Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Motability | What you need to know

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Motability | What you need to know

If you or someone you care for needs, a wheelchair accessible vehicle or WAV, you may be eligible to use the Motability scheme.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what the scheme is, how it works, and how to choose the right wav to suit your needs.

The Motability scheme is a fantastic initiative that helps people with disabilities become more mobile. It allows you to exchange your government funded mobility allowance for a lease on a vehicle, including wheelchair accessible vehicles. This means you can enjoy the use of a fully insured and maintained wheelchair accessible vehicle without worrying about upfront costs or major repairs. It’s all included.

Motability scheme eligibility

You may qualify for the Motability scheme if you receive one of the following benefits:

• Higher rate mobility component of DLA
• Enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP or pensioners
• Mobility supplement or armed forces
• Independent payment.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, visit the Motability scheme website or contact us for guidance.

Buying a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles on Motability

Buying a wheelchair accessible vehicle through the Motability scheme is simple, here’s how it works:

• Find an approved wav specialist like GM coachwork, who can guide you through the process.
• Work with your converter to understand your mobility needs, the size of the wheelchair accessible vehicle and the seating configuration that suits you best. Our team of specialist advisors can help you with this.
• Always test drive the wheelchair accessible vehicle and check how it feels to enter, exit and travel in the vehicle. GM coachwork offers free, no obligation, home demos anywhere in the UK.
• Once you’ve chosen the right wheelchair accessible vehicle, your converter will confirm your order.
• After the wheelchair accessible vehicle is built, it will be delivered to your door by one of our team. Your delivery driver will show you how to use features like ramps, tie downs and seat belts to make sure you feel confident and safe.

When you lease a wheelchair accessible vehicle through the Motability scheme, you get more than just the vehicle your lease typically includes:

• Fully comprehensive insurance servicing and maintenance
• Breakdown cover
• Annual road tax
• Replacement tires
• Windscreen repairs.

It’s a complete package designed to take the stress out of owning a vehicle so you can focus on enjoying your new found freedom.

Finding the right Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles on Motability

Finding the right wheelchair accessible vehicle depends on your lifestyle and needs. Here are a few things to consider:

• Size: Do you need a compact vehicle for city driving or a larger wav for family trips?
• Seating configurations: Will you be driving, riding as an upfront passenger, or traveling in the rear features, think about storage space for equipment and things like that.
• Test drive: Make sure to test different options and work with your converter to find the perfect fit.

Paying for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles with Motability

The Motability scheme covers the cost of the lease. Using your mobility allowance for a wheelchair accessible vehicle, you will need to make an advance payment. This is a one off payment upfront cost that varies on depending on the size features and the model of the wheelchair accessible vehicle. You can also apply to notability for a grant to cover the advance payment. Your converter will explain these costs in detail and help you find a wheelchair accessible vehicle that fits both your needs and your budget.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Motability Support

Once you have your wheelchair accessible vehicle, the support doesn’t stop. The Motability scheme includes aftercare to keep your vehicle in top condition. GM coachwork, have a fleet of mobile engineers and a dedicated aftercare team. Should you have any issues with your wheelchair accessible vehicle, you’re never on your own. When you lease a wheelchair accessible vehicle through the scheme, help is always available.

The Motability scheme has given 1000s of people the freedom to live more independent lives for wheelchair users and their families, it’s not just about transportation, it’s about empowerment, connection and the ability to do what matters most. If you’re considering a wheelchair accessible vehicle, the Motability scheme is a fantastic way to make it affordable and stress free. 

To speak to one of our experienced advisors or to arrange a free home demonstration please contact us.