FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

How do I request a brochure pack?

There are a few ways to do this. You can call straight into the office and request one on 0151 343 5360 or you can use our contact form by clicking here and filling in the details requesting one.

Do you offer any insurance

We recommend Fish Insurance. Please click here to visit their website. In order to receive the very best price please quote 2484 when speaking to them.

Which shows can I visit the Lewis Reed stand at this year?

We normally attend many regional and national disability shows throughout the year.

Here is a list of when and where we plan to attend:

Naidex

NEC 2022, Birmingham | Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th July

Can I test drive a vehicle / can I have a home demonstration?

Yes, please call us and we can organise for a vehicle to come out to you at your convenience.

Is it possible to view more than one vehicle?

Yes, you can either come into the main office or we can take the vehicles you are interested in to you for a home demonstration. We also regularly take vehicles to disability exhibitions around the country. These are free to attend.

Do you lease short term converted vehicles?

No, but we can recommend companies that do. Please call the office and we will help you.

How long will it take to receive the converted vehicle from ordering?

Due to the personal nature of every converted Lewis Reed vehicle, there is often a lead time between ordering your car and its delivery. This time may vary, please speak to one of our sales advisers. We often have stock vehicles already delivered and sometimes we have used wheelchair accessible vehicles available. These will be on the web site under Stock and Used vehicles. These vehicles are available for immediately or for shorter time delivery.

Please call the office for further information.

Is it possible to have earlier delivery times?

We often have STOCK wheelchair accessible vehicles already delivered into our workshop or some already on order and sometimes we have USED wheelchair accessible vehicles available for immediate delivery. These will be on the web site under Stock and Used vehicles.

These vehicles are available for immediately or for shorter time delivery. Call to speak to one of our sales advisers.

What are your opening hours?

Generally we are open 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday, and open at weekends by appointments only.

Do we recommend any wheelchairs?

We work in partnership with RGK who provide bespoke manual wheelchair solutions, they are also part of the sunrise medical group who also look at providing bespoke electric wheelchair solutions.

https://rgkwheelchairs.com/

Information on Driving Mobility

As a registered charity, Driving Mobility accredits a network of 20 driving assessment centres covering the whole of the UK. Many with outreach facilities, these centres include independent charities and NHS centres which offer professional information and assessment so disabled and elderly people can gain or retain independence.

Driving Mobility ensures that there are common standards, promotes good practice and offers training and education to all regional centres, whilst working closely with associated national organisations. These include the Department for Transport, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Driver and Vehicle Agency (NI), Motability and the Police, along with many other valued stakeholders.

Driving Mobility is privileged to have Baroness Thomas of Winchester as their patron, and is supported by HM Government.

What is a WAV?

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) are cars that have been converted to carry passengers travelling in their wheelchair, or for those who wish to drive whilst seated in their wheelchair. Access ramps or lifts on larger vehicles, wheelchair tie-downs, and seatbelts for wheelchair users are just some of the special features common to WAVs.

There are two types of WAV: A passenger WAV, allowing for one or more wheelchair users to be secured in the vehicle whilst travelling, and a WAV that a wheelchair user is able drive. If you would like to drive from your wheelchair, you will require the WAV to be fitted with custom controls and other bespoke features to enable you to drive independently.

WAVs will either have a high roof or a lowered floor to enable wheelchair users to gain access to the vehicle, and to give them sufficient space once inside. Lewis Reed offers both solutions.

How is a WAV converted?

Converting a standard vehicle into a vehicle with enough space to transport a wheelchair user is a complex process. Depending on the conversion, many aspects of the original vehicle may require alteration. Common adaptations include: changing the fuel tank and exhaust system, wiring in new electrics, fitting a ramp or lift, fitting and safety testing wheelchair tie down pins, and fitting a seat belt restraint system for the wheelchair user.

Is a WAV right for me?

If you find transferring from your wheelchair into a standard vehicle and storing your wheelchair difficult, then a WAV may be the perfect solution. A WAV allows you to access the vehicle via a ramp or lift whilst remaining in your wheelchair. More complex conversions allow the wheelchair user to operate the vehicle independently.

Can you convert any vehicle?

We only convert the cars we sell. There is a large selection ranging from the small compact cars to the larger people carriers.

Do you sell any cars that a disabled driver can drive from?

Yes, we have a number of vehicles that can be converted for a disabled driver to drive from alone. All our cars except for the Caddy Life can do this.

What are the delivery times for a new vehicle?

It takes us up to 4 months to receive a new ordered vehicle from the manufacturer. This is the same for all new vehicles. We then bring that vehicle into our workshop and schedule it in to be converted to your bespoke needs. If the manufacturer decides to delay their delivery time to us unfortunately it will affect your delivery time.

What is a used vehicle?

These are normally ‘ex-demo’ vehicles. The mileage may be a little higher on these vehicles but they will be very highly specified and in excellent condition. These vehicles have already been converted and are available for private purchase but not available on the Motability scheme. The good news with these vehicles is that they are available for immediate delivery.

These vehicles come and go quickly so it’s best to keep your eye on our ‘stock and used’ vehicle page found by clicking here.

What are stock vehicles?

These are new vehicles we have bought in as stock in colours and specifications that we find are the most popular customer choices. These cars are normally already in our workshop waiting for conversion. The good news with these vehicles is that the delivery time is very much shorter.

These vehicles come and go quickly so it’s best to keep your eye on our ‘stock and used’ vehicle page found by clicking here.

What is a nearly new vehicle?

These vehicles have been early terminated with Motability. These are available to buy immediately, but come and go quickly. They will have a specific conversion and vehicle specific option already on them. These vehicles will be available to buy privately and on the Motability scheme. The good news about these vehicles is they are available for immediate delivery.

These vehicles come and go quickly so it’s best to keep your eye on our stock vehicle page and our used vehicle page.

What is a Motability Scheme?

Motability is the national charity responsible for the Motability WAV & Car Scheme. They lease wheelchair accessible vehicles in exchange for one of the following disability allowances – see next question.

Am I eligible for the Motability Scheme?

If you receive either the:

  • Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance;
  • Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment;
  • War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement;
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment

You can exchange the payments for a Lewis Reed Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. Disabled individuals may apply for the allowance provided they are under 65 years of age. Currently, once Motability qualifying status is obtained it continues beyond the age of 65.

The Motability WAV scheme offers a Contract Hire for a fully converted Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. An advance payment is required, and your mobility allowance subsequently covers the main monthly vehicle running costs. The usual lease term is 5 years.

Does Lewis Reed offer vehicles on the Motability Scheme?

Yes nearly all of our vehicles are available on the Motability Scheme. Please call to discuss.

What are the payment terms?

This depends on which way you decide to buy the vehicle. With a private purchase a deposit is requested when ordering a vehicle and the remainder needs to be paid on receipt of the vehicle. Alternatively leasing through the Motability Scheme will mean you using one of your allocated allowances to pay for the vehicle. See Am I eligible for the Motability Scheme question.

Do you offer finance?

We recommend Evolution Motor Finance that do. Please click here to visit their website.

What deposit do I need to pay when purchasing a WAV?

This figure can be negotiated with your sales adviser to suit you. Please call the office to discuss.

Do you part exchange used vehicles for a new WAV?

Yes we do. Please call to discuss.

Do you sell internationally?

We only sell in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

What are the warranties on a new vehicle?

In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, the conversion of your vehicle is guaranteed for a period of 3 years from the date of first registration or, up to 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some exceptions apply.

SEAT Alhambra PAS 2012-1 accreditations
Mercedes-Benz V-Class/Vito PAS 2012-1 accreditations
Volkswagen T6 Caravelle/Shuttle/Transporter WV PAS 2012-1 accreditations
Volkswagen Cadi Maxi PAS 2012-1 accreditations

Vehicle dimensions

When looking for a new vehicle it is important you can access and sit within your vehicle comfortably. The best way to see if the vehicle will work for you is to book a free vehicle demonstration. If you already know what measurements will work for you, this website provides access and internal dimensions for all our vehicle models. The information is located on each of the respective new vehicle pages.

Number of passengers

On a regular basis you may only travel with a few passengers but consider those times you may wish to transport a large number of passengers. All of our vehicles offer a selection of seating configurations, so when selecting your vehicle consider the seating configuration that best suits your needs. We have cars ranging from a combination of 3-7 passenger seats plus various wheelchair positions.

Number of wheelchair users

All of our vehicles have the ability to transport one wheelchair user comfortably. If you wish to carry two wheelchair users at the same time you may require one of our larger family cars such as a Mercedes-Benz V-Class or Vito or one of the vehicles from the Volkswagen T6 range (Caravelle, Shuttle or Transporter).

Type of access

There are three access options to choose from; rear lift, side lift and rear ramp. Depending on your needs, Lewis Reed will help you select the appropriate access option.

Type of wheelchair

There a many types of wheelchairs and electric chairs available on the market. The combination between user and chair varies from customer to customer. Some users will be sat high in their manual chair and others require large powered chairs. As a result, the vehicle you choose will be, in part, determined by your individual combination.

Who's driving?

Give consideration to who will be driving the vehicle. Will the wheelchair user always be a passenger or will the wheelchair user require the ability to drive the vehicle? We can advise you on the best vehicle choice for you.

Manual vs automatic

It might seem obvious, however, would you prefer driving an automatic or a manual vehicle?

Luggage space

Consider how you will be using the vehicle on a regular basis and the types of items you will be travelling with.

Space to park

Take some time to think where you will be parking your vehicle. Consider the space needed to enter/exit your vehicle.

Lewis Reed features

At Lewis Reed we pride ourselves on our unique design solutions. Over the years we have developed and refined our designs to make each of our vehicles the best on the market. Our innovative TorSpring® one piece ramp is lightweight, easy to use and rattle free. The Flexi-seat® system gives greater internal flexibility to our Caddy Life and Caddy Maxi models.

Incorporated in all of our Volkswagen T6 models, the UpFront seating system allows for the possibility of a front wheelchair passenger position. We have a higher roof option on the Mercedes-Benz Grande and now we have introduced the new Sure-Fit 200®. A comfortable wheelchair tie-down and occupant system.

This has been designed to combat difficulties when trying to get the wheelchair users seat belts to fit comfortably. As you would expect from Lewis Reed, this system is discreetly installed to compliment the original vehicle and has been successfully tested to secure heavy wheelchairs weighing up to 200kg.

Introduced the new Sure-Fit 200® is available now on our Volkswagen T6 WAVs and our Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Choosing the right insurer

When you’ve invested in a wheelchair accessible or specially adapted vehicle you’re going to want to make sure you are well protected. You don’t want to be left out of pocket should the vehicle be damaged or stolen.

But don’t worry, we are delighted to announce that Lewis Reed have teamed up with Fish Insurance to ensure our customers can enjoy discounts of up to 35% on car insurance designed for people with disabilities, limited mobility or for those that drive for disabled people.

For more details or a quote, call Fish Insurance on 0800 046 9860 and don’t forget to mention us here at Lewis Reed and simply quote reference 2484. Or why not visit the official Fish Insurance website by clicking here.

Any other considerations?

Vehicles can be tailored to your individual needs. Take some time to consider what it is that you require from your vehicle. If you have any questions about vehicle requirements don’t hesitate to call. Here at Lewis Reed we have dealt with many cases over the years and we always do our very best to help customers select the perfect vehicle.

Disability and The Law

Many disabled people suffer because they don’t know their rights.

Please use the following link by clicking here to view the award-winning film by Disability and The Law.

Manually release the AMG Panorama lift

Here is an explanation of how to manually release the AMF panorama rear in the event of power failure on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Operate a Fiorella lift manually

Click here for an explanation of how to manually operate a Fiorella lift on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Put a table into a Volkswagen Caravelle

Here is how to put a table into a Volkswagen Caravelle on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Remove a table from a Mercedes-Benz V-Class

How to remove a table from a Mercedes-Benz V-Class on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Remove and replace a single captain seat and bench seat in a Volkswagen Caravelle

How to remove and replace a single captain seat and bench seat in a Volkswagen Caravelle on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Remove and replace a single chair from a Mercedes-Benz V-Class

How to remove and replace a single chair from a Mercedes-Benz V-Class on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Remove and replace the bench seat on a Mercedes-Benz V-Class

How to remove and replace the bench seat on a Mercedes-Benz V-Class on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Reset the tyre pressure light on a VW Caddy dashboard

How to reset the tyre pressure light on a VW Caddy dashboard on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Reset the tyre pressure light on a VW T6 (Caravelle and Shuttle) dasboard
How to reset the tyre pressure light on a VW T6 (Caravelle and Shuttle) dashboard on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Use a double inertia seat belt in a Lewis Reed Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

Click here for an explanation of how use a double inertia seat belt on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Use a single and double inertia seat belt system in a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle

Click here for an explanation of how to use a single and double inertia seat belt system on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Use a winch on a Lewis Reed Wheelchair

How to use a winch on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Use front electric tie downs on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle

Click here for an explanation of how to use front electric tie downs on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Use Lewis Reed's lowering suspension

How to use Lewis Reed’s lowering suspension on a Lewis Reed wheelchair accessible vehicle.