WAV Options

[John G]

I am a carer and my wife's condition is worsening with mobility deteriorating. We have pursued the need for a wheelchair and the NHS provided one is available for us end June - Sunrise manufacture. It is offered against an indoor need and is also perfectively suitable for outdoor use. However, it cannot be lifted! I need to be selling our ordinary car and getting a WAV. We do not fit the criteria for any Government help so it would be our own purchase/lease. We would be happy just to have space for the 2 of us and only I would be driving. All advice welcome - dos/donts; manufacturer; retailer; size etc. Thanks John G

[PeterPan]

Does your wife receive PIP, in particular the mobility element? Sounds as if she should do. If so she would qualify for a WAV through the Motability scheme. PIP is an entitlement and is not means tested.

I have a Peugeot Rifter through Motability. Suits our needs perfectly (two seats for passengers, driver’s seat and wheelchair space). It was ‘nearly new’ last year with 1,100 miles on the clock. Upfront payment of £895 from me and the PIP mobility element covers the monthly lease fee. Supplied by Clarke Mobility- nationwide brilliant service.

[Lindsay67]

Yes, I agree. She’d definitely be entitled. My husband has it and we’re entitled to a WAV. Just waiting on info. Speak to advisor on government benefits website.

[JamesW]

Exactly as has been already said you should be qualified for PIP and foregoing the mobility element to pay the lease on a vehicle through the Motability scheme:

https://www.motability.co.uk

The only thing I would add is that lead times on new vehicles at the moment are pretty horrendous due to chip set shortages. Motability also offer nearly new vehicles which maybe more readily available?

[Ellie]

John G Also, put Motability into the search box and you'll get lots of info, including on vehicle types - unfortunately there is a 4 letter minimum for a search term, so WAV isn't valid (a great big bugbear of mine...) xx

[Jackie R]

We went for a VW caddy max as it has a second row of passenger seats; we needed the extra seats for the dog and grandchildren. It’s also higher in the back (my hubby is 6ft 2ins). We struggled to find a new or used one without a very long wait so we bought ours. It was definitely the right decision.

[Tony]

There can be quite a waiting time for new WAVs although some dealers do have one or two in stock. The upfront payment on Motability was also quite high on some models. We were Lucky enough to find a local dealer and got a used Citroen Berlingo with less than 8000 miles on the clock. It has room for 1 passenger plus the wheelchair in the back. We are very pleased with it. Do get your PIP and carers allowance sorted and start researching what’s available. We actually found ours on Facebook Marketplace!

[MMG]

We were advised waiting times on a new car would be around a year, and were shocked to find that the PIP element only funds the car and not the adaptations to convert to a WAV, estimated to cost around £10k for an "up front" adaptation.

We bought a used one instead as couldn't afford a long wait.

I didnt know you could get used on the motability scheme. None of the "helpful" salesmen advised us of that and the dealership we bought the car from wouldn't accept motability.

We got a Fiat Doblo, with up front access via the front passenger door. zthis leaves the rear seats and boot intact for passengers, dogs, luggage etc.


The picture isn't our car, but similar method. My husband is 5ft 11 and there is plenty of head height and plenty of room for his powered chair in a slightly reclined position. (to support his head and neck)

The car doesn't have many bells and whistles, but does the job.

[John G]

Thanks to all who have replied to my earlier questions. Very helpful. As for PIP it cannot be secured if one is over pensionable age. It is replaced by Attendance Allowance for which we have applied. Don't think it then gives any special advantageous terms for a WAV. Search through the bureaucracy continues! Then the car. John

[PeterPan]

As for PIP it cannot be secured if one is over pensionable age. It is replaced by Attendance Allowance for which we have applied. Don't think it then gives any special advantageous terms for a WAV.

Sadly you are correct, once state pension age has been reached you are unable to claim PIP. However, if you successfully claimed PIP before that birthday, you continue to receive it. It’s most unfair.

[DavidJ]

I've done some research into this and produce the paper which does address some of the issues raised. The system is unfit for purpose for many new users. If you already be interested I can let you have a shortened copy just email; [email protected].