease a scooter or powered wheelchair, you

should contact Autohome Assist on 0800 953 5000.

My home is insured through RSA Home Insurance, will this move to Direct Line Motability as well?

No, the move to Direct Line Motability will not impact home insurance policies provided by RSA Home Insurance. Only the insurance for your Motability Scheme vehicle will move to Direct Line Motability. www.euromediaal.com 01257

Get your motor runnin’

Motorbike enthusiast with a learning disability finds volunteer work at local mechanics

ATeam Leader at a Learning Disability Supported Living Service in Staffordshire run by national charity, Ambient Support, went above and beyond to secure volunteer work for Darren, an individual with a learning disability, at local mechanics, DK Motorcycles.

Darren has always loved motorbikes. His favourite bike is a Kawasaki Ninja and he’s even met his idol, John McGuiness a Tourist Trophy races (TT) rider.

When Darren first moved to the supported living service in Staffordshire, his Team Leader, Melissa Gadd, was keen to understand his likes and interests. She says:

“I discovered that Darren has a real passion for motorbikes and mechanics, so I spoke to the local mechanics garage, DK Motorcycles, and asked if it was possible for Darren to trial voluntary work for one day a week. They agreed and Darren has now been volunteering at DK Motorcycles for two and a half years and is absolutely thriving in

the workplace environment. Darren is not paid but he is a willing and enthusiastic volunteer which gives him flexibility and suits his personal needs.

“He has built a good working relationship with his manager and helps him to strip bike parts and place them onto the internet to sell. He also enjoys the comradery and sits and has lunch in the canteen. His confidence has grown considerably and he looks visibly happy when he returns at the end of his working day.”

Darren says: “Working at DK Motorcycles is really fun. I enjoy working with Matt and he has become a good friend. He has shown me how to use tools and strip and clean bike parts. When I go to work, I like to look at the race bikes. There are about a thousand bikes in the showroom and it is amazing!”

Matt Cartlidge, Mechanic at DK Motorcycles, says: “Darren has been working with me for over two and half years now, he helps with a lot of jobs in the workshop, such as cleaning various bike parts ready

for reselling. Occasionally, he goes around the main display room and polishes the bikes that are for sale. I enjoy teaching him about what the various parts of engines do.”

When asked what Matt thinks about giving people with learning disabilities equal opportunities in a workplace, he said: “I think it’s good for Darren to interact with the other mechanics in the workshop, it’s given him a good sense of routine and independence. I believe it’s positive for his mental health and working here has boosted Darren’s confidence. I also think it encourages the wider team to be more understanding and accepting of people with a learning disability and helps to encourage engagement. We really enjoy seeing Darren each week.”

Will Thornton, Regional Manager of Lincolnshire and Midlands at Ambient Support, says:

“Our LD service in Staffordshire is an excellent example of Ambient Support’s exceptional personcentered care approach. The People We Support (PWS) are involved in all decision-making processes and at their request, given more responsibility to help manage their home- from looking after pets to growing vegetables in the garden- which encourages independence and boosts confidence.

“Darren’s volunteering work shows the importance of understanding people’s preferences, their life interests and then turning that into a reality to ensure good quality of life. We’re extremely proud of our care teams and their hard work.”

The Learning Disability Supported Living Service in Staffordshire provides 24-hours support for three individuals and is an example of exceptional personcentered care.

Visit www.ambient.org.uk for more information.