2015 Mobility Roadshow Achieves Success With ‘Soul’

The national consumer event for independent mobility, The Mobility Roadshow incorporating Get Going Live!, has come to a successful conclusion at Donington Park, Derby, with strong visitor numbers from across the world and the appearance of several celebrities (25-27th June 2015).

 

Following a year of review to ensure the event continues to meet the needs of consumers with disabilities and restricted mobility, the reinvigorated 2015 Mobility Roadshow did not disappoint with an estimated 4,000 visitors attending on opening day alone. For over 30 years the unique Mobility Roadshow has delivered a show with ‘soul’ through a friendly and welcoming atmosphere – full of positive attitude towards independence and inclusion. This unparalleled exhibition continues to provide the opportunity, for visitors young and old, to test drive the latest accessible and adapted cars whilst discovering innovations for independent living. Popular TV celebrity Dr Hilary Jones opened the event and completed an extensive tour of the show, which was followed up on day three with appearances from Paralympians David Weir CBE and Ben Rowlings. 

 

There was a strong contingent of EMG members exhibiting in their own right, plus EMG as a Group was delighted to sponsor the Drivers' Departure Lounge at the show.

 

Ann Frye, Chair of organisers Mobility Choice commented: “The Mobility Roadshow has once again delivered an invaluable event that showcased the very best solutions for independent mobility. We have been delighted to host so many new product launches and to welcome such a significant number of international visitors and exhibitors to this year’s event as well as many who have attended every Mobility Roadshow over many years. The integration of Get Going Live! has been a great success, so features relevant to all ages have been available for the first time all in one location.”

 

At the heart of this year’s show were the exclusive test drives available around the historic Donington Park Motorsport circuit. Major car manufacturers such as Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Vauxhall provided an impressive selection of cars suitable for disabled passengers and drivers to test and compare. Vehicles from leading conversion companies such as Gowrings Mobility, Lewis Reed and Sirus Automotive complemented these trackside and in the exhibition hall.

 

On day two, The Driving Mobility, Age UK and Mobility Choice seminars on ‘Driving Challenges and Choices for Older Drivers’, was successfully hosted at Donington Park’s Launchpad. This engaging debate highlighted the latest safety advice and technological developments for older drivers of cars and mobility scooters.  

The extensive number of adapted vehicles, wheelchairs, scooters, hoists, access ramps and other mobility products on display has been greatly appreciated by visitors from across the world. Multi-national companies such as Autoadapt (Elap in the UK) and Mobility Networks have used the show as a hub for global networking with attendees visiting from Europe, the Far East, Australia and other continents. Ann concluded: “We have taken pride in delivering an event with such a rich and diverse personality – the perfect platform for 2016 and beyond. On behalf of the charity Mobility Choice and the event team from the NFE Group, I would like to thank all visitors, sponsors and supporters for their commitment to The Mobility Roadshow, now and in the future.”