Staycation Ready: Travel, Tow & Explore With Your Motability Car

Thanks to Mobility in Motion for inviting us at MotaClarity back for another collaboration. Following on from our guide to international travel with your Motability vehicle, we’re bringing things closer to home this summer, with a look at how to enjoy UK-based getaways, day trips and mini breaks, including the essentials of towing safely with your Motability car.

Whether it’s a long weekend by the coast or a countryside escape with all your kit in tow, we’ve got some practical pointers for disabled motorists and Motability Scheme customers planning their next great British adventure.

Summer Staycations: Freedom Without The Air Miles

With more people choosing to holiday closer to home, UK staycations are booming, and the good news is, if you have a disability or mobility issue (or if you care for someone who does), there’s still plenty of scope to travel comfortably and safely, with all the space and support you need.

From converted campervans and accessible lodges to wheelchair-friendly glamping pods, there’s a growing range of inclusive options that make road trips easier and more enjoyable than ever.

Whether you’re packing a tent, mobility scooter, or a trailer with extra luggage or equipment, forward planning is key, especially if towing is involved.

Can You Tow With a Motability Vehicle?

Many people don’t realise that towing is possible with many Motability Scheme cars, provided you have permission from Motability first. You’ll find many of the best Motability Scheme vehicles for towing in this recent MotaClarity article.

If you’re thinking about attaching a trailer, caravan, or loading up a rear-mounted rack this summer, make sure to:

• Contact the Motability Scheme first to discuss your specific vehicle and towing request.
• Use a Motability-approved installer if you’re given the go-ahead to fit a tow bar.
• Make sure you remove the tow bar before your lease ends, unless Motability has advised otherwise.

Towing For Wheelchair & Scooter Users

A trailer or rear rack can be a great solution if you need to transport a mobility scooter or powerchair but don’t have the space inside your vehicle. Just remember:

• Your car must have the right towing capacity, and the trailer must be road legal and securely attached.
• It’s your responsibility to make sure everything is properly secured and that the weight doesn’t exceed the vehicle limits.
• Consider how you’ll store and manoeuvre the trailer when it’s not in use, for example, on a caravan site or in a hotel car park.

Planning The Perfect Accessible Road Trip

When organising a road trip or UK holiday, accessibility should be front and centre. Whether you’re heading to the coast or exploring the countryside, a bit of planning can go a long way toward ensuring a stress-free journey. Here are a few useful resources to help you get started:

• Accessible accommodation: Websites like Disabled Holidays and VisitEngland’s Accessible Travel Guide highlight hotels, cottages and campsites with features such as step-free access, wet rooms and on-site parking.
• Inclusive attractions: Use Euan’s Guide to find reviews of accessible days out from other disabled visitors. For facilities like Changing Places toilets, check Changing Places UK.
• Electric car charging: If you drive an EV through the Motability Scheme, apps like Zap-Map or Motability GO Charge can help you find accessible charging stations along your route or near your accommodation.

And don’t forget to pack essentials like your Blue Badge, access cards (like the Access Card), or any travel documents related to your mobility equipment or adaptations.

Safety & Insurance When Towing

If you get the go-ahead to tow, it’s important that your insurance covers your setup. Direct Line Motability (the insurer for all Motability Scheme vehicles) doesn’t cover trailers or caravans, so you will need to arrange additional cover, and speak to them about your plans.

You’ll also need to make sure:

• The number plate on your trailer or caravan matches your vehicle.
• Lights and indicators are working properly.
• You drive at appropriate speeds and know your towing limits, especially on motorways and A-roads.

Planning On Going Abroad?

If you’re planning something further afield in the future, you might like to revisit our previous blog on travelling abroad with your Motability car here.

Thanks again to the team at Mobility in Motion for the opportunity to share another guest post. Wherever you’re heading this summer, we hope your journey is fun and full of memorable moments.