Russia's Injured Workers Gain Mobility with Free Adapted Lada Vestas

Residents of the Sverdlovsk region who suffered severe workplace injuries have begun receiving adapted Lada Vestas as part of a medical rehabilitation scheme. Since January, 33 workers from Kirovgrad, Serov, Kushva, and Belyakovka have already taken delivery of the specially modified vehicles. The cars were supplied by the regional branch of the Social Fund under a long-term support programme. Each vehicle comes with hand controls and automatic transmissions, customised to match the driver's physical needs.

Recipients receive the car for seven years, during which they cannot sell or transfer ownership. The Social Fund covers half the cost of mandatory third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) for the full term. It also partially reimburses fuel expenses and pays for one repair within the seven-year period. Applications for a vehicle, fuel reimbursement, or insurance support can be made online via the Gosuslugi portal or in person at a Social Fund client service centre. After the seven-year term ends, the owner keeps the car, and the fund provides a replacement. Beyond adapted vehicles, workplace injury victims are entitled to additional benefits. These include one-time and monthly payments, rehabilitation equipment, prosthetics, medications, and vouchers for sanatorium-resort treatment.

The programme ensures long-term mobility for injured workers while offering financial and medical support. Once the seven-year term concludes, the car remains with the owner, and a new vehicle is issued by the fund. This initiative continues to expand, with 33 adapted cars already distributed in the region this year.