How the Motability scheme works: what you need to know before you apply

Confused about the Motability Scheme? Here’s a simple, clear guide to how it works, who qualifies, and what you can get.

The Motability Scheme is a UK charity that helps people who receive certain disability benefits get access to a brand-new vehicle – making everyday travel simpler, more affordable, and more independent.

If you’re eligible, you can exchange part or all of your benefit for a new car, typically for a three-year lease, with the option to upgrade to a new model at the end. Those who need a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) usually keep theirs for five years. The scheme also covers electric mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, offering support for a wide range of needs.

Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to apply, here’s everything you need to know about how the Motability Scheme works.

Remember, you can see which cars on the Motability scheme right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

How does the Motability scheme work?

The Motability scheme allows people who receive certain disability benefits to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair using their benefit payments.

If you qualify (for example through the mobility component of benefits such as Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance), the mobility part of your benefit is paid directly to Motability Operations. You do not receive this portion in cash. Instead, it’s used as your regular payment towards a lease agreement for a vehicle from an approved dealer.

Unless you choose a car that requires an Advance Payment, you do not pay anything out of pocket for the lease itself. Most standard vehicles are fully covered by your weekly or monthly benefit payments alone, and you will not receive a monthly bill. The benefit payment effectively replaces direct payments to you and is used directly to cover the cost of the lease.

If the vehicle you choose is more expensive, you may need to pay an additional one-off “Advance Payment” using your own money. This can range from around £95 to several thousand pounds, and in some cases up to approximately £7,500 depending on the vehicle. Grants may sometimes be available to help with this cost.

The lease typically lasts three years for a car. At the end of the agreement, you return the vehicle and can choose a new one if you remain eligible, continuing the cycle.

You do not need to be the driver yourself. You can nominate up to two drivers, such as family members or carers, as long as the vehicle is used for your benefit.

There are also mileage allowances over the lease period, which vary depending on the type of vehicle, with higher limits generally available for wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Overall, the scheme replaces direct cash benefit payments with a single ongoing contribution that covers the lease of the vehicle, along with insurance and other running costs included within the Motability package.

Who is eligible for the Motability scheme?

You’re eligible for the Motability scheme if you receive one of the following disability-related mobility benefits at the qualifying rate:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – enhanced rate mobility component
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – higher rate mobility component
• Child Disability Payment (Scotland) – higher rate mobility component
• Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) – enhanced rate mobility component
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

What else does the Motability scheme cover?

Insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover are included with Motability cars as part of the lease. If you choose an electric car, Motability will also arrange for a home chargepoint to be installed, where eligible.

The scheme also covers a wide range of vehicle adaptations to make driving easier or possible for people with disabilities. These can include features such as hand controls for the accelerator and brake, or a swivel seat to help with getting in and out of the vehicle.

Many standard adaptations are fitted at no extra cost if requested when ordering the car, although more complex installations or changes made during the lease may require an additional payment. Grants are available from Motability to help cover the cost of adaptations if needed.

What cars are on the Motability scheme?

A wide range of brand-new cars are available through the Motability scheme from most major manufacturers. This includes brands such as Audi, BMW, Citroen, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Skoda, and many others.

The scheme covers many types of vehicles, from small city cars and hatchbacks to SUVs, hybrid models, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric cars. Newer manufacturers, including some Chinese brands such as BYD, Jaecoo, and Chery, have also begun offering vehicles through the scheme.

You can see which makes and models are on the Motability scheme website here.

How to get a Motability car

Assuming you receive a qualifying disability benefit, you can join the Motability scheme and use your mobility payments to lease a car.

Once accepted, you can browse the range of available vehicles and choose one that suits your needs. You then place an order through an approved Motability dealer and may be able to arrange a test drive before deciding.

If the car costs more than your weekly benefit allowance covers, you may need to pay an additional one-off “Advance Payment” when ordering the vehicle.

After your order is confirmed, Motability sets up a lease agreement (usually for three years). Your qualifying benefit payments are then automatically paid directly to Motability to cover the lease, and the car is supplied by the dealer.

Once everything is finalised, the car is delivered or collected, and you can use it for the length of the agreement.

Motability scheme FAQs

How much is the Motability allowance?

There isn’t a separate “Motability allowance”. Instead, part of certain disability benefits is used to pay for a Motability lease.

Using Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as an example, it has two components: daily living and mobility. Each has standard and enhanced rates depending on your needs.

The mobility component is the part used for the Motability scheme. For example, the enhanced PIP mobility rate (and the DLA higher-rate mobility component) is £80 per week in the 2026/27 financial year, or about £320 every four weeks depending on the payment cycle.

Existing leases are generally unaffected once agreed, but costs for new customers can change over time due to pricing, insurance, and taxation factors within the scheme.

Does a Motability car have to be brand new?

Yes, all cars on the Motability Scheme are brand new at the start of the lease. You cannot lease a used car through the scheme.

How long does it take to get a Motability car?

Times vary depending on the manufacturer and model, but it can take several months from ordering to delivery, depending on availability and supply chains.

Can I buy a Motability car?

Since December 2023, you generally cannot buy your Motability car directly at the end of your lease. Cars must usually be returned, but you may be able to ask the supplying dealership to buy it from Motability and then sell it to you separately.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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