Motability car scheme explained

The Motability scheme gives people with disabilities the chance to use their government-funded disability benefit to lease a new car and other mobility aids, such as scooters and electrically powered wheelchairs.

In this guide we explain who's eligible for the Motability scheme, which cars are available and the special adaptations that can be made.

Who qualifies for the Motability scheme?

The Motability scheme allows people who receive mobility allowance to exchange all or part of it for a lease on a vehicle of their choice, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

To be eligible, you must be in receipt of one of the following mobility benefits.

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

 You can find out if you qualify for the scheme by using the Motability online eligibility checker.

Who is allowed to drive a Motability car?

Provided the vehicle is used for your benefit (for example, for shopping or other essential or routine journeys), it can be used by up to three named drivers, whether that's friends, family or carers. The person leasing the car needn’t necessarily be in the vehicle at all, as long as they benefit from it.

Typically, named drivers will reside in the same household as the disabled customer. If they don't, Motability may require a location tracker to be fitted to ensure the person who qualifies for the scheme really is benefiting from the car.

Only one driver under the age of 21 is permitted, and all drivers 25 and under will only be allowed to drive cars falling into insurance group 16 or lower, limiting the choice of models available.

All drivers will need to hold a legally valid UK driving licence, applicable for the type of vehicle being leased. Other licence holders aren’t necessarily excluded, but further checks will apply.

Any serious driving endorsements, convictions or disqualifications in the past five years may also disqualify you from the scheme. For more information, check Direct Line Motability insurance, which covers vehicles used under the scheme.

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What vehicles are available on Motability?

The scheme offers a wide range of cars, from city cars and small hatchbacks to large family models and MPVs.

However, more expensive models are subject to a one-off advanced payment, as the mobility allowance doesn't entirely cover their cost. The more expensive a car is to buy, the more expensive the payment will be.

Some small cars, MPVs and SUVs are exempt from advance payments.

Volkswagen Motability

Volkswagen is the UK's best-selling car brand and several of its models are available through the Motability scheme.

Plenty of SUV models, such as the Tiguan and ID.4 are available through the scheme, though they will take up the entire mobility allowance and require a sizeable advance payment.

You can also choose from models such as the electric ID.3 model, the Golf hatchback and the Caddy Maxi MPV.

Ford Motability

As one of the nation’s longest-established car brands, Ford has a strong offering of Motability-scheme cars, from the immensely popular Ford Puma small SUV to the larger Ford Kuga. The brand also offers the Ford Mustang Mach-e, Ford Capri and Ford Explorer electric SUVs, as well as the Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Courier, which are suitable for a wide range of mobility adaptations. The Ford Focus and Ford Focus Estate are also offered.

Find out how dependable Ford models are – we reveal the most reliable car brands

Kia Motability

Seven of Kia's models are currently included in the Motability scheme. These are the Niro Hybrid SUV, along with the larger Sportage and the popular electric EV3 SUV. The bran's EV5 electric SUV is also offered, along with the EV4 and K4 hatchbacks and the Picanto city car.

How do I know if a Motability car is suitable for me?

If you need room for a wheelchair or other necessities, space and practicality are likely to be some of the most important things to consider when choosing a Motability car.

Each of our car reviews features detailed measurements of passenger and luggage space, as well as important usability information, such as visibility from the driver’s seat, so you can quickly narrow down a suitable model. 

Think about whether you need a car with an automatic gearbox, as most steering and throttle adaptations will only work with automatic cars. This needn’t limit your choice, as vehicles across the price spectrum are available with automatic transmissions of different types, although some are smoother and more responsive than others.

Also consider any convenience extras you might like, such as adaptive cruise control or lane departure aids. It’s worth taking an extended test drive to ensure the model you're considering really will meet your needs.

Originally founded by Which?, the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) has produced a free-to-use car search tool to help you find an appropriate car for your needs. RiDC also has guides on how to choose a Motability car and specialised car controls.

Where can I find a Motability dealer?

There are more than 4,500 Motability-approved dealerships in the UK, and you can use the Motability car dealer finder to locate those nearest to you. Some dealers offer home visits, while others will help you with transport to and from the showroom.

Adapting Motability cars

The Motability scheme offers around 500 different vehicle adaptations to tailor your new car to your specific needs. The following are just some of the features available:

• mechanical hand controls
• steering aids
• permanent and wheelchair swivel seats
• left-foot accelerators and other pedal modifications
• remote control of certain functions
• wheelchair stowage (rooftop and in-car systems)
• person hoists
• pedal guards

Many alterations are available at no additional cost, and you can even transfer adaptations between vehicles within the scheme.

A lot of more common adaptations are available free when you order your car, but you can see a full list of suppliers (and prices) on the Motability website. Not all adaptations will be suitable on all cars offered.

Got a Motability car in mind but want to know whether it’s any good? Head to our car reviews for a definitive verdict, including unique reliability and fuel economy data

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