Your guide to funding your mobility vehicle

To fund a mobility vehicle, many disabled people use the Motability Scheme, the UK’s largest leasing scheme for a car, scooter or powered wheelchair.  If you use Motability to lease your wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), they will arrange insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing and maintenance, giving you freedom and independence and hassle-free motoring. All you have to do is add fuel.  In order to be eligible to use the Motability Scheme, you have to pass certain criteria.

You can apply to join the Motability Scheme if you receive one of the following allowances:

  • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
    Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
  • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Check your eligibility here.

Not eligible to use the Motability Scheme?

If you have found that you aren’t eligible to use the Motability Scheme to fund your mobility vehicle, don’t worry, as there are other options available, and many benefits to owning your own mobility vehicle. When selecting a conversion company, ask the following to ensure they are reputable and provide good advice, support and warranty.

1. Does the converter have a good reputation and experience?

It is important that you do some research on the converter, as most will have both new and used mobility vehicles for sale. Ask around if anyone you know has purchased from them, visit their website to read existing customer feedback or read some Google Reviews.  You can also check they are a member of WAVCA and all should have PAS Approval on all vehicles as well as the relevant Type Approval.

2. Can the converter fit adaptations?

It’s very useful if the conversion company can also provide an adaptations service. You may need driving adaptations such as push / pull hand controls, seating solutions, wheelchair securing systems etc.  Sirus has Motability Preferred Adaptations Supplier status and our highly trained team of engineers will fit bespoke adaptations to suit your exact needs. We welcome all of our customers to our workshop where you can meet the team and have a fitting.  If you are struggling to get here, it may take a little longer, but we can arrange for a fitting to be carried out at your home.

3. Many 2nd hand WAV dealers will use the term ‘Approved Used’ – what does this include?

Once the vehicle arrives at our workshop, it will go through a rigorous and detailed process to ensure the vehicle is in the best condition.  Initially, we will carry out an 82 Point Approved Preparation Standard Checklist, which is a process used by RAC Approved Dealers such as Sirus.  For example, this will include;

  • Road test
  • Vehicle history
  • Condition of the vehicle (exterior and interior)
  • Road wheels and tyres
  • Engine compartment and underbody

We will carry out work so that we reach the standards set out by the RAC. The conversion element of the vehicle will also be thoroughly checked with any fixes carried out at this point.  We will then carry out final quality checks with our professional and experienced team. Check out our current vehicles available. 

4. What vehicle service and warranty is included?

If you purchase an Approved Used wheelchair accessible vehicle with 2 years or less on the manufacturer’s warranty,  you will receive a 3-year RAC warranty which also includes 1-year roadside assist. Any servicing needs will also be taken care of as part of our Quality Control process. Plus if your vehicle falls outside of its manufacturer warranty period (3 years for VW and Ford, 7 years for Kia) we will carry out a full service here at Sirus. Read more about our service.

5. What conversion service and warranty is included?

New Sirus conversions are serviced once a year for the first 3 years, so you have peace of mind. So if the Approved used Sirus vehicle is within this period, we will continue with this service schedule.  We are currently working on our extended service package offering.

6. Does it have an MOT?

If the Sirus Approved Used vehicle has less than 3 months MOT left to run, we will carry out a 12-month MOT on the vehicle.

8. Who insures Approved Used WAV’s?

There are several insurance companies that specialise in WAV insurance. Sirus work with our partner Fish Insurance. They have over 40 years’ experience in the WAV market, and therefore understand the complexities of vehicle conversions and adaptations.  Many insurance companies would struggle to fully understand converted vehicles due to the fact that the vehicle may be derived from a commercial vehicle, the suspension may have been lowered and seatbelt positions altered, which are all key elements when ensuring a vehicle. Visit the Fish Insurance websites to find out more. Please remember, when it comes to insurance, this is just advice. It’s important to shop around for the best deal for you.

We hope you found our article useful. If you would like to talk to one of our mobility advisors please call 0121 505 7777 or email sales@sirusautomotive.co.uk

Make an enquiry