If you are thinking of exchanging your qualifying mobility allowance for a wheelchair accessible vehicle or making a private purchase, the range of choices available seem overwhelming. You need to decide what type of vehicle and what specific options or adaptations will best suit your circumstances – and there are a lot of vehicles and a lot of suppliers to choose from. Having an idea of the kind of questions you need to ask when it’s time to discuss the options will help you make an informed choice.

Firstly, you need to decide how the WAV will be financed. If it is to be financed through the Motability Scheme then you simply exchange your mobility allowance to lease a brand-new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.

You will be able to exchange all or part of your mobility allowance, but for most Motability vehicles you’ll need to use all of it, and it may need to be topped up with an Advance Payment.

An Advance Payment is an upfront, non-refundable fixed payment which is required in addition to your mobility allowance if it doesn’t cover the full cost the vehicle you’ve chosen. However, if the vehicle is in good condition at the end of the lease then the Advance Payment is returned to you – and you may be eligible for the for a New Vehicle payment which can help with the Advance Payment.

It’s important to be aware that if you choose any optional extras then you need to pay extra for these too.

You may decide to buy your WAV privately. If so, it’s time to consider the purchasing and financing options available to you. For accessible vehicles, as with any vehicle purchase, you must be clear about your budget and remember that any adaptations and conversions will be additional costs to the initial cost of the vehicle.

It’s important to be very clear on the terms of the warranty provided. That means finding out exactly what it covers, in what circumstances, and for how long. It’s also worth knowing whether the dealer gives warranties on any subsequent work they carry out on the WAV and if so what they are.

If you’re buying a pre-fitted mobility vehicle, it may need some additional adaptations or alterations. The seller may be able to do these, or you may choose to go elsewhere.

If you’re purchasing a used vehicle ask whether it has any underlying problems, whether it’s been thoroughly inspected and what the inspection involved (for both the vehicle and its conversion components), whether they found any issues and how those issues were resolved. Whether using the Motability Scheme or making a private purchase, deciding and sticking to a realistic budget is key – just as it is with any private car purchase or lease scheme.

Above all, have an honest and informative discussion with the dealer. Dedicated wheelchair accessible vehicle providers should offer outstanding customer service and specialist knowledge to ensure you get the vehicle you need. Whether it’s for a private purchase or through the Motability Scheme, they will be able to help you decide the best way to finance your WAV, advise you on the most suitable modifications, and help you find what you are looking for based on your needs.