Motability Scheme Guide UK 2025
The Motability Scheme lets disabled people use their PIP, DLA, or Armed Forces mobility allowance to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. Over 670,000 people are on the scheme.
Contents
What Is the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme is a not-for-profit scheme that helps disabled people use their government mobility allowance to lease a brand-new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. It was established in 1977 and is run by Motability Operations, an independent company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Rather than receiving your mobility allowance as cash and arranging your own vehicle and insurance, the scheme lets you surrender part or all of your allowance directly to Motability Operations, who then provide you with a fully maintained and insured vehicle. The scheme is backed by major UK car manufacturers and dealers and offers access to hundreds of vehicle models.
Who Qualifies?
To join the Motability Scheme, you must receive one of the following qualifying benefits:
| Qualifying Benefit | Required Component | 2025/26 Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Enhanced Rate Mobility Component | £75.75/week |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | Higher Rate Mobility Component | £75.75/week |
| Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) | Any award | Varies |
| War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) | Any award | Varies |
In addition to receiving a qualifying benefit, you must:
- Have at least 12 months remaining on your current benefit award when you enter the scheme
- Be aged 3 years or older (there is no upper age limit)
- Hold a valid UK driving licence if you wish to drive the vehicle yourself, or nominate a driver if you are a passenger user
How the Scheme Works
The Motability Scheme operates as a contract hire (leasing) arrangement. You do not own the vehicle — you lease it from Motability Operations for a fixed period (usually 3 years for cars, 5 years for scooters and powered wheelchairs). At the end of the lease, you return the vehicle and can choose a new one.
Your weekly mobility allowance is paid directly to Motability Operations instead of to you. For most standard vehicles, your entire allowance covers the lease and all included services, leaving you with nothing additional to pay. For premium or expensive models, you may pay an advance payment at the start.
The lease includes a mileage allowance (typically 60,000 miles over 3 years for cars, or 20,000 miles per year). If you exceed the mileage limit, additional charges apply at the end of the lease. If you need more mileage, you can discuss this with Motability when joining.
What’s Included in the Scheme
Costs and Advance Payments
The weekly mobility allowance (e.g. £75.75/week for PIP Enhanced Rate Mobility in 2025/26) is used as the lease payment. For most vehicles, this covers the full cost of the lease. However, premium or higher-specification vehicles may require an advance payment — a lump sum paid upfront.
Examples of how advance payments work:
- A standard family hatchback: typically £0 advance payment
- A mid-range SUV: may require £1,000–£3,000 advance payment
- A premium or luxury car: may require £5,000+ advance payment
- Electric vehicles: many EVs are available with low or zero advance payments due to Motability’s pricing arrangements
Prices change quarterly as Motability updates its range. Always check the current Motability price list at motability.co.uk before making a decision.
Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs
The Motability Scheme is not limited to cars. You can also use your qualifying benefit to lease a powered scooter or a powered wheelchair (also known as a Powered Indoor and Outdoor Wheelchair, or PIOW).
Key differences for scooters and powered wheelchairs:
- Lease period: 5 years (longer than the 3-year car lease)
- Application: Through Motability-approved suppliers, not car dealers
- Assessment: You may need to be assessed by an occupational therapist to ensure the product meets your needs
- Insurance and maintenance: Included as with cars
- Mileage: No mileage limits apply to scooters or powered wheelchairs
Scooters range from small portable models to large Class 3 road-legal scooters. Powered wheelchairs include manual-style powered chairs and larger outdoor models. All products on the Motability scheme are supplied new.
Vehicle Adaptations
One of the major benefits of the Motability Scheme is access to a wide range of vehicle adaptations. If you have specific mobility or accessibility needs, Motability works with approved adaptation specialists to modify the leased vehicle. Many adaptations are available at no cost; others may require a contribution.
Common adaptations available include:
- Hand controls (push-pull, push-right-angle)
- Steering aids (spinner knobs, tri-pins, ball grips)
- Swivel seats and seat risers
- Pedal modifications (left-foot accelerator, pedal guards)
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) with ramps or lifts
- Hoists and loading systems for wheelchairs and scooters
- Push-button ignition, wider door mirrors, and other comfort adaptations
If you need a full wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), these are available through the scheme and some include conversion to allow you to travel and even drive from a wheelchair. WAVs are generally available from a small number of specialist conversion companies on the approved list.
Choosing a Car
The Motability Scheme offers hundreds of vehicles from nearly all major manufacturers. You can browse the current range at motability.co.uk. When choosing a vehicle, consider:
- Advance payment: Can you afford the upfront cost if required?
- Size and practicality: Does it meet your daily needs (boot space, seating)?
- Adaptations required: Is the vehicle compatible with any adaptations you need?
- Fuel type: Many electric and hybrid vehicles are available; consider charging infrastructure at home
- Mileage needs: The standard 60,000-mile allowance over 3 years may not suit high-mileage users
You can test drive vehicles through participating Motability dealerships before committing. The dealer will also handle the application process and paperwork on your behalf.
How to Apply for the Motability Scheme
- Check your eligibility: confirm you receive a qualifying benefit with at least 12 months remaining.
- Browse the vehicle range at motability.co.uk and choose a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair.
- Contact a Motability-approved dealer (for cars) or supplier (for scooters/wheelchairs). You can search for approved dealers on the Motability website.
- Complete the application at the dealership. You will need your benefit award letter, driving licence (if applicable), and proof of identity.
- The dealer submits the application to Motability Operations. Processing typically takes a few days to two weeks.
- Once approved, your new vehicle will be ordered from the manufacturer and delivered to the dealer, usually within 6–10 weeks (delivery times vary by model).
- Collect your vehicle from the dealer, who will explain all the included services and hand over documentation.
Leaving the Scheme
You may need to leave the Motability Scheme if your qualifying benefit ends, if your award is reduced below the required level, or if you choose to leave voluntarily.
If your benefit stops: You have 26 weeks from the end of your benefit to return the vehicle. During this time you can continue to use the vehicle as normal. Motability provides a £750 transition support payment to help you arrange alternative transport. This payment is made automatically.
If your benefit is reinstated: If you successfully appeal a benefit decision and your award is restored, contact Motability promptly. Depending on the timing, it may be possible to reinstate your contract.
End of contract: At the end of your 3-year (or 5-year) lease, you simply return the vehicle and can start a new contract with a new vehicle of your choice. If the vehicle is returned in good condition with reasonable mileage, there are no additional charges. A ‘Good Condition Bonus’ of up to £250 was previously available but check current scheme terms for any such incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Motability Scheme?
You qualify if you receive the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of PIP, the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA, the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. You must have at least 12 months remaining on your award and be aged 3 or over.
What is included in the Motability Scheme?
The scheme includes fully comprehensive insurance for you and up to two named drivers, all scheduled servicing and maintenance, RAC breakdown cover (UK and Europe), tyre replacement, windscreen repair and replacement, and a new vehicle every 3 years (5 years for scooters and powered wheelchairs). You do not arrange these separately.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
Most standard vehicles have no advance payment — your weekly mobility allowance covers everything. More expensive or premium vehicles require an advance payment (a lump sum paid upfront). Advance payments are non-refundable if you leave the scheme early. Always check the current Motability price list before choosing.
Can I get a scooter or powered wheelchair through Motability?
Yes. Powered scooters and powered wheelchairs are available through the scheme. The lease period is 5 years (not 3). Insurance, servicing, and breakdown are all included. You may need an occupational therapist assessment to ensure the product meets your specific needs.
What happens if my PIP or DLA ends?
You have 26 weeks from when your benefit ends to return the vehicle. Motability automatically pays a £750 transition support payment to help you arrange alternative transport. If your benefit is reinstated on appeal, contact Motability promptly as reinstatement of your contract may be possible.
Can I get adaptations fitted to my Motability car?
Yes. A wide range of adaptations including hand controls, swivel seats, wheelchair hoists, and steering aids are available through approved suppliers. Some are free; others require a contribution. All adaptations must be removed or returned with the vehicle at lease end. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) are also available through the scheme.
How many drivers can be insured on my Motability vehicle?
The scheme includes insurance for the customer plus up to two additional named drivers aged 25–70 at no extra cost. Drivers aged 21–24 or 71 and over can be added for an additional premium. The drivers do not need to be disabled themselves.