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Top questions to ask when you buy a disabled minibus

Whether you need a disabled minibus for your school, university or residential home, finding the right one can often be a difficult choice to make and if you are buying one for the first time then you may need some assistance. You need to ensure that the vehicle is safe, reliable and fit for purpose. Check out the handy guide below to make sure that you can get the best minibus for your requirements and budget…

Is it designed specifically to transport people with mobility problems?

Take a good look inside the minibus and check that it has all the requirements that your passengers will need such as wheelchair lifts and grab rails so that anyone using a wheel chair can be lifted into the vehicle safely. Bear in mind that the cost of making alterations like adding wheelchair access can end up costing more than the vehicle itself so make sure that if you need this facility, that it is provided. If the minibus does have a lift fitted then you need to make sure that it has been manufactured to British standards and that it conforms to the 1998 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment regulations.

You will also need to ensure that the vehicle has other mobility features such as adequate footrests so that anyone suffering from lower body mobility issues can be fully supported and other general safety features such as seatbelts and headrests. If the minibus was manufactured before the new minibus safety and seatbelt legislation was brought in then check that it complies with the relevant regulations.

Is the minibus reliable?

Are you looking for a brand new disabled minibus or second hand one? If you are going with a second hand option then you need to make sure that it’s still in good condition and there are a number of ways you can check this. Inspect the bodywork and look for any signs of repair which may indicate that the vehicle has been in an accident. You should also check under the wheel arches, suspension struts and along the door frames for any signs of rust, you don’t want to buy a vehicle which is on its last legs. You should also find out how many miles the minibus has on the clock, if it has done a lot of miles then it may not be a worthwhile purchase as it might not have much left to give.

You need to check out the engine’s oil too, you can do this using a dipstick. If it’s black and tar like then the oil hasn’t been changed for a long time and you should bring it to the seller’s attention. You should also double check underneath the vehicle and inspect the drive shaft, gear box and engine to make sure that there isn’t any leaking fluid. Once you have narrowed down your search, it’s always advisable to take the minibus for a test drive so that you can assess how well the brakes, clutch, accelerator and steering for example all work and how comfortably you can drive the vehicle.

When you’ve found a minibus that meets all your requirements you should then consult a minibus insurance specialist to find the best deal for you.

Nasreen Haque

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/top-questions-to-ask-when-you-buy-a-disabled-minibus-903081.html

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