Hi Muddles, if you receive the enhanced rate of PIP, or High Rate Mobility part of DLA, you can apply for a Motability vehicle. Even a type to take your wheelchair or powerchair. A hoist and other aids are supplied too, including a ramp.
There’s no worries as if you have a burst tyre, or breakdown, or even accidentally put petrol into a diesel, a rescue company are usually with you quite quickly & get you back on the road… Motability pays for Insurance & tax, all stress free.
If you are able to drive, you can nominate 1 other driver free or add yet another driver, over 25, but only pay for that 1 at a relatively lower charge. (You + 1 other = no cost. You + 2 others = pay for 1.
If you are unable to drive yourself, you can nominate 2 others free, and could add a 3rd by paying the reasonable charge.
If you do not qualify for Motability, then a Social Worker or an Occupation Therapist or similar, can provide ramps, free of charge. Their job is to give you a better quality of life if you’re incapacitated due to your health, such as M.S.
I’ve heard (but don’t know) that people who end their Motability contract & hand their car over, the vehicles become available to buy. Any of these vehicles will be a max of 5 yrs (if it’s a WAV - Wheelchair accessible vehicle) or max of 3 yrs if an non converted vehicle. They will have been Serviced by the Dealership and have great condition. Many haven’t had the back seat used at all.
You’ll still receive the Care component of PIP or DLA, and, depending on the cost of the brand new Motability car every 3 yrs (5 yrs if WAV), you might still have some Mobility allowance paid to you.
Another solution is to use the Mobility benefit of applicable to buy a 4 wheel Off Road Bike (not the dangerous type obviously). They do between 4-8 miles per hour and can go a fair distance soft of scrambling.
Hope this helps. Your Soc.Services team have a lot of solutions, they just don’t advertise them!
Good luck, Chrissie