The Motability Scheme makes it easier for people to lease a vehicle that allows them to travel while remaining in their wheelchair. This can make everyday journeys significantly easier, safer and more comfortable.
However, getting a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle through Motability is not simply a case of choosing a vehicle from a list. A WAV is a significant investment in a converted vehicle that you will typically lease for five years, and one that is subsidised through the Scheme.
It is therefore important to take the time to find a vehicle that is suitable for you, your wheelchair, your passengers and the way you travel.
So, how does the process work?
Step 1: Check that you are eligible for Motability
The first step is establishing whether you are entitled to join the Motability Scheme.
You need to receive a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months remaining on one of the following disability allowances at the time you place your order:
- Enhanced rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment in Scotland
- Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment in Scotland
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
The Scheme does not take other benefits, such as care components or tax credits.
A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle lease is generally for five years, and the package is often described as covering almost everything except fuel.
Depending on the terms of your lease, this can include:
- The vehicle lease
- Insurance
- Servicing and maintenance
- In-life support
- Breakdown assistance
There are no general age restrictions for accessing the Motability Scheme, although there may be age restrictions relating to the particular allowance you receive.
Receiving a qualifying allowance does not automatically mean that every WAV will be suitable or available to you. Different vehicles have different layouts, specifications and Advance Payments.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, the Motability website provides an eligibility checker.
Step 2: Decide whether you actually need a WAV
Not everyone who uses a wheelchair necessarily needs a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
A conventional Motability car may be suitable if you are able to transfer from your wheelchair into a car seat and your wheelchair can be stored safely in the vehicle.
However, if you prefer or need to remain in your wheelchair while travelling, a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle is usually the more appropriate solution.
WAVs are specifically converted to allow a wheelchair user to enter the vehicle, remain in their wheelchair and travel securely.
There are different types and sizes of WAV, so this is where specialist advice becomes particularly important.
Step 3: Understand what type of WAV you need
There is no single standard type of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
WAVs come in different sizes, configurations and conversion styles, and the right choice depends on your individual circumstances.
For example, you may need:
- A small WAV for a wheelchair user and one or two passengers
- A larger WAV for a wheelchair user and several passengers
- Additional space for a second wheelchair
- Room for mobility, medical or care equipment
- An internal transfer solution
- A vehicle that allows the wheelchair user to drive from their wheelchair
An assisted WAV generally requires another person to help with tasks such as operating the ramp or tailgate and securing the wheelchair and occupant restraint system.
An unassisted WAV can provide greater independence but may require additional powered equipment or a more specialist conversion.
This is why choosing the right WAV should start with your needs, rather than simply looking for the vehicle with the lowest Advance Payment.
Step 4: Speak to a WAV specialist at McElmeel Mobility
Once you know you are eligible for Motability and believe a WAV is the right solution, the next step is to speak to a specialist Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle supplier.
At McElmeel Mobility, our team will discuss your requirements, help identify suitable vehicles, arrange a demonstration and support you through the ordering process.
This is an important stage because a WAV that looks suitable on paper may not necessarily work for your particular wheelchair or circumstances.
We want to help ensure that the vehicle you choose still works for you throughout the full term of your lease.
We will discuss things such as:
- What type of wheelchair you use
- Whether your wheelchair is manual or powered
- The weight and dimensions of your wheelchair
- Your seated height
- How many passengers need to travel
- Whether you need to carry additional equipment
- Whether you travel with a carer
- How you enter and leave the vehicle
- Whether you need to transfer from your wheelchair
Step 5: Have a WAV demonstration
This is one of the most important stages when choosing a Motability Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
At McElmeel Mobility, we can arrange to come to you so that you can see and try the vehicle before you commit to it.
We believe a demonstration should be much more than simply showing you around a vehicle.
We want to establish that:
- You can get into and out of the vehicle safely
- Your wheelchair fits properly
- You can travel comfortably
- Your passengers have enough space
- Your equipment can be accommodated
- The vehicle works for the way you actually live and travel
It is important to compare different conversions because not every WAV is equal. Factors such as head height, wheelchair position, ramp angle, ramp grip and passenger space can vary significantly between vehicles and converters.
The most important question is whether the vehicle meets your needs.
A proper demonstration can help prevent you making a decision that may not work for you over a five-year lease.
Step 6: Order your Motability Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Once you have found a vehicle that meets your requirements, your WAV supplier will take you through the Motability ordering process.
If the vehicle you need has an Advance Payment that you cannot afford, there may also be financial support available through the Motability Foundation for customers who meet the relevant criteria.
This can include help towards:
- WAV Advance Payments
- Essential vehicle adaptations
- Other disability-related vehicle requirements covered by the Foundation
What does a Motability WAV lease include?
One of the main advantages of the Motability Scheme is that it provides an all-inclusive lease package.
For new WAV orders placed from 1 July 2026, the package changed as part of efforts to manage rising costs and help keep the Scheme sustainable.
The package can include:
- The vehicle
- Insurance
- Servicing and maintenance
- Breakdown assistance
How long does it take to get a Motability WAV?
The timescale varies depending on the vehicle you choose, its availability and the conversion required.
Most WAVs can take approximately four to six months because of vehicle supply and conversion schedules.
However, the timescale may be shorter if a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle converter already has suitable stock available.
It may also be longer if there are delays from the vehicle manufacturer or if you require specialist equipment or a more complex conversion.
We can usually give you an indication of the expected lead time when you first enquire and provide an estimated delivery window when you place your order.
How can McElmeel Mobility help?
At McElmeel Mobility, we believe choosing a Motability WAV should start with the person, not the vehicle.
Our team will talk to you about your wheelchair, your passengers, your lifestyle and how you need to use your vehicle.
We can then help you identify suitable options and arrange a free WAV demonstration at your home, school or place of work.
We will demonstrate how the vehicle works, help you understand the different options and give you the opportunity to experience the vehicle before making your decision.
Ultimately, choosing a WAV is not about finding the vehicle that looks best in a brochure.
It is about finding the vehicle that works best for you.
Ready to find your Motability WAV?
If you are considering a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle through Motability, speak to our team today.
- England, Scotland and Wales: 0121 812 1800
- Northern Ireland: 02837 525 333
- Republic of Ireland: 04837 525 333
Your needs. Your journey. Let's find the right WAV for you.