Choosing a Motability Scheme Vehicle by Kate Stanforth

I’ve just come to the end of my lease for my wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) on the Motability Scheme.  With a surprising number of people asking me questions about it this week, I thought it would be good to talk about it in a blog.

What is the Motability Scheme?

The Motability Scheme helps disabled people get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or WAV.  To join the scheme, you need to receive one of a number of mobility allowances (PIP and DLA are included but they must be the enhanced/higher rate mobility award).  You also must have at least 12 months’ award length of your allowance remaining.

Car & WAV Details

Your lease will run for three years for a car without wheelchair access or five years for a wheelchair accessible vehicle.  Also covered on your lease is a package including insurance, service, and breakdown cover.  Some vehicles, especially WAVs, require an Advance Payment as well as the exchange of your mobility allowance.  If you’d struggle to afford this, Motability has a grants department where you can apply to get help towards this cost.

My Experience using the Motability Scheme

I have an older style Volkswagen Vista™ from Allied Mobility and it’s safe to say that without it, I wouldn’t be able to live independently.  Driving is a necessity for me now that I’ve moved out and I use my accessible car regularly so that I can walk my dog, go to work, and visit my family.  For my new WAV, I’m looking at an internal transfer vehicle, like Ford Dream™ because my condition has changed.  I’ll need a bigger WAV this time for the ever-growing list of equipment I have to bring with me!

Kate’s Top Tips

• Visit a Motability event. The dealers that attend often bring along a good selection of WAVs, powerchairs and scooters and plenty of people to chat to!
• Secure a grant, then do a driving assessment, then choose the vehicle. In that order.  If you think you might need financial help, get your grant application submitted as soon as possible.
• Get a driving mobility assessment through Motability. During my first few leases, I listened to friends as to what adaptations I could get and it’s only now I’ve realised just how many amazing things there are available which can help me.
• Be prepared to wait. With the car industry as it is, there are (unfortunately) severe delays for most vehicles at the moment.