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Motability Scheme

Lease a brand-new car, scooter, powered wheelchair or wheelchair-accessible vehicle by exchanging the higher-rate mobility component of PIP, DLA, ADP, AFIP or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement. Insurance, servicing and breakdown cover are included.

Information onlyLast verified 27 April 2026

Who it helps

Anyone receiving Higher Rate Mobility DLA, Enhanced Rate Mobility PIP / ADP / CDP, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement or Armed Forces Independence Payment with at least 12 months of award remaining.

The full picture

The Motability Scheme is a UK-wide charity-run scheme that lets people receiving a qualifying mobility benefit lease a brand-new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair. Instead of receiving the cash mobility payment yourself, the payment goes directly to Motability for the duration of the lease.

What's included as standard: - Insurance for two named drivers (one for younger drivers) - Servicing, MOT and tyres - Roadside breakdown cover - Replacement vehicle if yours is off the road - Adaptations like swivel seats, hand controls or hoists at no extra cost on most cars

Lease length: - Cars and scooters / powered wheelchairs: 3 years - Wheelchair-accessible vehicles: 5 years

Qualifying benefits (you must have at least 12 months of award left): - Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA - Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of PIP (12 mobility points) - Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) - Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland) - War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement - Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Many cars are available at the standard mobility allowance with no additional payment. Higher-spec vehicles require an Advance Payment from £500 to several thousand pounds, refunded at the end of the lease if the car is returned in good condition.

Worth knowing before you apply

  • You exchange the cash mobility allowance — you do not receive the payment yourself during the lease
  • You need at least 12 months of award remaining when the lease starts
  • Cars require both the named driver(s) to hold a full UK licence and meet age requirements (one driver under 25 in some cases)
  • Higher-spec vehicles require an Advance Payment up front (refunded on return in good condition)
  • Insurance is included but mileage is capped at 20,000/year (10,000/year for some vehicles)
  • You don't own the vehicle — it's a 3-year lease (5 years for WAVs)
  • Powered wheelchairs and scooters work the same way at lower allowance levels
  • Available across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

How to claim

Visit motability.co.uk to browse vehicles, scooters and powered wheelchairs. Find a local Motability dealer and book a test drive — the dealer handles the application paperwork and arranges payment direction with DWP / Social Security Scotland. Expect 6–8 weeks from application to delivery for a stock car; longer for built-to-order vehicles.

Last verified 27 April 2026
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