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Car club gives access to wheelchair users

Image of Faye Sunderland
Author: | Updated: 14 Aug 2013 18:07

One of the great things about car clubs is the way they can give affordable access to cars to everyone, and now that really should mean everyone. Aberdeen’s Co-wheels car club has become the first in the UK to offer wheelchair adapted vehicle (WAV) as part of their street fleet of cars.

Co-wheels WAV car

The new Aberdeen WAV project, funded by Transport Scotland and national car club regulator, Carplus will be available to Co-wheels members and can be booked online to collect it from the Gallowgate car park, in the city centre.

Carers or family members can also hire the car on behalf of a wheelchair user, providing a pay-as-you-go mobility solution and alternative to taxis or long-term rental.

Available on a trial basis, if the project is successful, Carplus expects that other car club areas could adopt this type of vehicle and expand the access to this type of vehicle as a shared resource.

It’s hope that the new vehicle could be particularly useful for elderly wheelchair users who often find it hard to get out and about from a care home, simply because they and their family members lack access to a car. By allowing families to access a car club, wheelchair-ready car, they will be able to get out and enjoy a social life outside a care home environment.

Aberdeen’s City council leder, Barney Crockett said: “In the short time it has been in operation, Aberdeen’s car club has really led the way. It was the first in the world to trial hydrogen-powered cars, it is one of the fastest-growing in the UK, and now it is the first car club in Britain to cater for wheelchair users.

“This wheelchair accessible vehicle is an extremely valuable community resource which I am certain will be in high demand and very much appreciated right across the city. I congratulate Co-Wheels on their efforts in an extremely worthwhile project.”

Co-Wheels co-ordinator Tony Archer said: “By providing a car which is accessible to wheelchair users which can be hired by their carers or family on a pay-as-you-go basis, we are removing the need for them to own such a vehicle for what may be infrequent use. The vehicle provides easy access for wheelchairs.”

Co-wheels allows its members to hire cars and vans for as little as 30 minutes to 10 days, with cost starting at £4.50 plus a 21p per mile charge. The car club operates from 35 locations in the UK.

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