For decades, the Motability Scheme has helped disabled drivers and their families stay mobile but not everyone qualifies, and even those who do sometimes face long waits or limited options.
So, what if you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), but you’re not eligible for Motability or can’t wait months for your next car?
The good news is that you do have options. In fact, 2025 brings more flexible, affordable, and inclusive ways to access an adapted or wheelchair-accessible vehicle than ever before.
This guide will walk you through how to get a WAV without Motability, comparing the main alternatives, from buying and leasing to short-term hire and the increasingly popular ORA WAV subscription model, so you can choose what fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Understanding Motability and Why Some People Look Beyond It
The Motability Scheme allows eligible people to use their higher-rate mobility allowance (such as PIP or AFIP) to lease a new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. The scheme includes insurance, breakdown cover, and servicing which makes it incredibly convenient.
But Motability isn’t for everyone. You might find yourself outside the scheme if:
- You don’t receive the qualifying mobility component of PIP, DLA, AFIP, or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
- You’re appealing or waiting for a benefits decision.
- You need a vehicle temporarily while awaiting delivery or assessment.
- You share driving responsibilities with carers or family members not covered by Motability.
- You simply want more choice or shorter commitment than the typical 3-year lease.
If any of that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Thousands of people in the UK look for accessible transport options outside the Motability system every year.
Option 1: Buying a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Outright
How it Works
You purchase a new or used WAV from a specialist dealer. You own the vehicle, and it’s yours to use, adapt, modify, or resell.
Pros
- Full ownership and control.
- No mileage restrictions or contractual limits.
- Possible to buy used and save money upfront.
Cons
- Very high upfront cost: new WAVs often start from £30,000–£50,000.
- Depreciation can be steep, especially on bespoke adaptations.
- You pay separately for insurance, tax, maintenance, and repairs.
- Harder to sell on, the market for used adapted cars is niche.
Best for
People with long-term, stable mobility needs who have the capital (or finance) to invest.
Buying outright offers independence, but it’s expensive and risky if your health or mobility needs might change.
Option 2: Financing or Leasing an Adapted Vehicle
How it Works
You lease or finance an adapted car through a specialist provider for a fixed term (usually 3–5 years). You make monthly payments and may have the option to buy the vehicle at the end.
Pros
- Lower upfront cost than buying outright.
- Predictable monthly payments.
- New or nearly-new vehicles with warranty cover.
Cons
- Large deposit often required (typically £3,000–£8,000).
- Locked into long contracts with penalties for early exit.
- Insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover are often extra.
- Custom adaptations can limit resale value or choice.
Best for
People confident in their long-term mobility situation who can afford the deposit and want newer vehicles.
If your circumstances are uncertain, or you don’t want to commit for years, leasing can quickly become restrictive.
Option 3: Short-Term WAV Hire
How it Works
You rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle from a specialist company for a few days, weeks, or months.
Pros
- Fast, flexible access.
- Great for holidays, appointments, or transitional periods.
- No long contracts or deposit required.
Cons
- Expensive per day if used for long periods.
- Insurance excesses can be high.
- Not cost-effective beyond a few weeks.
Best for
People needing temporary mobility for example, after surgery or while awaiting delivery of a permanent vehicle.
Short-term hire is perfect for bridging gaps, but not sustainable if you need year-round transport.
Option 4: Subscription: The Modern Alternative to traditional accessible transport options
How it Works
You pay one all-inclusive monthly fee to use a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, with no deposit, no long contract, and everything included: insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, and maintenance.
This is the model offered by ORA, a UK-based accessible mobility company helping people access WAVs flexibly and affordably.
Think of it as the middle ground between renting and owning but designed for people who need adapted or wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Why Subscription Works So Well as a Lease Alternative
1. No Large Deposit
Unlike leases or finance, subscriptions don’t require thousands upfront.
At ORA, you can get started for £60 deposit, with plans starting at £750 per month for a six-month commitment, or £899 for a rolling monthly plan.
2. Everything’s Included
Your subscription covers:
- Comprehensive insurance (for two named drivers).
- Servicing, repairs, and MOT.
- Breakdown cover.
- Delivery and collection across the UK.
- Access to a modern, fully-adapted WAV.
One monthly payment. No hidden extras.
3. Short, Flexible Terms
You can choose a 3-month, 6-month, or rolling plan, then renew, swap, or stop as needed.
Perfect if your health or mobility changes, or if you’re waiting for a Motability vehicle.
4. Fast Access
While Motability, leased or new vehicles can take months to arrive, ORA can deliver within days so you’re not housebound while waiting.
5. Open to Everyone
You don’t need to be on benefits or part of a government scheme.
As long as you hold a valid licence and meet insurance criteria, you can subscribe.
If you’re not eligible for Motability, or don’t want to wait months for a new car, a subscription gives you the same all-inclusive convenience with far more flexibility.
Real-World Example: Staying Mobile Without Motability
When Julie’s Motability lease ended, her renewal was delayed by six months. With no car, she struggled to reach work and hospital appointments.
Instead of waiting, she found ORA online and subscribed to a small wheelchair-accessible car for three months.
- Delivery arrived within 48 hours.
- Insurance and breakdown cover were already included.
- When her Motability car finally arrived, she simply cancelled the subscription – no penalties.
“It saved my independence,” she said. “I didn’t realise there were alternatives until I looked.”
Stories like Julie’s are increasingly common — and show how subscription fills the mobility gap Motability can’t always cover.
Other Ways to Fund an Accessible Vehicle Without Motability
If you’re exploring your options, here are some additional funding routes:
1. Charitable Grants
Organisations such as the Family Fund, Turn2Us, or Access to Work may offer grants for accessible transport depending on your situation.
2. Local Authority Support
Some councils provide mobility grants or travel vouchers for disabled residents, particularly for essential transport like medical appointments.
3. Community Transport and Shared Mobility
If you only need occasional journeys, community transport schemes can be affordable options, though they may not offer full independence.
4. Short-Term Finance or Credit Union Loans
If you prefer ownership, consider low-interest community credit loans for used adapted cars but weigh the risk and maintenance costs carefully.
Still, for most people who need independence without the long-term commitment, subscription remains the most flexible, cost-effective, and inclusive path.
Who a WAV Subscription Is Ideal For
- Not eligible for Motability but need reliable transport.
- Waiting for benefit decisions or new vehicle delivery.
- Recovering from surgery or managing temporary mobility loss.
- Carers or families needing a safe, accessible vehicle quickly.
- Disabled professionals or students needing independence without owning a car outright.
In short, anyone who needs to stay mobile, now, without the bureaucracy or big costs of traditional leasing.
Key Questions Answered
Q: Is subscription the same as leasing?
Not exactly. Leasing locks you in for years and requires a deposit. Subscription is short, flexible, and all-inclusive, ideal if your needs may change.
Q: What happens if my health changes?
You can pause, swap, or cancel your ORA subscription anytime after your minimum term. No penalties, no red tape.
Q: Do I need a credit check?
ORA uses a light eligibility check, not a full credit assessment, meaning more people can qualify.
Q: Can I choose the vehicle size and features?
Yes. ORA’s fleet includes small WAVs for solo users, medium vehicles for families, and larger vans for wheelchairs and equipment.
Q: What if something goes wrong?
If your vehicle breaks down, ORA covers repairs and replacement. Support is available seven days a week.
The Benefits of Staying Mobile, Even Temporarily
Access to transport isn’t just about convenience. It’s about freedom, independence, and connection.
Being able to drive or travel on your own terms can:
- Reduce isolation and reliance on others.
- Improve access to work, healthcare, and education.
- Support mental wellbeing and community participation.
So even if you’re not eligible for Motability, it’s worth exploring flexible alternatives — you don’t have to wait for support to stay independent.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can I get a wheelchair-accessible vehicle without Motability?” – the answer is a clear yes.
Your options today are broader than ever:
- Buy outright if you want ownership.
- Lease if you prefer predictability and long-term use.
- Hire for short-term needs.
- Or subscribe if you want freedom without the upfront cost or red tape.
At ORA, we built our WAV subscription model for exactly this reason – to give people flexible, affordable access to adapted vehicles, whether or not they’re part of a government scheme.
With no deposit, no long-term lock-in, and everything included, ORA makes accessible transport simple again.
Because independence shouldn’t depend on eligibility, it should depend on you.
