Choosing the right mobility solution isn’t easy. If you or someone you care for needs a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) or adapted car, you might wonder: Should I hire or own?
At ORA, we help people navigate this decision every day. In this guide, we compare accessible car hire vs. ownership to help you make the choice that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
1. Accessible car hire: the advantages
Hiring an accessible vehicle offers:
- ✅ Flexibility — hire from 1 day to 1 year
- ✅ No large upfront cost — pay only for the time you need
- ✅ No maintenance or servicing to worry about
- ✅ Access to the latest models and adaptations
- ✅ Short-term solution while waiting for Motability or repairs Learn more about WAV hire options
“We hired for 3 months while waiting for our car to be repaired — it saved us from being housebound.”
2. Accessible car ownership: the advantages
Owning an accessible vehicle offers:
- ✅ Always available, no need to arrange bookings
- ✅ Fully customised to your preferences
- ✅ Cost-effective for frequent, daily use over time
- ✅ Complete control over adaptations and features
Ownership might be best if you:
- ✅ Need long term (1 year+) permanent access to a vehicle
- ✅ Have stable, long-term mobility needs
3. Key factors to consider
Ask yourself:
- How often will I use the vehicle?
- Do I need flexibility or permanent access? Can I afford the upfront cost of buying?
- Might my mobility needs change? Will others need to drive the car? Talk to our team about your options
- For occasional drivers, temporary needs, or those uncertain about the right adaptations, hire offers more flexibility and lower risk.
For frequent drivers with stable needs, ownership may save money long-term.
👉 Check Open Road Access Trustpilot Review
4. Comparing costs
| Factor | Hire | Ownership |
| Upfront cost | Low | High |
| Maintenance | Included | Your responsibility |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Access to new / different models | Yes | Only if you upgrade |
👉Enquire about accessible vehicle here.
5. Other considerations
- ✅ Do you need an adapted car temporarily (e.g., post-surgery)?
- ✅ Do you want to try an adaptation before buying?
- ✅ Will multiple drivers need to use the vehicle? (Hire allows switching easily.)
Our hire fleet includes:
- Passenger wheelchair accessible vehicles in different sizes and seats layout
- Internal transfer wheelchair accessible car
- Adapted cars with left accelerators and hand controls
👉 Explore adapted vehicle options Explore WAV options
6. How ORA supports you
We make the process simple:
- ✅ Free advice to help you decide
- ✅ Hire from 1 day to 1 year
- ✅ Personalised solutions to match your budget
- ✅ Delivery and collection to your home
- ✅ Insurance and breakdown cover included
- ✅ Support throughout your hire
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Accessible car hire and ownership both offer unique benefits. The right choice depends on how often you drive, your budget, and your mobility needs.
Need guidance? We’re here to help.
👉 Contact ORA or call 0300 045 4505 to speak with our team.
