The Motability Scheme lets you exchange your mobility allowance for a brand-new car, scooter, powered wheelchair or wheelchair-accessible vehicle — with insurance, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover included in one payment. Here's who qualifies and the important trade-off to understand first.
Quick facts
- What you get
- A leased car/scooter/WAV, all-in
- Includes
- Insurance, servicing, tyres, breakdown
- Qualify with
- Enhanced PIP mobility / higher-rate DLA mobility
- The trade-off
- Your mobility payment goes to the lease
What the scheme is
Instead of receiving your mobility payment as cash, you direct it to Motability Operations, who lease you a vehicle for (usually) three years. The lease bundles in insurance, servicing, tyres, and breakdown cover, so there are no surprise bills. Some higher-value cars require an advance payment on top; many cost nothing extra.
Who qualifies
You can join if you receive one of these at the higher/enhanced rate, with at least 12 months left on your award:
- The enhanced rate mobility component of PIP
- The higher rate mobility component of DLA
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
A 2026 note
Changes to tax exemptions for the Motability Scheme came into effect on 1 July 2026. They mainly affect how some vehicles are priced within the scheme rather than who qualifies — check the current list prices and any advance payment before you commit.
How to get one
Confirm your qualifying award, then choose a car through a Motability dealer or the scheme's website. The dealer handles the paperwork and checks your eligibility with Motability directly.
Common questions
Do I still get my PIP money?
Can I join with standard-rate PIP mobility?
What's included?
What happens at the end of the lease?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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