THE NABD LEARNER LOANER MOTORCYCLE SCHEME

Overview:

The Learner/Loaner Scheme is a unique and extremely successful service provided by the NABD to support people with disabilities who wish to ride motorcycles.

This scheme provides specially adapted 125cc motorcycles, on loan, to disabled riders, for training, tests, refresher courses, adaptation familiarisation, assessments or rehabilitation.

The Learner Loaners Fleet:

The scheme provides specially adapted 125cc motorcycles, on short-term loan (up to a maximum of six months), to enable people with disabilities to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) courses and further on-road training/practice in preparation for taking Module-1 and Module-2 motorcycle tests.
Please note that all of the adapted learner/loaner bikes are 125cc. We cannot supply larger capacity adapted motorcycles or trikes for Direct Access training and tests.

Currently the NABD Learner/Loaner fleet is comprised of ten 125cc motorcycles that are based on the UK mainland, and one that is based in Ireland.

These machines can be adapted to suit a broad range of disabilities. Any necessary adaptations are provided by the NABD, free of charge, prior to delivery.

All NABD Learner/Loaner motorcycles are carefully maintained, and fully adapted to suit the individual rider’s needs, to ensure maximum safety for our riders.

Where a CBT course is to be undertaken, the Learner/Loaner motorcycle can be delivered directly to the motorcycle CBT centre to facilitate the CBT course. The borrower must arrange this with the CBT centre, and they must be present to accept the bike on delivery.

Costs:

There is a one-off charge of £150.00 to cover the delivery and collection of the motorcycle. This charge applies to the UK mainland and Ireland.
NB. For loans outside the UK mainland and Ireland, the additional cost of ferry travel must be met by the borrower.

There is no charge for the loan of the motorcycle or the provision of the necessary adaptations.

Eligibility Requirements:

This scheme is open to NABD members living in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.

This service is provided for members of the NABD who require special adaptations to a motorcycle due to disability.

Borrower Responsibilities:

The loan is subject to certain conditions, including:

• The borrower must be a member of the NABD.
• The borrower must provide scans or photographs of both sides of their driving licence on application.
• Once an adapted learner/loaner motorcycle is allocated for their use, the borrower must provide proof of fully comprehensive insurance cover prior to delivery. (Vehicle details will be provided by the NABD).
• The borrower is responsible for the cleaning, routine safety checks, and routine maintenance of the motorcycle.
• The borrower is responsible for the security of the motorcycle at all times.
• Any parking fines or traffic offences incurred during the period of the loan are solely the responsibility of the borrower.
• The borrower is responsible for the cost of repairing any damage done to the motorcycle while it is on loan to them.
• At the end of the loan period, the borrower must provide a photograph of themself on the bike together with a few basic details, which may be used in the ‘Open House’ magazine and/or wider NABD publicity.

Loan Duration:

• The initial loan will be for a period up to three months.
• This may be extended to six months if there is sufficient reason given.
• The Learner/Loaner motorcycles remain the property of the NABD at all times.

Insurance:

The NABD have negotiated discount schemes for users to insure these learner/loaner motorcycles with the following companies:

• Bikesure Insurance: 0800 089 0340 – bikesure.co.uk
• Principal Insurance: 0161 972 2597 – principalinsurance.co.uk

Please be aware that there may be a waiting list for the use of these machines at times, so don’t leave it until the last minute before applying.

Refresher Training & Rehabilitation Practice:

The Learner/Loaner motorcycles are also loaned to NABD members who already hold a full Category-A motorcycle licence who require refresher training and/or on road practice following the onset of disability and/or a protracted time off the road.

This service can prove invaluable for people with disabilities who need to familiarise themselves with the use of adapted controls or simply blow away the psychological cobwebs that can often form during a protracted period off the road.

The terms and conditions of this type of loan are the same as those listed above for novice riders.
NB. The NABD always recommend a refresher course with a professional motorcycle training school for any riders who have had a prolonged period without riding motorcycles.

Assessments:

The Learner/Loaner motorcycles are often used for assessments, including:

• Licensing assessments required by the DVLA.
• Advisory assessments required by individuals who are unsure which type of adaptations may best suit their needs.
  NB. Advisory assessments are conducted at or near the NABD office in Manchester, free of charge.

How to Apply.

To apply for the loan of one of these adapted Learner/Loaner motorcycles, contact loaners@thenabd.org.uk for an application form.

To become a member of the NABD, go to: https://nabd.org.uk/membership/

It is a core principle of the NABD philosophy that, ‘when it comes to motorcycling, a disability need not be a handicap!’

Rick Hulse
NABD Chairman