For wheelchair users and disabled drivers in the UK, Motability is often the first port of call for vehicle access. It’s well-known, government-backed, and trusted. But it’s not always the best fit — particularly for people who need flexibility, don’t qualify for the right PIP components, or simply don’t want a 3-year commitment.
AVC’s wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) subscription offers a different approach. Here’s an honest comparison.
What Is Motability?
Motability is a scheme that allows eligible people receiving certain disability benefits (primarily the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of PIP, or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement) to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or wheelchair accessible vehicle. The benefit payment is used to cover the lease, and some vehicles require an advance payment on top.
Key features:
- 3-year lease contracts
- Vehicle must be selected from an approved list
- Insurance, servicing and breakdown included
- No flexibility to change vehicle within contract period (without penalty)
- Eligibility is tied to specific benefit receipt
What Is AVC’s WAV Subscription?
AVC offers wheelchair accessible vehicles on a subscription basis — 6 or 12 months, with plans starting from £189/month. Every plan includes insurance, MOT, servicing, breakdown cover and maintenance.
Unlike Motability, AVC’s scheme:
- Is open to anyone — you do not need to be receiving a specific benefit
- Offers 6 or 12 month terms rather than a 3-year lock-in
- Includes vehicle swap options so you can try different adapted vehicles
- Offers both part-time (Bronze/Silver/Gold) and full-time (Diamond) access
- Allows carers and family members to subscribe on behalf of a disabled person
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Motability | AVC WAV Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | PIP Enhanced Rate or equivalent | Open to all |
| Contract length | 3 years | 6 or 12 months |
| Part-time option | No | Yes (Bronze, Silver, Gold) |
| Vehicle swaps | No (within contract) | Yes — free swaps included |
| Advance payment | Sometimes required | Never required |
| Insurance included | Yes | Yes |
| Servicing included | Yes | Yes |
| Breakdown cover | Yes | Yes |
| Mobility adaptations | Wide range | Push/pull controls, hand controls, left foot accelerator and more |
Who Is AVC’s WAV Subscription Best For?
- People who only occasionally need a WAV — for hospital visits, family trips or holidays
- Carers who transport a wheelchair user but don’t need a WAV every day
- Drivers who want to try different adaptations before committing to a purchase
- Anyone who needs a WAV quickly — without waiting for a Motability approval process
- People whose PIP component doesn’t qualify them for Motability but who still need flexible vehicle access
Real Customer Feedback
“It is a very affordable way of having a WAV and means I only have to have the vehicle when I need it.” — Lynne Culley, AVC Subscriber
“The flexibility made a huge difference during a time when I needed it most.” — Willow, AVC Subscriber
Find Out More
AVC’s disability and wheelchair accessible vehicles are available now. Explore our WAV range or speak to our team.
