The Motability Scheme, which provides an affordable way for disabled individuals to lease vehicles using their disability benefits, continues to support hundreds of thousands of people across the UK. New figures reveal that 815,000 customers are now using the scheme, including around 80,000 in Scotland.
The latest update from Motability Operations, the company managing the scheme, confirms that despite rising motoring costs and inflation, the programme remains one of the most cost-effective ways for disabled individuals to gain mobility. However, some changes in pricing and Advance Payments mean that applicants need to be aware of the latest options.
What Is the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme allows individuals who receive specific disability benefits to exchange some or all of their mobility allowance for a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), scooter, or powered wheelchair.
The scheme operates under two names:
- Motability Scheme (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme (Scotland, under Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment)
While the names differ, the benefits and eligibility criteria remain the same, ensuring that disabled individuals across the UK have equal access to mobility support.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Motability Scheme, an applicant must be receiving one of the following disability benefits with an award for the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility component:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
Applicants can use part or all of their mobility award to lease a vehicle, ensuring that they have access to safe, reliable transport without the financial burden of ownership.
What’s Included in the Lease?
One of the biggest advantages of the Motability Scheme is that it covers more than just the vehicle itself. The leasing package includes:
- Insurance for the vehicle and up to three named drivers
- Servicing and maintenance
- Full RAC breakdown assistance
- Yearly tax
- Replacement tyres (Kwik Fit)
- Windscreen repair or replacement
- Mileage allowance (60,000 miles over three years, or 100,000 miles for WAVs)
- Many adaptations at no extra cost
This comprehensive package ensures that users do not have to worry about additional motoring expenses, making it a financially viable option compared to standard car ownership.
New 2025 Pricing and Advance Payments
The latest update from Motability Operations includes the 2025 pricing list, detailing over 900 available vehicles. While the scheme continues to offer good value, some Advance Payments (the upfront cost for certain vehicles) have increased due to rising car prices and insurance costs.
Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, addressed these changes:
“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.”
Despite these financial pressures, the Motability Scheme remains 45% cheaper on average compared to other leasing options, according to recent assessments.
However, customers should be aware that some vehicles now require an upfront payment, ranging from £100 to £2,000, depending on the model.
How to Apply for the Motability Scheme
Applying for the Motability Scheme is a straightforward process. Applicants can:
- Visit the Motability website to browse available vehicles.
- Find a dealership that offers Motability-approved cars.
- Provide their certificate of entitlement, included in their disability benefit award letter.
- Choose their vehicle and complete the leasing agreement.
For those in Scotland, Social Security Scotland manages applications under the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme, with the same process and benefits.
A Vital Lifeline for Many
With over 815,000 people now benefiting from the Motability Scheme, it continues to be a crucial support system for those with limited mobility, helping them access affordable and reliable transport. The scheme offers much more than just a vehicle, providing a comprehensive package that includes insurance, servicing, breakdown assistance, and adaptations—all designed to give disabled individuals greater freedom and independence.
Despite rising motoring costs and some increases in Advance Payments, the Motability Scheme remains one of the most cost-effective leasing options available, with prices still 45% cheaper on average than standard leasing deals. With the 2025 pricing list now available, those who qualify can choose from over 900 vehicles, ensuring they find a suitable option that meets their needs.
For those who have not yet explored the scheme, checking eligibility and reviewing the latest leasing options could be the first step toward enhancing daily mobility and improving overall quality of life.
This is totally misleading.
I’ve got the full PIP possible, but getting a ‘WAV vehicle, a Toyota Proace or similar, as they’re all made in the same factory in France’ has been impossible, unaffordable and the Motability people were awfully unhelpful. (Brexit, the gift that keeps on giving in regards to getting a vehicle and many other things, like human rights..)
It’s been over 2 years since I applied and I was told it’d be £7k advance payment and up to 2 years before I’d get my vehicle, so why bother?!
I find driving extremely painful due to my car being a manual gearbox and I need an automatic, as using a clutch is extremely painful. So going places, even short journeys is very painful, basically this ‘scheme’ has limited my Mobility even more!
It’s fine if you’re well off and can afford the advance payment, or can get funding, which is very hard to get, or I’d have a vehicle by now!
What an absolute joke. It’s just the UK, a system broken by design. My friend has a Seat car from the Motability scheme, it took 5 months to get, and it’s been in the garage almost as much as its been working, Motability have been useless with them too, so it’s not just myself!
Just look at what ‘Labour and Starmergeddon’ are doing to disabled and the poor, it’s fascism plain and simple, whilst not taxing the companies or super rich. (Tories are just as bad, if not far worse!)
Disgraceful, and the British people should be ashamed of themselves for letting it get this far!