Published 04/06/2025
Alternative Mobility terms and conditions
May 2025
Please note that depending on the nature and duration of your claim, your eligibility for different mobility types will vary. If you have a vulnerability or additional medical needs, please let our team know at hello@octopusev.com or 020 3389 5959 so we can better support you.
1. Definitions
For the purpose of these Alternative Mobility Terms and Conditions, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:
- Alternative Mobility: Refers to any temporary transportation solution provided to the lessee when their leased vehicle is temporarily unavailable, which may include a replacement vehicle, Uber vouchers, taxi services, ride-sharing options, or public transport cost coverage.
- Leased Vehicle: Refers to the primary electric vehicle leased by the lessee from Octopus EV under the separate lease agreement.
- Lessee: Refers to the individual or entity that has entered into a lease agreement with Octopus EV for the provision of an electric vehicle.
- Octopus EV: Refers to Octopus Electric Vehicles Limited, the provider of the vehicle lease and these alternative mobility services.
- Driverline: Refers to the telephone contact number provided by Octopus EV for driver assistance and claims reporting.
- MOT: Refers to the Ministry of Transport test, a mandatory annual safety and emissions test for vehicles in the United Kingdom.
- ICE Vehicle: Refers to an Internal Combustion Engine vehicle, a vehicle powered by a conventional petrol or diesel engine.
- Uber Vouchers: Refers to electronic credits issued by Octopus EV for use with the Uber ride-sharing application.
- Partner: Refers to any third-party vehicle rental, repair, or transportation service provider engaged by Octopus EV to facilitate alternative mobility solutions.
- Lease Agreement: Refers to the separate agreement entered into between Octopus EV and the lessee for the lease of the primary electric vehicle.
Provision of Alternative Mobility
2.1 Octopus EV may, at its discretion and subject to the terms herein, provide an alternative mobility solution to eligible lessees for essential travel purposes during periods when their leased vehicle is temporarily unavailable.
2.2 Eligibility for alternative mobility is determined in accordance with the lessee's driver handbook. The provision of alternative mobility is solely for essential mobility needs.
2.3 While Octopus EV will endeavour to provide a replacement vehicle of a similar category to the leased vehicle, this is subject to the availability of vehicles from third-party providers and cannot be guaranteed. Octopus EV will use reasonable efforts to accommodate the lessee's preferences, but an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle may be offered if an electric alternative is not available due to time, delivery constraints (e.g., outside mainland UK, out-of-hours delivery), or vehicle availability.
2.4 For mobility needs less than seventy-two (72) hours, Octopus EV may issue Uber vouchers. In areas where Uber doesn’t operate, Octopus EV may cover the equivalent in taxi, other ride-sharing options, or public transport costs, provided that receipts are provided.
2.5 The provision of alternative mobility is subject to the condition that the leased vehicle is not classified as driveable according to MOT standards and presents safety concerns. If the leased vehicle is deemed driveable and does not have safety concerns, alternative mobility will not be automatically offered.
2.6 Alternative mobility may not be offered if the lessee has rejected suitable courtesy options from a partner for reasons outside of documented medical grounds.
Vehicle Use
3.1 Any alternative mobility vehicle provided must be used solely for personal or business purposes as outlined in the lessee’s primary lease agreement with Octopus EV.
3.2 The alternative mobility vehicle must not be used for any unlawful activities, racing, or off-road driving.
3.3 The alternative mobility vehicle must not be subleased or lent to any third party not explicitly covered under these terms.
3.4. Pets and usage abroad will be dependent on the party providing the temporary vehicle, and additional checks may be required.
Duration
4.1 Unless Octopus EV explicitly agrees otherwise in writing, the longest you can continuously use a single alternative mobility vehicle under these terms is twenty-eight (28) days.
4.2 We will support your mobility for the entire duration of the repairs to your leased vehicle. Please note that we reserve the right to change the alternative vehicle provided during this time.
Accidents
5.1 In the event of an accident involving the alternative mobility vehicle, the lessee must immediately notify Octopus EV via the designated channels (e.g., Driverline, partner insurance reporting as directed).
5.2 The lessee’s responsibilities for any damages to the alternative mobility vehicle will remain consistent with the damage responsibilities outlined in their primary lease agreement with Octopus EV.
Maintenance and Servicing
6.1 The lessee is not permitted to arrange or undertake any maintenance or servicing on the alternative mobility vehicle without the express written consent of Octopus EV. Any issues requiring maintenance should be reported immediately to Octopus EV.
Fees and Payments
7.1 The lessee is responsible for any additional fees associated with the use of the alternative mobility vehicle, including but not limited to charges for excess mileage (as per clause 4.4), fuel costs, fines, and any tolls or congestion charges incurred during the hire period.
7.2 A cancellation fee, the amount of which will depend on the partner's policy, will be applied if the alternative mobility vehicle cannot be collected due to the lessee's absence.
Insurance
8.1 The lessee is required to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage that is valid for the duration of the alternative mobility period. Specific insurance criteria for different types of alternative vehicles will be communicated to the lessee at the time of provision. For vehicles covered under Octopus EV’s third-party insurance policies (where applicable), the terms and conditions of that policy will apply.
Returning Your Hire
9.1 The lessee must return the alternative mobility vehicle in the same condition as it was received, allowing for reasonable wear and tear. An inspection will be conducted upon the vehicle’s return.
9.2 The lessee will be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of any excessive damage to the alternative mobility vehicle or for any missing equipment that is not attributable to reasonable wear and tear.
General
10.1 Octopus EV reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Notice of any changes will be provided to the Customer via appropriate communication channels.
10.2 The provision of alternative mobility is subject to these terms and conditions and may be refused, withdrawn, or altered at Octopus EV’s discretion.
10.3 Any queries regarding alternative mobility arrangements in specific circumstances should be directed to Octopus EV for clarification
Octopus Electric Vehicles reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions. Notice of any changes will be provided to the Customer.