Mobility Scheme
The Motability Scheme: A Complete Guide
For many disabled people across the UK, getting behind the wheel or simply being driven somewhere isn’t just convenient, it’s essential for staying independent, seeing family, getting to work or appointments, and being part of everyday life. The Motability Scheme was created to make that possible by turning a disability benefit into a brand-new, worry-free vehicle. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, who can join, and what’s included.
What is the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme lets you use your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair. Instead of receiving your mobility payment in cash each week, all or part of it goes towards the lease, and in return you get a vehicle with insurance, servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover all bundled in. You choose who’s allowed to drive, and the Scheme takes care of the rest.
Visit the Motability Scheme homepage
Who is eligible to join?
To join, you need to already be receiving a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months left on the award, along with a valid UK driving licence (either your own or that of a nominated driver). Qualifying allowances include the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Armed Forces Independence Payment, and the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. If you receive a lower rate or component of a mobility allowance, or benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, you won’t be able to apply, since these aren’t classed as qualifying allowances.
Check the full eligibility criteria
What’s included in your lease
One of the main reasons people join the Scheme is the peace of mind that comes from having everything bundled into one predictable package, rather than juggling separate bills.
Insurance
Fully comprehensive insurance is arranged for you, and you can add up to three named drivers, changing them whenever your circumstances change.
Servicing, MOTs and repairs
Routine servicing, MOTs and repairs are covered throughout the lease, so the vehicle is kept running safely without unexpected garage bills landing on your doorstep.
Breakdown cover
Every vehicle on the Scheme comes with breakdown cover, and cars or WAVs come with RAC cover specifically, so help is on hand if something goes wrong on the road.
Electric vehicle support
If you choose an EV, the Scheme will arrange and cover the cost of a home chargepoint and its standard installation, or give you access to the bp pulse public charging network, depending on your circumstances.
See exactly how the Scheme works
Choosing your vehicle
The Scheme covers a wide range of options, so the right choice really depends on your personal mobility needs.
Cars
Hundreds of models are available from most major manufacturers, including a growing number of electric and hybrid options, typically leased over three years.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)
A WAV lets you travel while seated in your own wheelchair, rather than transferring into a car seat. These are usually leased over five years to reflect their specialist nature.
Scooters and powered wheelchairs
For shorter, local journeys, a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair can be leased through the Scheme instead of a vehicle, also typically over a five-year term.
Browse vehicles on the Motability Scheme
Adaptations
A standard vehicle doesn’t always meet every driver’s needs, which is why the Scheme offers a wide range of adaptations, from simple aids like steering balls and swivel seats, to more advanced hand controls or hoists for getting in and out. Many common adaptations are fitted at no extra cost when ordered with your vehicle, and a Driving Mobility assessment can help you work out exactly what you need. If a specialist adaptation is too costly to afford, the Motability Foundation offers means-tested grants to help cover it.
Check the guidance on adaptations
Advance Payments and grants
Some vehicles are available with no upfront cost, while others, usually higher-spec or larger models, require a one-off Advance Payment on top of your allowance. If affording this payment (or the adaptations you need) would otherwise be out of reach, the Motability Foundation runs a means-tested grants programme that can help cover the shortfall, alongside support such as driving lessons for those with a provisional licence.
Check the guidance on grants for cars and adaptations
How to apply
Applying for a car or WAV can start online. Once you’ve had a test drive and settled on a vehicle you’re happy with, you take it to a Motability Scheme dealer, who will place the order for you. Cars are collected from the dealer, while WAVs, scooters and powered wheelchairs are delivered straight to your home. Your qualifying allowance is then paid directly to Motability to cover the lease, keeping the whole process simple.
A few things worth knowing
You can only have one lease on the Scheme at a time, so you can’t lease a car and a scooter simultaneously. The vehicle must be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled customer, and there are mileage limits over the length of the lease (currently up to 60,000 miles over three years for cars, and 100,000 miles over five years for WAVs, for orders placed before 1 July 2026). At the end of the agreement, the vehicle is returned. It cannot be purchased, but if you’re still eligible you can simply choose a new one and start the cycle again.
This guide is for general information only. Eligibility rules, prices and the details of what’s included can change, so always check the latest official information on the Motability Scheme website before making any decisions about your mobility allowance.
