As part of the redesign, Nippi Cars’, managing director Michael Barnes wanted to improve the convenience and sealing of the storage compartments on either side of the vehicle. Consequently, long-term suppliers FDB Panel Fittings were called in to provide a hardware solution to panel fastening, which came in the form of the company’s large friction hinge and A1 compression lock.
The large friction hinge in black finish aluminium, supports the storage compartment cover in the open position so that luggage, such as shopping, can be inserted and removed one handed without the need for a separate and inconvenient stay.
While at the other end of the compartment covers, an A1 compression lock provides 6mm of gasket compression to ensure complete sealing with simple operation, enabling quick closure and reliable waterproofing of storage plus keyed security.
The Nippi trike is a three wheeled petrol-driven vehicle, designed to give people in wheelchairs a level of independence and mobility that they cannot currently get from any other disability scooters or trikes.
Nippi has a range of up to 80 miles on a full tank of unleaded petrol and three different engine sizes are available. It has a welded chassis which forms a safety cage around you and an all-weather hard top canopy is an optional extra.
Based on the classic Italian Piaggio scooters has ramp allowing the wheelchair user to drive straight in without needing external assistance. The wheelchair locks securely into place and the ramp is closed with a lever. For an extra charge, this function can be electric-powered.
Nippi Cars will also adapt the vehicle to meet specific requirements although the standard Nippi is operated through hand controls. A motorcycle-type throttle can be adapted to be used by either hand or thumb and special controls can be provided for customers with mobility issues in their arms and hands.
Manual or electric wheelchairs, up to 27 inches wide, fit into a standard Nippi, but it can be made wider on request and for those more mobile, a motorcycle-type seat can be fitted.
Readers can find the latest information of FDB products on the company’s blog at: www.fdbnews.co.uk or follow them on twitter: www.twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting
