New figures from Motability Operations reveal that over 800,000 customers across the UK, including 80,000 in Scotland, are now using the Motability Scheme. The scheme, known as the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme in Scotland, allows disabled people to lease a car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter, or powered wheelchair using their mobility allowance.
Eligible benefits include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Child Disability Payment (CDP), War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement, and Armed Forces Independence Payment. The scheme offers over 1,000 vehicles, with some requiring an advance payment ranging from £0 to £2,000.
Andrew Miller, chief executive of Motability Operations, noted that rising inflation and energy costs, along with the transition to electric vehicles, may lead to higher advance payments on some models. However, he emphasised that the scheme remains 45% cheaper on average than alternative options.
New customers can receive a £750 New Vehicle Payment for cars or wheelchair-accessible vehicles, or a £100 New Product Payment for scooters or powered wheelchairs. These payments are one-time only and cannot both be claimed. Over 45 cars currently require no advance payment, meaning the £750 would go directly to the claimant.
The latest price list includes more than 200 electric cars, with 42 models having advance payments under £1,000. Motability advises that as manufacturers focus on electric vehicles, some petrol and diesel models are being phased out. Full details are available on the Motability Scheme website.
