Virgin accessible experiences

Wibbles

I was looking at days out / experiences and found that whilst Virgin offer “driving” experiences for “normals” – they offer “passenger” experiences for us disabled….priced at a huge amount more than “normal” pay for actually driving these vehicles

https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/product/accessible-supercar-passenger-ride-

https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/product/accessible-double-supercar-passenger-ride-

https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/product/accessible-triple-supercar-passenger-ride-

How can they get away with this ?

yves

That's infuriating and upsetting to see. I had a look at what else they offer. For £40 'normals' can get an experience to go around a track with a fast drive driver and then do a 3 Mile lap driving themselves. I would be intrigued to know why it's such a difference in price to have a disabled passenger. You don't get to drive, so they can't say its insurance, even if it was insurance, it's 182.5% higher which is not justified. 😪

Wibbles

Whilst there is nothing to prevent a disabled person pretending to be a "normal" - it's concerning that the company does discriminate between disabled and normals....

What is the definition of a disabled person in any case?

How would they know that I am disabled?

I have had a full /clean driving licence for 45 years

Littlefatfriend

Although ideally it would be best if these things could be made inclusive, in order to cater for people with disabilities they'd need cars with each of the different adaptations which are available. I use a left-handed throttle/brake lever and a steering ball but having known the guys at DaVinci mobility for a long time I'm aware of many, many available variations on that theme.

I (complete spinal injury @T4) sometimes struggle to maintain my balance if I go around corners too quickly.

The range of disabilities out there could throw all sorts of additional spanners into those works.

Just a thought.

Albus_Scope

The increase in price will often be things like public insurance and extra health and safety requirements.

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1010670#Comment_1010670

These vehicles are not going to be any different to base models

And, in any case - THEY drive YOU - If you are disabled !

Experience the ride of a lifetime with this Accessible Double Supercar Passenger Ride. Here at Virgin Experience Days, we believe that no one should miss out on the extraordinary. That’s why we’ve partnered with Ablenet.co.uk, the UK’s leading provider of experiences for people with disabilities.

Driven by a professional instructor, you’ll get to experience the speed, thrill and high-performance of two supercars of your choice. The incredible fleet of cars consists of Aston Martin DB9, Audi R87, Ferrari 430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Nissan GTR and Porsche 911

Driven around the purpose-built race circuit, get ready to feel the unmatched adrenaline of hairpin turns, super-fast straights and so much more.

Littlefatfriend

Pardon me Wibbles, I know. That's why I began "Although ideally it would be best if these things could be made inclusive".

The car trip clearly isn't.

Good luck

Albus_Scope

Interesting to read on the Ablenet website for the accessible cars experience, which is who Virgin use;

"Please be aware that we do not supply lifting equipment, and our instructors are not trained to assist customers with getting in and out of the cars."

🤨

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1010748#Comment_1010748

So they really don't want disabled customers....?

Albus_Scope

Only disabled customers who will bring their own lifting equipment, or don't need any. 😅

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1010762#Comment_1010762

Which brings me back to my question

What is the definition of a disabled person?

Who determines whether a customer is disabled or not?

And hence allowed to drive the cars themselves

Albus_Scope

Taken from the page you linked;

"Suitable for anyone that suffers from restricted arm movement, ranging from single or double amputees to paralysis of one or both arms or any other disability that restricts the use or movement of one or both arms.
Suitable for anyone that suffers from restricted leg movement, ranging from single or double amputees to paralysis of one or both legs or any other disability that restricts the use or movement of one or both legs.
Minimum age: 10 (under 18s need parental/guardian consent)
Minimum height: 4ft 10in
Maximum height: 6ft 4in
Maximum weight: 20 stone"