How motability funding works

The Motability Scheme is a registered disability charity that provides access to affordable motoring for people with disabilities. 

In our comprehensive guide, we share how Motability funding works, who can apply and the costs associated. 

Understanding Motability

A government-funded scheme, Motability enables you to exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car or mobility device. 

Its core purpose is simple; to enhance independence and mobility for those within the disability community through accessible motoring.

Who qualifies for Motability funding

To qualify for Motability funding, you must receive one of the following mobility allowances with at least 12 months remaining on your award length. 

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
• Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
• Enhanced Rate Mobility Part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)

If you’re unsure, you can check your eligibility on the Motability website.

Types of Motability funding

As mentioned, Motability enables you to exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for a brand-new car or mobility device. This means you can choose to use your Motability funding on a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. 

We highly recommend looking at all your options to ensure you choose the best type of Motability funding for your needs. 

Acquiring mobility adaptations

If you decide to use your Motability funding towards a new car, you can then speak with a vehicle adaptation specialist to determine what driving aids or adaptations you may require in order to make the car fully accessible for your needs.

There are a wide range of adaptations available to help with transferring in and out of the vehicle, make the driving experience safer, and loading and stowing a mobility device. 

It’s extremely important that you do this before taking the order of your new Motability car so that you receive the funding towards the adaptations, and also ensure that the products you need are compatible with the car you want. 

Understanding costs and benefits – What is covered?

As the purpose of the Motability Scheme is to provide affordable access to a vehicle or mobility device, much of the costs typically associated with owning them, is fully covered through the scheme! 

• Annual road tax included
• Insurance cover for three named drivers on the car
• Full breakdown assistance package
• Cover MOT and regular servicing appointments
• Funding for a wide range of car adaptations

All you will need to do is pay for the initial Advance Payment and choose how much of your mobility allowance you want to spend per month. If you choose to upgrade some of the features on your car, then you’ll need to pay for those too. 

Addressing common concerns

Whilst the Motability Scheme is an attractive package for many people, there are some additional considerations to ensure the scheme is right for you.

One potential concern when deciding whether to lease a Motability car is mileage allowance. Your Motability Scheme package includes a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over a three year agreement, but you will be charged 5p per mile for any additional miles. 

Another consideration is the length of the lease agreement. Committing to a three year lease may seem daunting, but you do have the opportunity to cancel at any time with an early cancellation administration fee of £250. 

Seeking guidance and support

We have a variety of additional guides talking through the Motability car guide, how to qualify and apply for a Motability car and all the associated costs of a Motability car per month.

However if you do require additional guidance, the Motability Scheme provides support throughout the entire process through a variety of helpful resources, FAQ’s and customer advisors.

You can also gain specialist guidance and advice from Motability accredited dealers and vehicle adaptation installers. 

Now you understand how Motability funding works, find out how our team of mobility experts can help you with selecting the right adaptations for your needs and advice on obtaining them on your Motability car. Get in touch online or call us on 0800 288 4422. 

If you’re looking for more information on the disability car allowance check out our guide for advice on the application process and more.