How does the Motability scheme work?

The Motability scheme is a program that enables individuals with disabilities to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using their government-funded mobility allowance. The scheme has been in operation since 1978 and has helped millions of people with disabilities to gain access to affordable, reliable, and safe mobility solutions.

The scheme operates on a lease basis, where eligible individuals can lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair through a Motability dealer. The program is designed to provide an affordable and hassle-free way for people with disabilities to access mobility solutions that best suit their needs.

Motability Eligibility

To qualify for the Motability scheme, you must be in receipt of one of the following mobility allowances:

• Higher rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
• Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

You must have at least 12 months remaining on your mobility allowance to be eligible for the scheme. The mobility allowance is paid directly to Motability Operations, the organisation responsible for managing the scheme.

Choosing a Motability Vehicle

Once you’ve been deemed eligible for the scheme, you can begin the process of selecting a vehicle that best suits your needs. Motability dealerships offer a wide range of vehicles, including cars, scooters, and powered wheelchairs. The range of vehicles available will depend on the specific dealer and their availability.

When selecting a vehicle, consider a range of factors, such as your mobility needs, the type of vehicle they require, and any adaptations that may be necessary to make the vehicle suitable for your use. Motability dealerships, like Automotive Group, offer a range of adaptations to ensure that vehicles can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Leasing with Motability

Once a vehicle has been selected, the leasing process can begin! Motability operates on a lease basis, with the cost of the lease paid directly from your mobility allowance. The lease includes insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover, making it a hassle-free way to access a vehicle.
The leasing process is very straightforward, you simply sign a lease agreement and pay an advance payment. The advance payment is a one-time fee that covers the cost of any adaptations required for the vehicle. The advance payment can be made using your mobility allowance, savings, or any other means of payment.

Using the vehicle

Once the leasing process is complete, you can begin using your new wheelchair accessible vehicle! Motability vehicles are equipped with a range of features to make them safe and easy to use, such as automatic transmission, power steering, and parking sensors. You’re responsible for ensuring that their vehicle is maintained and serviced regularly, although this is covered as part of the lease agreement.
At the end of the lease, you can choose to lease a new vehicle through the Motability scheme. They can also choose to purchase their current vehicle or return it to the dealership.

Benefits of the Motability scheme

The scheme offers a range of benefits to individuals with disabilities, including:

• Affordable and reliable access to mobility solutions
• Hassle-free leasing process, with insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover included
• Wide range of vehicles available, including cars, scooters, and powered wheelchairs
• Adaptations available to ensure that vehicles meet individual needs
• Freedom to choose a new vehicle at the end of the three-year lease

The Motability scheme has been a huge success, helping millions of people with disabilities to gain access to affordable and reliable mobility solutions.