The Project
Vapor Ricon has supported the delivery of an innovative mobile healthcare solution for a Scottish NHS Trust, through a specialist vehicle conversion completed by Lothian Vehicle Bodybuilders.
The project involved fitting a bespoke loading ramp a Volkswagen ID. Buzz, enabling the safe transportation of a specialist optical eye scanner used for diabetic eye screening. The vehicle allows NHS teams to take essential diagnostic equipment directly to outlying hospitals and clinics, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments.
The Challenge
The NHS Trust was looking to modernise its mobile eye screening service by transitioning to an electric vehicle while maintaining the ability to safely transport sensitive and valuable medical equipment.
The specialist optical eye scanner needed to be loaded and unloaded efficiently at multiple locations, requiring a ramp solution that could accommodate both the equipment and the unique dimensions of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
The Solution
To meet the requirements of the project, Vapor Ricon supplied a bespoke aluminium loading ramp specifically designed for installation within the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
The manually operated three-section ramp measures 800mm wide by 2500mm long and features a robust chequer plate platform with a central mesh walkway for enhanced grip and durability. With a Safe Working Load of 400kg, the ramp provides a secure and reliable means of loading and unloading the optical eye scanner.
Due to the access height available through the rear doors of the ID. Buzz, the ramp configuration required a specialist approach. Drawing on previous experience of a similar installation on an ID. Buzz in France, the Vapor Ricon technical team worked closely with Lothian Vehicle Converters throughout the design and installation process to ensure the solution met all operational requirements.
To further reduce physical effort during loading, the vehicle was also equipped with a Vapor Ricon wireless winch. Featuring a 6-metre belt and a pulling capacity of 250kg, the winch allows equipment to be safely guided into the vehicle with minimal manual handling. The wireless control system provides operators with greater flexibility during loading, while the compact footprint ensures valuable vehicle space is preserved.
The Result
The completed vehicle now enables the NHS Trust’s clinicians to deliver diabetic eye screening services closer to patients across the region.
By providing safe and straightforward access for the optical eye scanner, the Vapor Ricon ramp has helped support the transition to a fully electric vehicle solution without compromising operational efficiency.
The project demonstrates how Vapor Ricon’s specialist access solutions can be adapted to support a wide range of healthcare applications, helping organisations improve accessibility, efficiency and service delivery.
Customer Feedback
“NHS Tayside required a practical solution that would allow a specialist optical eye scanner to be transported safely between hospitals and clinics, while supporting the move to an electric vehicle platform. Vapor Ricon’s previous experience with an ID. Buzz installation proved invaluable, and the technical support we received throughout the project was excellent.
“We’ve worked with Vapor Ricon for many years and know we can rely on the quality, support and performance of their products to meet the demands of specialist vehicle conversions.”
Robert Anderson-Graham, Sales Director, Lothian Vehicle Bodybuilders
