Motability Car Guide – How the Scheme Works and Prices

At a glance:

• Plenty of vehicles available through the scheme – insurance, servicing and breakdown cover are all included 
• Car arrival time depends on how quickly your eligibility is processed and how long a dealership will take to get your car
• All Motability vehicles are accessed through a lease scheme
• Read our guide to find out what you need to do to qualify

Contents:

• What is a mobility car?
• Who qualifies for a mobility car?
• How can you get a mobility car?
• Which car manufacturers offer cars under the Motability Scheme?
• What Mobility cars are available?
• How long does it take to apply for a Mobility car?
• What is an advance payment on a mobility car?
• How to get a mobility car – Easy Steps
• Motability car price guide 

What is the Motability Scheme and how does it work?

The Motability scheme allows people to get on the road in a brand-new car.  You’re able to swap your mobility allowances in exchange for a fresh new vehicle, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or power wheelchair. To qualify, you’ll need a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months remaining. Providing you have that, then you’re all set to get the keys to a new car. 

Though starting off the Motability journey can be a little daunting, we’re here to provide answers to any questions you may have so that you can find the right car for you. 

You can get a Motability vehicle if you qualify for: 

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Child Disability Payment
• Adult Disability Payment
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

A number of vehicles are available through the scheme, while insurance, servicing and breakdown cover are all included as part of it. Plus, Motability can help cover the standard cost of an electric car home charger and its installation or give access to the BP Pulse network of public chargepoints.

Which car manufacturers offer cars under the Motability Scheme?

There are a number of vehicles available through the Motability scheme. You’ve got brands such as Seat and Toyota with available vehicles, alongside more premium manufacturers like Audi and Lexus. There are plenty of cheaper options, with cars like the Hyundai i10 coming in at around £168 per month. 

Remember, that since the Motability scheme only applies to new cars, it’s worth checking if there is any delay in deliveries as a result of the ongoing parts shortages that are affecting the motoring industry. 

It’s expected that new cars coming to the Motability scheme include the Alfa Romeo Tonale, BMW 2 Series and Kia Niro. 

Can you haggle with Motability?

Though the advertised weekly rates for cars on the Motability scheme are largely set in stone, you might find some dealerships offering incentives to get you in their cars. For instance, they may be offering contributions towards an advance payment, making it a little cheaper to get into a more expensive car. 

It’s always worth asking a dealer if there’s any deal that they’re able to make on a new car. This could even apply to getting some extras included such as floor mats or upgraded navigation.

How long does it take to apply for a Mobility car?

Applying for a Motability car starts with an eligibility check. Here, you’ll be asked if you’re checking for yourself or someone else and you’ll have to disclose which allowance you get. You’ll also be required to show how long is left on your allowance. 

If accepted, how long it’ll be before your new car arrives will depend on the make and model you’ve chosen. It’s just the same as buying a car directly through the dealership, so the dealer you’ve bought through will be able to give you an update on delivery timings. Remember, if you currently have a car through the scheme you won’t be able to take delivery of a new car until the end date of your current plan. 

What is a contract-hire mobility car?

All Motability cars are accessed through a car lease scheme. Essentially, you trade your eligible Motability allowance for a car lease, with your term usually lasting around three years and around 20,000 miles per year. 

Much the same as a standard lease, if you go over your mileage you’ll have to pay an additional fee per mile – though this will be disclosed at the start of your agreement. 

What is a hire purchase mobility car?

You’re not currently able to get a Motability car through hire purchase – the scheme’s contract hire plan is the only option at the moment.

What is an advance payment on a mobility car?

If you’re opting for a more expensive vehicle, then you might be requested to submit an advance payment. This could be because your allowance won’t cover the full cost of the vehicle you’ve chosen. 

You’ll need to pay it in one lump sum directly to your Motability Scheme dealer, either before or on the day you get your vehicle. You don’t get this Advance Payment back at the end of the lease, either. It’s not a deposit and isn’t refundable. 

Can you get help with an advance payment?

If you think an advance payment might be too much, then it may be a better option to opt for a cheaper vehicle which will be more affordable and covered completely by your allowance. However, if it’s your first time using Motability, then you can trade in your old vehicle – if you have one – to put towards the advance payment. 

How to get a Motability car – easy steps

Getting a car on the Motability scheme is easy. Providing you receive a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months left, you’re able to pick from a full list of Motability cars. Plus, Motability can help with any requirements you might need, including adaptations to certain vehicles so that you’re choosing the right one. Once you’ve had a test drive and found a car that you like, the Motability Scheme dealer will be able to order it for you. 

Your payments come directly from your allowance provider, too, so things are kept straightforward here as well. 

Motability car price guide 

There are a number of cost-friendly options on the Motability scheme, with vehicles such as the Hyundai i10 costing from £59 per week over a three-year lease, with zero advance payment required. 

At the top end of the scale, there are cars like the new electric Nissan Ariya which is packed with features but does require a £7,849 advance payment.