Hi everyone, I’m delighted to say I won my PIP appeal and was awarded the enhanced mobility, such a relief (I had been awarded the enhanced daily living and standard mobility before). I’m now looking at which vehicles are the most suitable and welcome your thoughts. In 15 months I’ve gone from able to walk normally to an EDSS of 6.5 and use a rollator outside. I’m not sure if I will stabilise for awhile or not. I’m trying to consider what I may need. Thank you in advance for any advice or tips you may have.
Hooray Fishgoose
That’s the kind of news we love. Well done.
If you are likely to use a wheelchair, you’ll need to think about how that gets transported within the car. If you’re like me (about EDSS of 7) then a folding self propelled wheelchair goes in the boot of the car. It’s folded and put there usually by my OH. I couldn’t put it in the boot as I’m not strong enough, plus couldn’t balance without something to lean on and in any case probably couldn’t then walk to the drivers side door. So what’s important to me is a decent sized boot.
If you had a sporty little number that you could lift into the car from the drivers seat, then you’d not be so worried about the boot. Many people do manage to break their chairs down and lift them bit by bit into the car. If you do some searching on You Tube there are many videos of people doing just that.
If you’re ok with your walker for now then you just need to be able to get that in the car.
The other thing to think about is whether you want to, or can afford, to pay anything towards the car initially. If you can, then your choice is much wider. Obviously if you have a big back payment of PIP you could decide to use a bit of that, or stick it in the bank for petrol. Cos of course that’s the only thing you’ll have to pay for once you get the car. That’s the most brilliant thing about Motability.
Sue
Thank you Sue. Great advice. I have no clue as yet as to what kind of chair I’ll use when I need to but something my OH can lift in and out easily would be sensible. Or maybe it will be a scooter first? Still trying to keep moving by shanks pony but it’s getting soooo hard and tiring.
I have money to put towards the car so yes I’ve got more choice re what goes in it too so that’s good. Such a relief to get Motabilty - shame we have to go through the mill!
X
Great news Fishgoose!
I’ve just got my new motability car (my 4th). I have a scooter and a walker (Topro Troja) so I decided to go for an Estate. The scooter lives in the boot and the walker will also fit. I reverse into my parking space at work and can’t open the boot but I can also get the walker behind the driver’s seat.
The car is the new Vauxhall Astra Estate (Sports Tourer). Has loads of “toys” and was nil advanced payment! Very pleased with it
Congrats on your news and happy motoring.