Motability Dealerships regularly message us saying they have a client who would like to travel in a vehicle, sitting in their wheelchair. They will typically have researched the internet and off the back of this have called their local dealership, asking for a particular vehicle to be converted into a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle). ‘Chances are the Motability Specialist will spend time showing cars to their client, looking at the internet with them and pulling together prices.
It’s usually at this stage the Specialist calls us only to hear disappointing news…..
Motability will not allow a vehicle on the Standard Car Scheme to be converted into a WAV. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Mini Clubman or a full sized van that could be converted into a WAV. It’s not allowed on the Motability Scheme.
The reason why?
Motability have a WAV Scheme with a selection of Motability approved vehicles that have already been converted by Motability approved converters. If someone wants to travel in a wheelchair in a Motability vehicle it has to be purchased through the WAV Scheme.
So, if one of your clients is looking for a WAV, you could direct them to the Motability website, where they can find all the information they need…
But you can always call one of our team and ask us to get in touch with your customer.
There may well be other products your client is not aware of that would solve their accessibility issues, eliminating the need for a WAV altogether. You’d be surprised at how many people are unaware of the existence of swivel seats, sliding plates, wheelchair hoists, person hoists, etc. Any one of these, or a combination, would allow many of your clients to travel in the front seat of a standard car. A WAV is not their only option.
If, after all this, your client does need a WAV, we will always point them in the right direction.