Motability Scheme

Who can use the Motability Scheme?

The Scheme is open to anyone who receives one of the following benefits, and has at least 12 months' award length remaining when they apply:

Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

Around two-thirds of our customers drive, but non-drivers can get a car as a passenger. Similarly, parents and carers can also apply on behalf of a child.

There are:

NO medical assessments
NO credit checks

How the Motability Scheme works

Simply exchange your mobility allowance for a worry-free mobility package, on either the Car Scheme or the Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme.

Car Scheme includes:
• A new car every three years
• Full insurance
• Servicing, maintenance and repairs
• Road tax
• Tyres
• Breakdown cover
• 60,000 miles over three years
• Adaptations and wheelchair accessible vehicles are also available

Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme includes:
• A powered wheelchair or scooter
• Full insurance
• Servicing, maintenance and repairs
• Tyres and batteries
• Breakdown cover
• Free no obligation home demonstration

There’s also a hire purchase alternative for people who wish to own the car, wheelchair or scooter at the end of the agreement.

Getting on the road

The most popular option, chosen by over 95% of customers, is the contract hire of a new car. Customers choose a new car every three years with insurance, road tax, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover all included in a single monthly payment. For most Motability customers, a standard production car, including automatic models, is suitable for their needs. However, a wide range of adaptations, such as hand controls, and wheelchair accessible vehicles are also available.

Once their application has been accepted, the customer pays all, or part, of their allowance to Motability for the period of the contract hire or hire purchase agreement. Almost half of the customers on the Contract Hire Car Scheme simply transfer their allowance to Motability, for the period of the agreement, without any additional payment. However, on larger or more expensive models, an additional payment may be required.

Financial Help

Motability may also be able to offer financial help to customers who would otherwise be unable to afford the mobility solution that they need. For example, to help towards the cost of the advance payment for a suitable car, adaptations, driving lessons or a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

The following are external links to useful leaflets produced by Motability:

Introduction leaflet

An Introduction to the Motability Scheme (PDF 331KB)
An A5 Leaflet, which includes the DVD, aimed directly at the disabled person, or their family, explaining who is eligible and how to apply. Ideal for organisations who are able to display leaflets in a public or waiting area.

Adaptations brochure

Make it yours (PDF 1MB)
An easy-to-read guide to the wide range of adaptations available to enable clients to drive safely or travel comfortably in their car.

WAV Guide

Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (PDF 3.6MB)
This new guide provides practical advice and information on Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) for anyone wanting to travel in their wheelchair either as a driver or passenger.