Eligible people can lease a car, mobility scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability scheme – and you don’t need to be the main driver
If you’re claiming a disability or health-related benefit that impacts your ability to get around, you might qualify to hire a vehicle through Motability, a charitable initiative.
According to Citizens Advice, there’s a variety of choices available, from cars to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs. The vehicle remains the scheme’s property; you’re simply covering the cost of leasing it.
Should your benefit payments stop, the vehicle must be handed back. So what are the eligibility requirements and which costs are included? Here’s everything you need to know.
Motability scheme – who is eligible?
Disabled people who receive any of the following government benefits can opt to use their allowance to lease a vehicle through the Motability Scheme.
This includes:
- Enhanced rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Higher rate mobility part of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
- Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
The Motability Foundation oversees the delivery of the Motability Scheme and helps those most in need of support to access it.
It explains how it works by writing: “You can use your higher rate mobility allowance to pay for the lease of a vehicle through the Motability Scheme. Insurance, breakdown cover, servicing and maintenance are all included in the price. If the car costs more than your allowance, you can pay an ‘Advance Payment’ to make up the difference.”
It confirms that carers and parents are allowed to drive on behalf of the disabled person. This means parents of children aged three and over, as well as disabled people who do not drive, can join the scheme. The vehicle must be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person.
According to Citizens Advice, you must have at least 12 months remaining on your benefit when applying for a Motability vehicle. If you’re unsure, you should check your benefit decision letter.
You cannot apply for a Motability vehicle if you’re getting DLA and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has sent you a letter saying you need to apply for PIP. You will not be affected if you already have a Motability vehicle.
Citizens Advice further explains: “Your benefit will go directly to the Motability Scheme each month to pay for your lease. How much of your benefit will go towards your vehicle will depend on which one you choose.”
It explains that you might need to pay an upfront fee if you choose a more expensive vehicle, although help with this cost may be available depending on your circumstances.
As well as your vehicle, you’ll get:
Can I use this vehicle for work?
If you want to use your Motability vehicle for work, you must get permission from RSA Motability first. In some cases, business use may be allowed, for example, if you are a travelling salesperson.
However, certain types of work are not permitted, such as using the vehicle as a taxi or for delivery services. To apply, you’ll need to contact RSA Motability in writing or by phone and request a “Business Use Application Form.”
You can find all the advice and steps you need to get a vehicle here.
You can see advice here for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is worth noting that as of July, some changes will come into force.
Motability changes from July 2026 – what you need to know
People using the Motability Scheme have been warned about upcoming tax changes. Officials say that from July 1, new rules are expected to increase the cost of leasing new vehicles.
The Motability Foundation announced in a statement last month: “Last year, in the UK Government’s Autumn Budget, tax changes were announced that will affect the Motability Scheme. From 1 July 2026, VAT and Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will apply to leases on the Motability Scheme.
“As a result, leasing a vehicle will become more expensive and it will cost significantly more to deliver the Scheme. For customers who already have a lease on the Motability Scheme nothing is changing right now.” Officials confirmed that the modifications will be implemented throughout the UK, except in Scotland.
You can read about the update here.
According to the Foundation, their impact is as follows:
- 860,000 disabled people use the Motability Scheme.
- 87% say the Scheme improves their access to health services.
- 76% report that it means they don’t have to rely on others to help them make a journey.
- 27% have improved access to education.
- 21% had improved access to employment opportunities. Scheme customers in employment report working an extra 14 hours a week, on average.
- In 2024/25, we supported 10,473 people with grants so they could access the Motability Scheme – worth £59.3 million.
- In 2024/25, we provided grants to 31 other charities and organisations that support disabled people to travel in different ways – worth £14.7 million.
