Battery Vehicle Society

Has anyone on this forum got (or had) an Elcat van?

I have run one for the last 5 years - it is about 11 years old and has done a total of 25,000 miles.
Today I took a look at the motor brushes. Not a perfect view because of difficult access and fear of removing something that maybe I couldn't get back on again. So I'm not 100% sure but there seemed to be only 2 or 3 mm of brush travel left.

Can anyone advise me
1. How long should a set of brushes last? or-
2. How much longer will my 3mm of brush last?
3. Where can I get a new set of brushes? (no, I don't know the make of the motor - but hopefully all the Elcats have the same type)
4. Can you change the brushes without removing the motor from the van? Any tips on proceedure would be welcome!

(moderators - maybe you could move this post to a new "Elcat" heading in the "specific vehicles" area)