The Motability Scheme works with a network of expert Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) suppliers who play a crucial role in helping customers get mobile and enjoy worry-free motoring.
You might already be aware of the role they play in converting vehicles into WAVs – but do you know all of the other things that WAV suppliers look after during your lease? Read this article to learn more about how they support you throughout your lease.
What do WAV suppliers help you with?
Your WAV installer is your main point of contact throughout your lease. They will be able to support you with a range of things, such as:
- Helping you choose the right vehicle for you
- Ordering and delivering your new vehicle
- Making sure you are comfortable with your new WAV
- Offering assistance when arranging your servicing, maintenance and repairs
- Carrying out your annual WAV check
Did you know?
All of our dedicated WAV suppliers offer a nationwide service and can visit you at home for any demonstrations and test drives.
You can find the full list of WAV suppliers and their contact details here.
Choosing the right vehicle
First and foremost, WAV suppliers aim to help you choose the best vehicle for your needs. They will offer expert advice on everything from seating layouts to ground clearance, to help you decide which WAV is right for you.
They will also arrange for a home demonstration and test drive, to give you the chance to make sure that you choose the right vehicle before placing the order.
Ordering and delivery
Once you’ve decided which WAV you’d like to order, your WAV supplier will then place your application and get to work converting the standard, or ‘base’ vehicle, into a WAV.
Depending on the complexity of the vehicle you’ve ordered, this can take several weeks or several months, but your WAV supplier will keep you up to date throughout the process. They will also liaise with the adaptation installer if you are also having adaptations fitted to your WAV.
Once your vehicle is ready, they will deliver your WAV to your home address and give you another demonstration to make sure you are comfortable with your new vehicle.
Familiarisation check
About a month after you take delivery of your new WAV, your WAV supplier will be back in touch to offer a free check at your home to make sure you are getting the most out of your new vehicle.
The check will cover a reminder of how the features and functions of your new WAV work, and ensure it is meeting your needs and expectations.
If you are having any difficulty getting used to your WAV, this is a great opportunity to get more comfortable and confident in using your new vehicle with the help of your WAV supplier.
Servicing, maintenance and repairs
The next thing your WAV supplier supports you with is the routine servicing and maintenance of your vehicle.
As WAVs are converted from standard vehicles, you need to keep up with the manufacturer’s servicing schedule to keep the vehicle in good working order. Your supplier will help you ensure that your WAV is serviced and has its MOT test as required, throughout your lease.
Annual WAV check
On top of arranging the regular servicing for your vehicle, your WAV supplier will also carry out an annual WAV check for the conversion elements of your WAV.
This is carried out each year, usually at your home address, and will cover things like the ramp or lift and wheelchair tie-downs to ensure they are working correctly and still meet your needs.
If the supplier identifies that some of the conversion items need to be repaired, they will usually try take care of it there and then, but this is dependent on them having the parts they need with them at the time. If they need to order replacement parts, your supplier will arrange another convenient day with you to carry out the work and where possible will aim to complete the repairs at your home address.
Outside of any scheduled servicing or maintenance, your WAV supplier should still be your first point of contact for any mechanical concerns that you might have with your vehicle.
If you have any questions…
We have a dedicated customer area to support you at all points throughout your lease. Here, you can learn more about what’s included in your lease and what to do if something goes wrong.
Remember that you can also use the Motability Scheme online account to view your lease details, add or change your named drivers, or even start your next application from home.
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