What Is the Motability Scheme, and Are You Eligible?

The Motability Scheme lets people who receive certain disability benefits exchange the mobility part of that benefit for a leased car, wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair — instead of receiving that portion of the benefit as cash, it goes directly towards the lease. Most car and WAV leases run for three years, while scooters and powered wheelchairs typically run for five.

How the Motability Scheme actually works

Rather than a separate "Motability allowance," part of certain existing disability benefits is redirected to cover the lease. The most common qualifying benefit is the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — but you must be receiving the enhanced rate to qualify, not the standard rate. Other qualifying benefits include the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, and Armed Forces Independence Payment.

Once you're confirmed as eligible, your qualifying benefit is paid directly to Motability Scheme rather than to you, and that covers your lease payments automatically — there's no separate monthly bill to manage for most standard vehicles.

Two people exchanging car keys in front of a vehicle.

Woman and child smiling, looking out of car windows in daylight.

What's included in the lease

A typical Motability Scheme lease bundles together:

The vehicle itself, for a fixed lease term
Insurance, including up to three named drivers
Servicing and maintenance
Tyres (up to six tyre replacements, with up to four for damage.)
30,000 mileage allowance over three years
RAC breakdown cover

This is one of the scheme's biggest practical advantages, it turns several unpredictable running costs into one fixed, predictable payment.

Cars, WAVs, scooters or powered wheelchairs — but only one at a time

The Motability Scheme covers more than just cars. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available for those who need them, and scooters or powered wheelchairs are an option too. You can only have one Motability Scheme lease active at any time, so it's worth thinking through which type of vehicle genuinely suits your needs before applying.

Vehicle interior showing a folded ramp extending from the boot area.

Hands of an older person holding a steering wheel while driving a car.

Checking your eligibility

Eligibility depends entirely on the specific benefit you receive and the rate you're paid — it isn't based on diagnosis or condition directly. If you're unsure whether your current award qualifies, the most reliable way to check is via your benefit award letter or directly with the Motability Motability, since this is the kind of detail that needs to be exact rather than estimated. You can also check your eligibility directly on our site, including specific guidance on Personal Independence Payment qualification.

Getting started at Howards

If you believe you're eligible, the next step is usually to browse the available vehicles and book a visit to a Motability Scheme-approved Howards dealership, where a specialist can talk you through your options and the application process in full.

Mobility Scheme at Howards

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Frequently asked questions

What benefits qualify for the Motability Scheme?

The enhanced rate of PIP's mobility component, the higher rate mobility component of DLA, the enhanced rate of ADP's mobility component (Scotland), War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, and Armed Forces Independence Payment.

Does the Motability Scheme cost anything extra?

Many standard vehicles are fully covered by your qualifying benefit with no extra cost. Some higher-spec or specialist vehicles require an additional one-off "Advance Payment" .

Can I use someone else's qualifying benefit to lease a car for myself?

The vehicle needs to be used by, or for the benefit of, the person who qualifies for the benefit — it isn't transferable to lease a car purely for someone else's use.

Can I have a Motability car and a scooter at the same time?

No — you can only have one Motability Scheme lease active at any one time, whether that's a car, WAV, scooter or powered wheelchair.