If you’re exploring accessible transport options and wondering, “Can I hire a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) if I’m not eligible for the Motability Scheme?” – the answer is yes.
Whether you’re temporarily injured, a carer supporting a family member, or simply choosing not to use Motability, WAV rental offers a flexible, hassle-free alternative.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Who can hire a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle)
- Why some people may not qualify for Motability
- The benefits of renting a WAV
- What’s included when you hire with ORA
- How to get started?
What is the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme helps people in the UK lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using their qualifying disability benefits. To be eligible, you must receive a mobility allowance like the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the Enhanced Rate of Mobility from Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
But what if you don’t receive those benefits or your circumstances have changed?
Can You Hire a WAV If You’re Not Eligible?
Absolutely. You don’t need to be part of the Motability Scheme to rent a WAV. Thousands of people across the UK hire accessible vehicles for short-term or long-term use without any government funding.
At ORA, we support:
- People ineligible for Motability
- Those awaiting a PIP decision
- People who’ve chosen not to use their mobility allowance
- Temporary users (post-surgery, visiting relatives, or accessible holidays)
- Families and carers who need a WAV for specific events or travel
- Organisations such as schools, charities, care homes, and trusts
We offer wheelchair-accessible car hire from just 1 day to 1 year — no minimum terms, no long contracts, and no hidden fees.
👉 Check Open Road Access Trustpilot Reviews
Why Might Someone Not Qualify for Motability?
Here are common reasons:
- You’re waiting for your PIP/DLA award
- You’re receiving a lower-rate mobility benefit
- Your disability is temporary or not classed as permanent
- You don’t want to exchange your benefit for a leased car
- You don’t meet the residency or age requirements
Even if you’re not on Motability, you still deserve safe, flexible, accessible travel. That’s where ORA comes in. In many cases, accessible car hire is the best solution for short-term, flexible, or immediate needs.
What’s Included in an ORA WAV Hire?
We offer the UK’s most flexible WAV hire, with access to over 1,500 accessible vehicles. Every ORA hire includes:
- Insurance
- Breakdown cover
- Free delivery and collection
- Wheelchair securement and safety features
- Customer support before and during your trip
You can choose:
- Passenger WAVs (ride in your wheelchair)
- Adapted vehicles (hand controls, left-foot accelerators, push-pull systems)
- Internal transfer WAVs (transfer from your chair into the driver’s seat)
Not sure which WAV you need? We’ll walk you through it. You can even send us wheelchair dimensions, passenger numbers, or luggage needs, and we’ll match you to a vehicle.
Explore our accessible car range
Common Use Cases
Still unsure if WAV rental is for you? Here are a few ways our customers use ORA:
- Medical appointments and rehab
- Funerals, weddings, and family events
- Accessible holiday travel
- Temporary mobility needs post-surgery
- Trial periods before purchasing a vehicle
- Carer or PA support for independent living
- Driving assessments and vehicle training
You don’t need to wait for a diagnosis or scheme approval. You can hire today.
“My dad doesn’t qualify for PIP, and I wasn’t sure how to organise transport for him. ORA made it so easy. I hired an accessible van for 5 days to take my dad on a weekend away – it
was the first time he’d left the house in months. They delivered it to my door and showed me how everything worked. Can’t thank them enough.”
👉 Check Open Road Access Trustpilot Reviews
How to Hire a WAV from ORA?
Hiring with us is simple:
- Submit an enquiry online or by phone
- Tell us your travel dates, location, and any accessibility needs
- We match you to the right vehicle
- We deliver to your door
- You travel stress-free
There’s no eligibility paperwork, credit check, or lengthy process. We’re here to make your journey accessible on your terms.
