For many people living with long-term health conditions, life doesn’t always follow a predictable path. One month you may be able to manage with minimal support, and the next your mobility needs could change dramatically.
This unpredictability makes transport decisions tricky. Should you commit to a longterm lease? Buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) outright? Look at short-term adapted car hire? Or try something more flexible?
More and more people are finding that a WAV subscription is the answer, especially for those with fluctuating or unpredictable health needs. Here’s why subscriptions often work better than leasing or traditional adapted car hire.
The Problem With Long-Term Leasing
Leasing can seem attractive: you get a vehicle for 2–5 years and spread the cost across monthly payments. But if your health or mobility needs change, a lease can quickly become a burden.
- Fixed contracts: Ending a lease early usually means hefty penalties.
- Inflexible vehicles: If you need a different size WAV or a car with specific adaptations mid-contract, you’re stuck.
- Hidden costs: Servicing, insurance, and breakdown cover are often extra.
- Depreciation stress: You remain responsible for returning the car in good condition.
For someone with health needs that vary, this lack of flexibility can make leasing more of a trap than a solution.
Why Subscriptions Work Better
A subscription offers the best parts of leasing, regular monthly payments and access to a reliable vehicle, without the downsides.
1. Flexible, Rolling Terms
Subscriptions run on a monthly basis. If your health improves and you no longer need the vehicle, you can return it without being tied into years of payments. If your condition changes, you can extend easily.
2. All-Inclusive Pricing
Unlike traditional leases or daily adapted car hire, subscriptions cover everything:
- Vehicle
- Insurance
- Breakdown cover
- Delivery and collection
No extra bills. No stress.
3. Adapted to Your Needs
Subscriptions aren’t just for WAVs. You can also access adapted cars with hand controls, left-foot accelerators, or steering aids. Whether you’re a disabled driver or a passenger who needs wheelchair access, subscription models can flex around your situation.
4. Cost-Effective vs Leasing or Taxis
Leasing might look cheaper at first glance (£400–£600/month), but once you add insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover, the real cost creeps up. A WAV subscription with ORA starts from £750/month and includes everything.
Compare that to taxis, often £25–£30 a trip for wheelchair users, and you’ll see why subscriptions are usually more cost-effective for everyday independence.
Explore our WAV subscription options.
Cost Comparison: Subscription vs Leasing vs Adapted Car Hire
Option | Commi tment | Monthly Cost (est.) | Extras | Flexibi lity | Best For |
WAV Subscription (ORA) | 1 month+ | £750–£899 (all-in) | £0 | High | Fluctuating health, short-term needs |
Long-Term WAV Lease | 2–5 years | £400–£600 | £100–£200 (insurance, servicing) | Low | Stable, predictable needs |
Result: For people whose health and mobility change, a subscription provides the best balance of flexibility, cost, and independence.
A Real-World Example
One customer with MS considered a lease but decided against it:
“I didn’t want to lock myself into years of payments when my health can change quickly. With ORA, I could take a subscription, try it for a few months, and extend it when I needed. It gave me peace of mind without the pressure.”
Who Should Choose a WAV or Adapted Car Subscription?
Subscriptions are a great fit if you:
- Live with fluctuating health conditions (MS, arthritis, long COVID, ME, etc.)
- Are in recovery after surgery or hospital discharge
- Are waiting for a Motability WAV and need a stop-gap
- Need to trial an adapted car before committing long-term
- Value independence without the stress of ownership
Leasing and buying can work if your health and mobility needs are stable. But for many people, life isn’t predictable. That’s where a flexible WAV or adapted car subscription makes all the difference.
It’s transport that adapts to you, not the other way around.
Speak to the ORA team today to find out how quickly we can get you moving.
FAQ
Q: Is WAV subscription better than leasing?
Yes. Leasing locks you into years, while subscriptions run monthly with everything included.
Q: Can I get an adapted car on subscription, not just a WAV?
Yes. ORA offers subscriptions for both WAVs and adapted cars with hand controls or driving aids.
Q: Who benefits most from subscriptions?
People with fluctuating health, those in recovery, or anyone needing flexibility while waiting for a Motability vehicle.
