The Complete Guide To The Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme is a registered disability charity that provides access to affordable motoring for people with disabilities.
Read our complete guide to the Motability Scheme to understand how Motability works, the application process, vehicle options on the scheme and the costs associated.
How does the Motability Scheme work
Motability is a government-funded scheme which allows you to exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for either a new car, mobility scooter or wheelchair.
Understanding the importance of a vehicle; it’s what keeps people connected to the world around them, to the everyday, to the care they need and to their work and education. Its purpose is simple, to provide freedom and independence for people within the disability community through affordable mobility solutions.
Eligibility for the Motability Scheme
To apply to join the scheme, you must receive a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months remaining on your award length. The following allowances are accepted:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
If you’re unsure, you can check your eligibility on the Motability website.
Vehicle options
There are hundreds of vehicles, mobility scooters and wheelchairs available on the Motability Scheme with new models getting added almost daily!
Choose from small hatchbacks to large SUV’s or travel mobility scooters to specialist powerchairs.
If you require guidance on finding a motability vehicle, read our motability car guide covering the aspects you need to consider.
Costs breakdown
The purpose of the Motability Scheme is to provide affordable access to a vehicle or mobility device. So, much of the costs typically associated with owning a car or mobility device, is fully covered through the scheme!
- Annual road tax included
- Insurance cover for three named drivers on the car
- Full breakdown assistance package
- Cover MOT and regular servicing appointments
- Funding for a wide range of car adaptations
All you need to do is pay for the initial Advance Payment and choose how much of your mobility allowance you want to spend per month. If you choose to upgrade some of the features on your car, then you’ll need to pay for those too.
Application process
Once you’ve established the car or mobility device you’d like to order, visit your chosen dealership or mobility shop as they will help to place your order. You will need to bring:
- Your driving licence or UK passport
- Know the National Insurance number (NINO) or Customer Reference Number (CRN) of the person receiving the allowance
- Certificate of entitlement for your award from either DWP or Veterans UK
- List of vehicle adaptations (if you have selected any for your car)
Alternatively, you can start your application online and finish it with your chosen dealer to save time!
Once your application is complete, Motability will run their eligibility and insurance checks. If approved, Motability will send you a letter to confirm your order, which usually takes around two weeks.
Support & Resources
The Motability Scheme provides support throughout the entire process through a variety of helpful guides, resources, FAQ’s and customer advisors.
You can also gain specialist guidance and advice from Motability accredited dealers and vehicle adaptation installers.
Our guide shows how the Motability Scheme works and the simple application process. Here at Mobility In Motion, we can help you select the right vehicle adaptations for your needs and advise on obtaining them on your Motability car. Get in touch with our friendly team of mobility experts.
Read our disability car allowance blog if you are looking for tips on how to use your mobility allowance and how it works.