News Release

Raft of new Conversions and Adaptations on track for Mobility Roadshow 2011

8 June 2011 - Just three weeks to go to this year’s Mobility Roadshow - back at the East of England Showground, Peterborough on 30th June, 1st and 2nd July, following last year’s outstanding success. As always admission and parking are free.

On the launch pad are several new conversions and adaptations as well as the first showing of new motoring accessories designed to enhance the driving experience for people with disabilities, whether as a driver or passenger.  People contemplating their first car or returning to driving following disability through accident can be assessed for adaptations they may require.

Visitors will have the opportunity to test drive adapted vehicles from 10 motoring marques plus 7 WAV conversion companies. Adaptations include push/pull or electronic hand controls, steering ball, electronic brake, left foot accelerator, swivel seat and hoist options. Advance test drive registrations are buoyant.

New this year is a dedicated WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) Hall. Lewis Reed will launch its new luxury WAV - the Mercedes-Benz Viano (see right), which the company says offers an impressive amount of space and with a choice of three advanced CDI diesel engines, is fitted with new BlueEFFICIENCY technology designed to slash fuel consumption without compromising safety, comfort and driving pleasure.

Allied Mobility is unveiling its new Peugeot Bipper Impulse, a compact drive from wheelchair vehicle that allows a disabled person the flexibility to drive from a powered wheelchair, travel as upfront passenger in their wheelchair or make an internal transfer from wheelchair to the driver’s seat. It can even take two wheelchairs in the upfront position side by side.

For the first time Sirus Automotive is showing an up-front passenger version of its new Generation 2 Facelift Volkswagen Caddy. The new and improved Caddy offers Euro 5 engine with fuel efficiency of up to 54mpg, 7 speed DSG gearbox, re-designed stylish front end, 15” alloys as standard,  black roof bars as standard  plus a new range of vibrant colours.

Bever Car Products from The Netherlands has chosen the Roadshow as a platform for the UK launch of its new Joysteer joystick steering system (pictured above) , which will also be installed on a vehicle for test drives. The company says the joystick steering and gas/brake system is an easy adaptation without the need to dismount the steering column and is intuitive to use, accommodating a wide range of disabilities.

Elap Mobility (left) is unveiling a new Automated Transport and Retrieval System designed to allow power wheelchair users to transport themselves and their power wheelchairs into and out of a wide range of vehicles.

Autochair is announcing an updgraded version of its best-selling Milford Person Lift. Constructed entirely of aluminium and itself weighing less than 8kg, the increased capacity of the new Milford means it can lift up to 150kg (23.5 stone) - in comparison to its usual capacity of 112kg (17.5 stone).

Q’Straint will be debuting the latest generation of its QER 4000 electric locking wheelchair restraint retractor that now includes the world’s longest webbing belt. The impressive 4m belt enables wheelchair passengers to be secured outside a vehicle on flat ground, ideal for vehicles where space is limited.

And to help navigation, The Pie Guide is launching a disk format version of its TomTom and Garmin journey planner downloads customised for disabled drivers and their carers.

There is a new Design Zone and as always at this event there are also hundreds of mobility products, scooters, trikes and cycles, products for the home, accessible holidays and leisure and an expanded sports arena with demonstrations and the chance to join in.

With entertainment for all the family it is also a great day out. Open from 10 am each day: register for free tickets and test drives at www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk or call 0845 241 0390.

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Editorial contact for more information:
Rosemary Vaux at Mobility Roadshow press office
direct line: 020 8943 5343 mobile 07792 72 62 41