Who can use the Motability Scheme?

What the Motability Scheme is

The Motability Scheme lets disabled people lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair using their government-funded mobility allowance. Instead of getting all of your mobility money in your bank, some or all of it goes towards the lease.

Even if you do not drive, you can apply for a car as a passenger and name other people as your drivers. A parent can apply on behalf of a child aged 3 or over who gets the higher rate mobility part of DLA.

Who can join

You need one of these awards:

In 2026/27 the enhanced (higher) rate of PIP mobility is £80 a week. That is about £320 every 4 weeks, or £4,160 a year.

What a lease includes

For a car, insurance, routine servicing and breakdown help are included. For a powered wheelchair or scooter, insurance, loss and damage cover, breakdown help, servicing, repairs, and new tyres and batteries are included.

Cars are leased for at least 3 years. Scooters and wheelchairs can be replaced every 3 years. Some vehicles cost more than your allowance. For these you pay an extra one-off amount at the start, called an advance payment. Adaptations are available, but you may have to pay to have some fitted.

Tax help that comes with it

• VAT: you may not have to pay VAT on leasing a Motability vehicle.
• Vehicle tax: people on the top mobility rates can get vehicle tax exemption for one vehicle. The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person's name or their nominated driver's name, and a nominated driver cannot use it for their own personal use.

How to apply

Leases are run by Motability Operations Ltd, not by the benefits office. You choose a vehicle with a Motability dealer. In Scotland, you show the dealer the certificate of entitlement that comes with your award letter.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Wales: the same rules as England apply.
• Scotland: you can apply to lease an accessible vehicle if you get the enhanced mobility part of Adult Disability Payment. The higher rate mobility part of Child Disability Payment or Scottish Adult DLA also qualifies. You need at least 12 months until your next scheduled award review, or an award with no end date.
• Northern Ireland: nidirect says you can apply if you have 12 months or more of your Disability Living Allowance award left.

Related guides

• Can I get a Motability car with PIP?
• How much is PIP?
• How do I apply for a Blue Badge and how much does it cost?
• Can I get free car tax if I'm disabled?
• How do I apply for PIP?

Where this comes from

• Financial help if you're disabled: vehicles and transport (GOV.UK)
• PIP: how much you'll get (GOV.UK)
• The Motability Scheme (nidirect)
• Adult Disability Payment (mygov.scot)
• Lease an accessible vehicle (mygov.scot)