The Motability Scheme
How to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair using the mobility part of a disability benefit.
Applies to: UK-wide. Last reviewed 1 August 2026. This is information, not legal advice; rules can differ by council and operator.
What the scheme is
The Motability Scheme lets you exchange the mobility part of certain disability benefits for the lease of a new car, a wheelchair accessible vehicle, a scooter or a powered wheelchair. Insurance, servicing, tyres, breakdown cover and repairs are usually included in the price for cars.
It is run by Motability Operations, a private company, under contract to the disability charity Motability, which oversees the scheme and can help with extra costs through its Motability Foundation grants.
Who can join
- You must be receiving one of: the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance, the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment, the higher rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland), Armed Forces Independence Payment, or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
- Your benefit award must usually have at least 12 months left to run when the agreement starts.
- A named driver other than you can drive the car if you cannot drive yourself.
How to apply
- Get an online quote on the Motability Scheme website using your benefit award details.
- Visit a participating dealership to choose a vehicle, or arrange a home demonstration for wheelchair accessible vehicles.
- Adaptations, such as hand controls, swivel seats or a wheelchair hoist, can often be added, sometimes at extra cost.
- For a scooter or powered wheelchair, contact an approved Motability Scheme retailer directly.
Costs and what happens if things change
- Some vehicles are available for no extra cost beyond your mobility allowance; others need an advance payment on top.
- If your benefit stops or is reduced during the lease, for example after a reassessment, there is often a short guaranteed period where the scheme continues while you challenge the decision or hand the vehicle back.
- The Motability Foundation can be asked for grants to help with adaptations or a replacement if your circumstances change suddenly.
If something goes wrong
Complain to Motability Operations first using their complaints process. If you are not satisfied, you can ask the Motability charity to look into it, or in some cases refer unresolved contractual disputes to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Official sources and where to apply
Find providers
Search the accessible transport directory for mobility support organisations and other services in your area.
Other transport guides
Rail Passenger Assist
Free assistance at stations and on trains across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including help boarding, ramps, and someone to meet you.
Accessible buses and coaches
Your rights on local buses and long-distance coaches, wheelchair spaces, priority seating, audio-visual announcements and free travel passes.
Airport and airline assistance
Free special assistance at UK airports, how to book it, and how wheelchairs and mobility equipment are handled.
Ferries and water transport
Assistance on ferries to the islands, Northern Ireland and Europe, including notice periods and what to check about the vessel and terminal.