May 2005 Issue of the

Disabled Motorist

Disabled Motorist is the monthly magazine of the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club. It's packed with useful and interesting information and it campaigns on the issues that affect you - whether you are a driver, passenger, or carer for a disabled child. Here, on our growing web site, is a small selection. If you would like to join the 20,000 people who receive a regular copy, please visit the Club membership page .

Various news and information

A shock . . . but only a hiccup

Aixam adds petrol to range

Aixam adds petrol to range

THE RANGE of lightweight, easy to drive Aixam vehicles available on the
Motability scheme has been expanded by the addition of the petrol 500.5 saloon.
Aixams are currently the only quadricycles available on the scheme, with the
nifty Aixam Minivan expected to follow soon.
The inclusion of the Minivan on the scheme should appeal to electric wheelchair
users because the roof of the vehicle is high enough to take a wheelchair
without folding.
Aixam four-seat vehicles can be driven with a B1/motorcycle licence. The other great appeal is of the Aixam is that it is said to be a doddle to drive.
“Drivers with some disabilities can find steering a conventional car quite heavy,
making parking difficult,” said an Aixam spokesman. “The Aixam saloon, at only 400kgs, with an automatic gearbox and a turning point of only 4.7 metres is simple to manoeuvre.
“A further advantage of the lightweight Aixam is its economical fuel consumption of about 80mpg.”
Motability customers can now choose between Aixam's 500.5 series Superluxe
and Luxe diesel and petrol models and any model can be converted to suit the
individual requirements of disabled drivers. Aixam describes its appeal by saying: “Our vehicles have a lot to offer disabled drivers – the doors are large and easy to manoeuvre into and out of, and the latest models also have a hatchback with a low lip which makes it very easy to load mobility aids into the back.”
For further information, contact Aixam on 01788 553330 or go to their website at www.aixam.co.uk

WHEELCHAIR passenger vehicle manufacturer Gowrings Mobility celebrated its 2,000th
Renault Kangoo conversion by inviting Philippe Talou-Derible, managing director of Renault
UK, to present the keys to its new owner (left).
Mr Dennis Oakley and his carer, Mrs Pat Payne, from Hampshire, were thrilled when they discovered they were the lucky customers.
Pat said: “How lovely to be able to meet the team at Gowrings and the managing director of Renault!” Dennis added: “I love to visit cathedrals and churches around the UK.
I'm really looking forward to a visit to Bath Cathedral in my new car.”