What Is the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme is a UK programme that allows eligible disabled people to lease a new car, wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), mobility scooter, or powered wheelchair using their qualifying mobility benefit. Instead of receiving the mobility component of your benefit as cash, you exchange it for a lease that typically covers the vehicle, insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, maintenance, and tyres.
The scheme is operated by Motability Operations, a company overseen by the Motability charity. It has been running since 1978 and currently supports over 815,000 customers across the UK.
How Does It Work?
When you join the Motability Scheme, your qualifying mobility allowance is paid directly to Motability Operations to cover the cost of your lease. For many vehicles, this payment alone covers everything. For more popular or higher-specification models, you may need to pay an Advance Payment, which is a one-off upfront cost.
A standard car lease runs for three years, while powered wheelchairs and scooters are leased for five years. At the end of the lease, you return the vehicle and can choose a new one if you still qualify.
What Is Included in the Lease?
- A brand new vehicle of your choice from the available range
- Comprehensive insurance for up to three named drivers
- Full servicing, maintenance, and repairs
- Replacement tyres (including winter tyres where applicable)
- RAC breakdown assistance
- Windscreen repair and replacement
- Annual road tax
- A 60,000-mile allowance over three years (changing to 30,000 miles for new leases from July 2026)
Who Is Eligible?
To join the Motability Scheme, you must receive one of the following qualifying mobility benefits and have at least 12 months remaining on your award:
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) (Scotland)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
You cannot join the scheme if you only receive the standard rate mobility component of PIP, the lower rate mobility component of DLA, or benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance.
Key Changes from July 2026
The UK government has announced several significant changes to the Motability Scheme that will take effect from 1 July 2026 for new leases. Existing leases will not be affected until renewal.
Tax Changes
Advance Payments, which are currently VAT-free, will have 20% VAT added from July 2026. The Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) exemption will be restricted to wheelchair accessible vehicles only. Standard vehicle insurance will be subject to IPT at the standard rate of 12%.
Mileage Allowance Reduction
The mileage allowance for standard cars is being reduced from 60,000 miles over three years to 30,000 miles. For wheelchair accessible vehicles, the allowance drops from 100,000 miles over five years to 50,000 miles. Excess mileage charges are increasing from 5p per mile to 25p per mile.
Telematics Requirement
From April 2026, all new customers joining the scheme must have a telematics device (sometimes called a black box) fitted to their vehicle. This applies to all new customers regardless of age.
Vehicle Range Changes
Some premium and higher-cost vehicles are being removed from the scheme’s available range to focus on providing affordable, practical transport options.
How to Apply
Applying to the Motability Scheme is straightforward:
- Check your eligibility by confirming you receive a qualifying mobility benefit with at least 12 months remaining
- Visit a Motability dealer near you. You can find your nearest dealer on the Motability website
- Choose your vehicle from the available range, considering any Advance Payment
- Complete the application at the dealership with the help of a Motability specialist
- Receive your vehicle, typically within a few weeks
Alternatives to the Motability Scheme
If you are not eligible for the Motability Scheme or prefer to keep your mobility allowance, there are alternatives worth considering:
- Buying a used adapted vehicle privately or through specialist dealers
- Applying for a grant from charities such as the Family Fund or Motability’s own Charitable Grants programme
- Hire Purchase or PCP finance on a new or used vehicle with adaptations fitted separately
- The Access to Work scheme if you need a vehicle specifically for commuting to work
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else drive my Motability car?
Yes. You can name up to three drivers on your Motability insurance policy. The named drivers do not need to live at the same address as you, but you must be the main user of the vehicle.
What happens if my benefit is reassessed?
If your benefit is reduced or stopped, Motability Operations will contact you to discuss your options. There is typically a transition period, and the Motability Charitable Trust may be able to help with a grant towards alternative transport.
Can I get adaptations fitted to my Motability car?
Yes. Many adaptations can be fitted at no extra cost through the scheme, including hand controls, steering aids, wheelchair hoists, and transfer plates. More complex adaptations may require a contribution.
Sources & Useful Resources
Official Resources
- Motability Scheme Official Website – search cars, check advance payments, and apply
- GOV.UK: PIP Rates and Mobility Component – the qualifying benefit for Motability
- GOV.UK: Motability Scheme Guide
Charity & Advisory Resources
- Motability Foundation – grants, eligibility, and support
- Citizens Advice: Getting a Motability Car