Motability vs mobility – Whats the difference?
Motability and Mobility schemes here in the UK may sound similar but there are some big differences which our customers are often unaware of. This post will outline the main differences giving a definition of both Motability and Mobility and what both of these could mean for you the user. We offer a variety of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles here at WAVS GB both used and new and we also allow users to hire their WAV before buying it.
If you want to find out more about the mobility options we offer here then please get in touch with a member of the team today and we will be happy to help answer any questions that you may have.
What is Motability?
There is a bit of confusion about what exactly a Motability scheme is in the UK and how this can help wheelchair users or those with various ailments. Simply put, a Motability scheme in the UK is aimed at providing disabled people families and most of the time their carers the ability to lease a new or used car. It exchanges the mobility allowance that is received to a lase for the new vehicle or scooter. Motability is funded by the government’s mobility allowance which can cause confusion between the two. The way this system works in terms of the choosing of a new wheelchair accessible vehicle is that every 5 years the wheelchair user is able to change their WAV and replace it. Motability can be used in conjunction with the user’s savings or income, so if you wanted to buy a WAV that is not covered by the Mobility amount you could add money yourself allowing you to have the WAV you desire. Insurance for vehicles purchased through the Motability scheme is supplied by Royal and Sun Alliance as they have dedicated motability divisions in addition there is also breakdown cover that is supplied exclusively by the RAC.
You can join the Motability scheme if you receive any of the following:
- Higher Rate of Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
If you have any questions about the Motability scheme and how this may directly apply to you please get in touch with a member of the team today!
What is Mobility?
Mobility is a government scheme that relates to the allowance that is provided to wheelchair users and people with ailments. The allowance is provided by the department of work and pensions and is there to assist people who suffer from a disability. There are varying levels of the scheme which apply to different people and as stated above the 4 main schemes are
- Higher Rate of Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
There are a variety of helpful sites out that break down the low, mid and high levels of potential allowance that can be supplied by the government. For the mobility component there are two levels which are as follows:
- Lower – Guidance or supervision outdoors
- Higher – You have any other, more server, walking difficulty
The payments for the government mobility allowance is usually paid every 4 weeks. For full information head on over to the gov.uk site.
What is the difference between Motability and Mobility?
The main difference between the Motability scheme and the mobility allowance is exactly that. Mobility allowance is the sum of money that is given to you by the government and the Motability scheme is able to transform that mobility allowance into an allowance that can be used to buy a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
You can browse the full range of our Mobility Vehicles For Sale by heading to the link provided in addition to this feel free to head to the Bath showroom or get in touch with a member of the team today!
