Who Can Join the Motability Scheme?

To be eligible for the Motability Scheme, you must receive one of these qualifying mobility allowances with at least 12 months remaining:

You Don't Need to Drive

You don't need to be able to drive to join the Motability Scheme. You can nominate up to two named drivers (plus yourself if you drive) to use the vehicle. This could be family members, carers, or friends who help you with your mobility needs.

Children Can Join Too

Children aged 3 and over who receive the higher rate mobility component of DLA or Child Disability Payment can join the scheme. Parents or guardians can lease the vehicle on behalf of the child and nominate drivers to use it for the child's benefit.

How the Motability Scheme Works

The Motability Scheme is straightforward: you exchange your mobility allowance payments for a lease on a brand-new vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair. Here's how it works:

1. Choose Your Vehicle

Browse thousands of vehicles available on the scheme, including:

• Cars – from small city cars to large family vehicles, including electric and hybrid options
• Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) – specially adapted so you can travel in your wheelchair
• Mobility Scooters – transportable, standard, and road-legal models
• Powered Wheelchairs – indoor/outdoor models with various features

2. Pay an Advance Payment (If Required)

Many vehicles are available with no advance payment – you simply use your weekly allowance with nothing upfront. However, if you choose a more expensive vehicle, you may need to pay a one-off advance payment to cover the difference between your allowance and the vehicle cost.

Advance payments are non-refundable and typically range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the vehicle.

3. Your Mobility Allowance Goes Directly to Motability

Once you join the scheme, your mobility allowance is paid directly to Motability Operations (the company that runs the scheme on behalf of the charity). You won't receive this money yourself – it goes straight to cover your lease.

4. Use Your Vehicle Worry-Free for Three Years

Most car leases last three years, with an allowance of 60,000 miles (20,000 miles per year). At the end of three years, you return the vehicle and can choose a new one.

Scooter and powered wheelchair leases vary, but typically last three to five years depending on the product.

What's Included in Your Motability Package?

The Motability Scheme offers exceptional value because everything is included in your lease. Here's what you get:

Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is included for up to three named drivers. The insurance covers:

• Accident damage
• Fire and theft
• Windscreen repair and replacement
• Up to two replacement tyres per year
• Breakdown cover in the UK and Europe
• European travel cover for up to 90 days

One of your named drivers can be under 21 years old, which is particularly helpful for families with young carers or adult children.

Servicing and Maintenance

All routine servicing, maintenance, and MOT tests are included. The scheme will arrange these at approved garages, and you won't pay a penny.

Breakdown Cover

24/7 breakdown assistance is included through RSA Motability. If your vehicle breaks down, you'll receive roadside assistance, recovery, and onward travel or overnight accommodation if needed.

Replacement Vehicle

If your vehicle needs repairs lasting more than 24 hours, you'll be provided with a replacement vehicle at no extra cost.

Adaptations

If you need vehicle adaptations to drive or travel safely, many are included at no extra cost. This includes items like:

• Hand controls
• Left foot accelerators
• Steering aids
• Swivel seats
• Wheelchair hoists
• Parking sensors

More complex adaptations may require an additional payment, but financial help is available through grants (see below).

Cars vs. Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs

The Motability Scheme offers both vehicles (cars and WAVs) and products (scooters and powered wheelchairs). Here's how to decide which is right for you:

Choose a Car or WAV If:

• You need to travel longer distances regularly
• You want to travel with family members or carers
• You need weather protection and secure storage
• You can transfer into a car seat, or you need a WAV to travel in your wheelchair
• You want to carry shopping, equipment, or mobility aids

Choose a Scooter or Powered Wheelchair If:

• You mainly need help with shorter journeys (shops, appointments, visiting friends)
• You live in an area with good pavements and accessible routes
• You prefer independent travel without relying on a driver
• You want something more portable that can be transported in another vehicle
• You need indoor mobility support as well as outdoor

Types of Scooters Available

Types of Powered Wheelchairs Available

Powered wheelchairs range from compact indoor models to robust outdoor chairs with advanced suspension and all-terrain capabilities. Your Motability dealer will assess your needs and recommend suitable products.

Advance Payments Explained

An advance payment is a one-off, upfront payment that covers the difference between the total cost of leasing your chosen vehicle and the amount covered by your mobility allowance over the lease period.

Vehicles with No Advance Payment

Hundreds of vehicles are available with zero advance payment. This means you use your mobility allowance only, with nothing to pay upfront. These vehicles offer excellent value and are ideal if you don't have savings or can't afford an advance payment.

Vehicles Requiring an Advance Payment

If you choose a more expensive or larger vehicle (such as a WAV or premium car), you may need to pay an advance payment. These payments typically range from £200 to £8,000 or more, depending on the vehicle.

The advance payment is non-refundable. If you end your lease early or your benefit is stopped, you won't get this money back.

Price Freeze Guarantee

The Motability Scheme offers a price freeze guarantee. This means that the advance payment you see when you apply is the price you'll pay, even if vehicle prices increase before your handover date. This protects you from market price changes.

How to Apply for the Motability Scheme

Joining the Motability Scheme is straightforward. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you receive one of the qualifying mobility allowances with at least 12 months remaining. You can use the eligibility checker on the Motability website or call their helpline.

Step 2: Browse Available Vehicles

Visit the Motability website to search thousands of available vehicles. You can filter by:

• Advance payment amount (including £0)
• Fuel type (petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid)
• Body type (hatchback, SUV, estate, etc.)
• Features (automatic, high boot, wheelchair accessible)

Step 3: Find a Dealer

Once you've chosen a vehicle or product, find an approved Motability dealer near you. The Motability website has a dealer locator tool. Book an appointment with their Motability specialist.

Step 4: Dealer Appointment

At your appointment, the dealer will:

• Check your eligibility and benefit award details
• Discuss your mobility needs and any adaptations required
• Arrange test drives if you're choosing a car
• Help you complete the application paperwork
• Explain advance payment options (if applicable)

Step 5: Order Your Vehicle

Once you've decided, the dealer will order your vehicle. Delivery times vary depending on the make and model, but typically range from a few weeks to several months. Electric vehicles may have longer waiting times.

Step 6: Collection or Delivery

When your vehicle is ready, you'll collect it from the dealer or they'll deliver it to your home. The dealer will show you how everything works, including any adaptations, and you'll sign the lease agreement.

Your mobility allowance payments will automatically transfer to Motability Operations from the start date of your lease.

Vehicle Adaptations and Accessibility

The Motability Scheme understands that disabled people have diverse needs. That's why they offer a wide range of adaptations to make vehicles safer and more accessible.

Standard Adaptations (Usually Included)

Many common adaptations are included in your lease at no extra cost:

Complex Adaptations

More complex adaptations may require an additional payment. These include:

• Transfer plates and turntables for wheelchair users who drive
• Person hoists
• Extensive electronic driving systems
• Bespoke adaptations for rare mobility needs

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)

If you need to travel in your wheelchair, you can choose a WAV. These vehicles are specially converted with:

• Lowered floors or ramps for easy access
• Wheelchair restraint systems
• Secure seating positions
• Space for carers or family members

WAVs typically require an advance payment, but financial help may be available through the Motability Foundation if you can't afford it.

Financial Help and Grants

If you need help affording a vehicle, adaptations, or advance payments, the Motability Foundation offers charitable grants to help people in financial need.

Grants for Advance Payments

If you need a specific vehicle (such as a WAV or larger car) but can't afford the advance payment, the Foundation may be able to help. Grants are means-tested and based on your individual circumstances.

Grants for Adaptations

If you need expensive adaptations that aren't fully covered by the scheme, the Foundation may provide financial assistance. This is particularly helpful for complex driving systems or bespoke passenger adaptations.

The Specialised Vehicles Fund

The Motability Foundation manages the government's Specialised Vehicles Fund, which provides additional financial support for people who need heavily adapted vehicles with complex modifications.

Grants for People Losing Benefits

If your mobility allowance stops following a reassessment (for example, if you move from DLA to PIP and are turned down), the Foundation may provide a grant to help you purchase a replacement vehicle or adaptations independently.

How to Apply for a Grant

To apply for financial help from the Motability Foundation:

1. Call the Grants Team on 0800 500 3186 before ordering your vehicle
2. Explain your mobility needs and financial situation
3. If they think they can help, they'll send you an application form
4. Complete the form with supporting evidence (benefit letters, bank statements, medical reports)
5. A Case Manager will assess your application and let you know the decision within six weeks

Other Schemes and Support

Access to Work: If you need a vehicle or adaptations to travel to work, you may be eligible for an Access to Work grant from the government to help with costs.

Driving Assessment Grant: If you're learning to drive or returning to driving after an illness or injury, the Foundation offers grants to help pay for professional driving assessments and familiarisation lessons.

Blue Badges and Other Benefits

If you receive the higher or enhanced rate mobility component and use the Motability Scheme, you automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in England, Scotland, and Wales.

The Blue Badge allows you to park in disabled parking bays and provides parking concessions such as parking on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours (check local restrictions).

Apply for your Blue Badge through your local council. There's a small fee (£10 in England, free in Scotland and Wales), and badges last three years.

Common Questions

Returning Your Vehicle

At the end of your three-year lease, you'll need to return your vehicle to the dealer. Here's what to expect:

Good Condition Guidance

Vehicles should be returned in good condition with fair wear and tear. This means:

• The vehicle is clean inside and out
• All equipment and accessories are present
• Service history is up to date
• No damage beyond minor scuffs or small scratches
• All adaptations are in working order

End of Lease Charges

You may be charged for:

• Excess mileage (approximately 5p per mile over 60,000)
• Damage beyond fair wear and tear
• Missing accessories or equipment
• Outstanding traffic fines or parking charges

Getting Help and Advice

The Motability Scheme has excellent customer support to help you throughout your lease: