The Motability Car Scheme UK: Advice and guidance for disabled people needing vehicles. Part 1

Disabled people often rely on cars to get out and about. It can help to know where to find the right vehicle that is accessible for you.

Introduction to the Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme operates throughout the UK. To get a vehicle, disabled people must apply for the scheme and they must qualify for the scheme. Applicants must receive certain benefits.

Motability vehicles include Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs). For people who are not wheelchair users, there are other cars available.

How does the Motability Scheme work?

The vehicles are owned by Motability. The vehicles are loaned to disabled people who qualify for and apply for the Motability Scheme. There is a ‘lease agreement’ between Motability and the disabled person.

The vehicle lease period usually lasts either three years or five years. Sometimes there are good reasons to extend a lease up to seven years.

At the end of a lease period, disabled people who qualify for the scheme can apply again for another vehicle.

As we'll see in the next part, Motability covers insurance, maintenance and repairs.

A note about Motability changes and The Budget 2025

The UK Government delivered its Budget 2025 on Wednesday 26 November. In some sections, we make it clear when we are discussing changes to the Motability scheme announced in late 2025 (see also a Q&A and a scheme changes page). In 2026, the Motability website and its news page will continue to publish more details about these changes. Most of the changes seem to be due in July 2026.

However, it is important to note that the changes will affect only some Motability vehicles. The changes will apply only to new leases of cars that are NOT wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).

Who qualifies for the Motability Scheme?

Only people who receive certain benefits can qualify for the scheme.

The benefit award must have at least 12 months left. You must have started receiving this benefit before the age of 65.

You need to receive one of these of qualifying benefits for the Motability Scheme:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA): Mobility Component at the Higher Rate

Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Mobility Component at the Enhanced Rate

Replacements for DLA & PIP in Scotland: Mobility Component at the Higher / Enhanced Rate

War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

I’m 65 or over and I’m a disabled person. Do I qualify?

If you are 65 or over, you must have started receiving a qualifying benefit before you reached 65. Attendance Allowance will not qualify you for the Motability Scheme. (Attendance Allowance is a benefit for older disabled people in the UK: it is open to people who apply after they have reached the age to get a State Pension).

How do I confirm if I qualify for the Motability Scheme?

The Motability Scheme website has an online tool to check if you can qualify. First, you click on the type of vehicle you need (for example, a car or a wheelchair accessible vehicle). Then you answer some simple online questions.

You can also contact Motability and get in touch with their customer services team.

When you know you are eligible, you can set up a Motability online account. This is not essential but it will save you time and help you in future. 

How people pay for a Motability vehicle

If you want to get a Motability vehicle (including a WAV), we’ve seen that you need to receive certain benefits. At least some of this becomes the payment for your vehicle.

For example, let's say you receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the higher rate. Motability will automatically take payment from the mobility component of your benefit. So it’s possible that all of your mobility component will go towards your vehicle.

Extra costs and Advance Payments (including changes in the Budget 2025)

More expensive vehicles (including most wheelchair accessible vehicles) could have some extra costs. Advance Payments will usually cover these extra costs.

There might be a gap between your mobility component (your benefit money that goes to Motability) and the cost of the vehicle. If there is a gap, the Advance Payment will cover it. You’ll pay this at the start of each lease period.

Advance payments might increase but only for some disabled people. We mentioned that in November’s Budget, the Chancellor announced tax changes for the Motability scheme. (see also a Q&A and scheme changes page).

From July 2026, VAT relief on some advance payments will end. Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will also be introduced. (Insurance is covered in part 2)

Motability say these particular tax changes are likely to lead to higher advance payments for some customers. For those who are affected Motability says that across a three-year lease, an advance payment could increase by £300 to £400.

Higher advance payments will come in only if you are someone in at least these two situations:

If you are applying for a new lease for cars that are NOT wheelchair accessible vechiles (WAVs)

AND

If You Do NOT qualify for financial help from the Motability Foundation.

Financial help for some costs (including the Advance Payment)

The Motability Foundation offers some means-tested grants, which can help with the Advance Payment. The grant can sometimes cover the whole Advance Payment. Only certain people qualify (for example, people on low income who receive certain benefits). The grants are based on:

Your financial circumstances

The vehicle you need (this might or might not be for the vehicle you ideally want)

Vehicle availability

Choosing the right vehicle or WAV (including changes in the Budget 2025)

The Motability Scheme website has a range of options so you can find the right vehicle. It’s important to explore the website before speaking to a vehicle supplier.

In November 2025, Motability confirmed a change. They will remove some of the more expensive vehicles on the scheme that are NOT wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs.) If you apply for a new lease agreement with Motability, they will no longer be available.

The vehicles leaving the scheme include all non-WAV vehicles by Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. Some journalists and politicians unhelpfully refer to these as ‘luxury’ or ‘premium’ brands. But they miss a crucial point. For the taxpayer, the cost of these vehicles is exactly the same as any other car on the Motability scheme. The extra cost of these vehicles is paid for by bigger advance payments from Motability customers. So disabled individuals pay more for these brands, not the taxpayer.

Does Motability offer electric vehicles?

Yes, Motability does offer electric vehicles. Motability provides some electric wheelchair accessible vehicles (eWAVs) as well as some electric cars.

It is not always guaranteed that applicants can get an electric vehicle. Motability will be happy to discuss options with you.

Motability Vehicle Suppliers + Home Demonstrations

On the Motability website, you should first select a vehicle that might work for you. Then you’ll see vehicle suppliers. These are approved suppliers for Motability cars and wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).

Work with the vehicle supplier to discuss your needs. If the vehicle is a WAV, they will discuss the size and type of wheelchair you use. The supplier will also talk about any specific adaptations you may need. They will arrange a free home demonstration of suitable vehicles or WAVs.

Find out more

In the second part of this guide, you'll find out more about vehicle adaptations, ordering and delivering your vehicle. You'll also discover more about who can drive the vehicle.