Put simply, The Motability Scheme is an initiative to help disabled individuals remain as mobile as possible. It is overseen by the Motability charity, who provide a vehicle lease to people in exchange for their mobility-related government benefit. Although it’s possible to lease a car under the Mobility Scheme, it’s not the only type of vehicle covered. Other possibilities include mobility scooters and powered wheelchair.
The Motability Scheme includes a range of cars from the leading car manufacturers, including Ford and Volvo. While many cars are covered entirely by the mobility allowance, others will require an advance payment or additional money. If this is the case, sometimes you can trade in your old car to cover part of the cost.
Although the Motability Scheme is organised by the Motability charity, Motability cars are bought through regular car dealerships. Some car dealerships, including Dinnages, have Motability specialists who can help you find a car through the Motability Scheme.
The Scheme is available for anybody eligible for the government mobility allowance. The allowances include:
- the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (HMRC DLA)
- the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
- War Pensioners' mobility supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces independence payment (AFIP)
To apply for the Motability Scheme, you must have at least 12 months of your disability allowance remaining. If you lose your award during the lease, you will need to return the vehicle.
As well as covering the lease of a vehicle, the Motability Scheme also helps with the running costs associated with the car or vehicle you choose. It generally covers everything you need to get on the move, including breakdown cover, vehicle tax and insurance. Any modifications needed for the vehicle are usually covered under the Motability Scheme as well.
You don’t have to be a driver to benefit from the Motability Scheme; non-drivers can apply as passengers and nominate two drivers to drive for them. Parents can also apply for a car on behalf of a child over the age of three who receives HMRC DLA.
Despite the extensive benefits of the Motability Scheme, there are some restrictions to be aware of. While the insurance will include everything from replacing the tyres to windscreen repairs, it only insures drivers for personal use. That means you can’t use a vehicle leased through the Motability Scheme for any business purpose. There’s also a mileage limit of 60,000 miles over the lease period of three years.
If you’re eligible for the Motability Scheme and want to find out more about leasing a car from us, check out our pages on Ford Motability for further information.