Motability and the Martin Conquest Motorcycle
In September 2006 Martin Conquest received confirmation that The Conquest has secured approval from Motability for inclusion in its Hire Purchase Scheme. Under this arrangement UK disabled drivers can convert their disability allowance into a hire purchase financing scheme that can be used as part payment for The Conquest. Martin Conquest can also arrange further finance if this is necessary.
The Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance is paid by the UK Government to disabled people with particular mobility needs. Recipients of the higher rate allowance (£43.45 per week in 2006) qualify for help from Motability to provide a vehicle.
Motability is the charity established by the Government in 1978 which now operates a fleet of some 400,000 vehicles, leased to qualifying disabled people. Motability also operates a Hire Purchase Scheme under which the higher rate allowance payments for periods of up to 5 years are converted into an up-front lump sum that can be used towards purchasing a vehicle approved by Motability.
The Conquest is now available through this Hire Purchase scheme. Under a 5-year contract, for example, a lump sum of approximately £8900 is provided by Motability. This leaves a balance of some £13,000 to be found to buy a Conquest. If further finance is required to raise this sum then Martin Conquest can help to facilitate this.
The vehicle makes use of the front of a standard BMW R 1150 R motorbike fitted into a frame with two rear alloy wheels. A remotely controlled automatic raising and lowering access ramp between the two rear wheels enables a wheelchair user to roll in using the grab rails to pull as necessary.
The wheelchair is then secured in a locking system. Conventional steering, a reverse gear and limited slip rear wheel differential help provide all the required functionality and control from modified handlebars. A streamlined and futuristic fibreglass body provides the vehicle with a presence and integrated overall style.
The production version of The Conquest features direct drive and a mechanical reverse gear. The vehicle has been considerably simplified and more robustly engineered in key area, compared to the early prototypes. Significant weight savings have also been made.
European Construction & Use Regulations have been adopted throughout. The Conquest has been built to the exacting standards and testing procedures set by the United Kingdom Vehicle Certification Agency, administered by the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency. This ultimately resulting in our vehicle gaining SVA approval. The company also gained ISO 9001:2000 accreditation in April 2006.