AN OPEN day showing a range of Renault vehicles specially converted to suit wheelchair users was hosted recently by Renault dealer, Davis of Sevenoaks.

Jim Davis, conversion specialist, said: "The Renault Kangoo is perfect for wheelchair users. Our off-the-shelf Kangoo conversion, called the Davis Solo, makes wheelchair access really easy and is surprisingly spacious, with room for four passengers plus the wheelchair user.

“It has lowerable suspension and ramps and is based on the Kangoo Authentique 1.4 model. There are lots of ideas for modifications to Renault cars to suit specific needs, available through the Motability scheme."

The Motability Scheme is aimed at disabled people in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. It enables them to get around through the provision of a specially-adapted vehicle to meet individual needs.

One customer who has found Davis' expertise invaluable is civil servant Stephen Dicker from Riverhead, near Sevenoaks. His request for a vehicle with enough space for his 75kg electric wheelchair, with remotely-controlled doors, lowerable suspension and ramps had gone unanswered until he spoke to Jim Davis. "Jim was able to provide an almost instant answer to my question when other converters had found it tricky," he said.

Mr Dicker, who drives himself to work in Croydon, is in the process of adding a remote control for his wheelchair so he will be able to unload the chair from the rear of his Kangoo and bring it around to the driver's door without further assistance.

For more information, contact Jim Davis or Motability specialists Stephen Newman or Ted Houghton at Davis of Sevenoaks on freephone 0800 018 1929.