1999 FORD FOCUS ZETEC RED WAV
WITH ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR

This car was a Godsend for us when my wife was diagnosed with MS. It enabled us to retain our independence to get around easily as the electric wheelchair (which comes with the car) gets lifted up into the passenger compartment of the car. Unfortunately she is no longer around so this car and conversion awaits a new owner who would like to have a "Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle" that looks streetwise and that we have enjoyed in the past.

The Car Conversion

Constables Mobility developed the CarChair system which allows wheelchair users to travel in the front of the vehicle. It features a specially designed powered wheelchair with lift system, makes it extremely easy for the wheelchair user to get in and out of the vehicle. Being simple to operate, the all-purpose CarChair is used to transfer the user from the ground into the vehicle, without having to transfer and having to leave the wheelchair.

The real selling point of this conversion is how easy it was for both of us to use, it goes something like this.

• Open the door,
• Operate the lift, out and down
• Position the electric chair to be lifted
• Lift the chair up
• Remove the footplate
• Retract the wheelchair’s front and rear wheels (undercarriage up)
• Use the lift to go into the car and lower the chair (lowering the chair automatically locks the chair into the car).
• Use the existing car seat belt.

Photos shows the passenger side empty and shows these steps of loading the chair (without anybody in it, but the user is seated in it whilst the lift is being used).

The lift is controlled by a battery powered remote control unit. I also have all the original components that were removed (like the passenger seat) so that the car could be converted back to being a standard one again if required.

As the car was converted from new it is eligible for VAT relief for adapted motor vehicles see VAT Notice 701/59. This allows the servicing and parts, for example to be VAT exempt.

The Electric Chair

is battery powered 2 speed joystick controlled unit and comes with a mains charger unit. I ought to point out that my wife wasn't the best of drivers, so the covered arms are scuffed in places and the footplate has been welded together several times, but if this is of concern, replacement parts are still available from Constables. A new set of batteries were fitted in 2007.

Servicing

This car has been fully serviced with full service history since new. It has not been used since Dec 2009, but is regulary started and up-to-date with its MOT. I will be taking it in for its next yearly check in May.

Looking back at the file, the suspension link bar was replaced May 2010. The cam timing belt was replaced at the last annual service (100776 miles) December 2009. A rear wheel bearing was replaced in 2009, and all the tyres replaced at 84000 miles. I couldn't start the car in March 2011 (it had been unused for several months) and the AA reported that the battery may need changing. It has started first time ever since.

I have not steam cleaned the engine compartment or tried to clean it up as there is nothing to hide, hence the slight grubby look in the photos.

Is it the car for you?

I would recommend that you view and evaluate whether this adaption suits your needs. We found it to be very suitable for us, it is quick and easy to use, but the only real way of knowing whether it is right for you is to view and try it out.

I would be prepared to drive it over to you, provided my costs of a month's road tax and fuel costs are covered in advanced. It is currently insured.

The one thing I will miss in the winter is the heated front window, even my dad's Merc didn't have one of those!

If you have any questions please feel free to ask. 01296 632491.

Price

It is difficult to price this accurately as when new, the cost of the conversion was the same cost of the car. You do get all the parts that were removed before the conversion. This includes items like the passenger seat and so on.

Update

This car has now been sold. I had the car from 3rd September 2001 until 27th June 2011. It has been one of the best cars I have owned and I am just sorry to learn that Constables are no longer manufacturing them.