New data from the company responsible for the transformative Motability Scheme reveals that there are now 815,000 customers across the UK. The Motability Scheme provides an affordable solution for disabled individuals to enhance their mobility outdoors.
It allows individuals who receive a disability benefit, with an award for the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility component, to allocate some or all of the payment towards leasing a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair.
Individuals receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) and Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) are eligible to join the scheme. In addition to a new car, customers also receive insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, tyres and windscreen repairs as part of the package, reports the Daily Record.
The most recent price list for leasing packages has been released on the Motability Scheme website, revealing a selection of over 900 vehicles.
Despite the rising motoring costs that are impacting UK drivers, the Motability Scheme is still offering competitive leasing packages. Due to increased insurance expenses and shifts in the car market, Advance Payments for some vehicles have gone up
Nevertheless, these leasing deals are on average 45% more cost-effective than other leasing alternatives. When selecting a car or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, it’s crucial to note that while some options only require part or all of the mobility award payment (£75.75), most will ask for an upfront fee ranging from £100 to £2,000.
Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, commented on the new 2025 price list: “Drivers are seeing increased costs across the UK due to rising inflation and the price of energy, and these external factors affect what we can offer to our customers. We’re working with car manufacturers and our partners to provide good value to our customers and the Motability Scheme is 45 per cent cheaper on average compared to alternative options.”
“We’re committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Scheme during this unprecedented period of change so that we can continue to keep our customers connected now and in the long term.”
Everything included in the lease
The lease also includes a brand-new vehicle and a comprehensive package:
- Full RAC breakdown assistance
- 60,000 mileage allowance over three years, or 100,000 for WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles
- Kwik Fit replacement tyres
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- Many adaptations at no extra cost
- Yearly tax
- Three drivers – you can change these whenever you like
- Insurance
- Servicing and maintenance
More information about the Motability Scheme is available on their website.
Eligiblity for the Motability Scheme
If you’re uncertain about your eligibility for the Motability Scheme, you can utilise the scheme’s convenient online tool here.. The tool will ask who you’re checking for, which benefit or allowance you are currently receiving payments for, and how long is left on your benefit.
How to apply for the Motability Scheme
If you think you qualify for the scheme, you can either apply through a car dealership or apply online.
Applying through a dealer
You can visit any dealership of your choice and they will directly assist you with your order – this primarily applies if you’re in the market for a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. If you’re seeking a wheelchair accessible vehicle supplier or adaptations installer, you don’t need to worry about distance as they can come to you to help complete your order.
To apply with a dealer, you will need the following:.
- A grant award letter where applicable
- Driving licences for all drivers and details of any claims history
- The applicant’s National Insurance Number or Customer Reference Number
- The applicant’s UK passport or driver’s licence
- Driver declaration if the driver of the vehicle is not present
Apply online
You can apply online through your own Motability Scheme account. This is especially beneficial if you want more time to decide which vehicle is best for you.
To apply online, you will need:
- The applicant’s UK passport or driving licence
- The applicant’s National Insurance Number or Customer Reference Number
Full details of the Motability Scheme can be found here.