Renault Ireland has donated a converted and adapted Zoe electric car to the Irish Wheelchair Association.
Converted for hand controls
The converted Zoe has been altered so that it can be driven with hand controls, and the idea is that the Association can put it to use as an instruction vehicle, to both assess and instruct those living with disabilities.
Traditional manual cars much harder to use
According to Renault Ireland: "For many people, the design of conventional manual cars does not allow them to drive such vehicles. This vehicle, which features a wide range of adaptations, is specifically modified to ensure that the challenges that many cars can present to some motorists can be overcome."
The Irish Wheelchair Association works with disabled people across the country, and tries to drive public policy towards creating better outcomes for those people. It has a vision of an Ireland where people with disabilities enjoy equal rights, choices and opportunities in how they live their lives, and where our country is a model worldwide for a truly inclusive society. The Irish Wheelchair Association is a leading representative organisation and service provider for people with physical disabilities, with 20,000 members, 57 local community centres and 1,000 volunteers.
Supporting the Wheelchair Association's vision
Conor Dixon, of Renault Ireland, said: "We are delighted to provide this specially-adapted electric Renault Zoe to the Irish Wheelchair Association and we hope this will enable more people to get behind the wheel and learn to drive. The IWA does such fantastic work and we're delighted to be able to support its vision. We wish all future motorists at the IWA safe driving and an enjoyable learning experience in the all-electric Renault Zoe."
Tony Maher, Head of Transport at the Irish Wheelchair Association, said: "Given the importance of our driving and tuition service to motorists with disabilities, we are delighted to receive this very generous support from Renault. The fact that this vehicle is also electric and the first driving assessment and tuition electric vehicle in the country, underlines both organisations' commitment to provide a first-rate service in an environmentally friendly manner."