The Motability Scheme: who qualifies and how it works
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
The Motability Scheme lets people who receive certain disability benefits swap the mobility part of that benefit for a leased car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. Attendance Allowance does not qualify, which rules out many people who first claim after State Pension age.
Who can join
According to Motability's own website, checked in November 2026, you can apply if you receive one of these allowances and have at least 12 months of your award left:
- the enhanced rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- the higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- the enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
- the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
Motability says you cannot join if you receive Attendance Allowance, and that Carer's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and the lower or standard rate of a mobility allowance are not accepted either.
What this means if you are over State Pension age
There is no upper age limit for the Scheme itself. Motability says that people aged 65 or over can apply so long as they already receive a qualifying allowance with at least 12 months left.
The catch is in the benefit rules. GOV.UK says you usually need to be under State Pension age to make a new claim for PIP; after that age you apply for Attendance Allowance instead, and Attendance Allowance has no mobility part. So in practice:
- If you were awarded a qualifying mobility benefit before State Pension age and still receive it, you can use the Scheme.
- If your walking difficulties began after State Pension age and you receive Attendance Allowance, you cannot.
Benefit rules are complicated and there are exceptions. For advice about your own position, speak to Citizens Advice or Age UK, and see our guide to what you get at State Pension age.
How the Scheme works
- You choose a vehicle or product through a Motability dealer.
- You agree to transfer your mobility allowance to the Scheme for the length of the lease. The payments go straight from the benefit provider (for example the DWP or Social Security Scotland) to Motability, so you no longer receive that part of your benefit yourself.
- For some more expensive vehicles you pay a one-off sum at the start, called an Advance Payment. Cheaper options use less than your whole allowance, and you keep the rest.
- At the end of the lease you hand the vehicle back and can start a new lease.
What you can lease
| Option | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Car | Motability says the lease includes insurance, servicing and MOT, and breakdown cover. Leases normally run for three years |
| Wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) | A converted vehicle you can travel in while seated in your wheelchair. Leases are normally longer, typically five years |
| Mobility scooter | Leased in a similar way; often uses only part of your allowance |
| Powered wheelchair | As for scooters. Check what your NHS wheelchair service would provide first |
You can have a car or a scooter or powered wheelchair through the Scheme at any one time, not both. If you mainly need help with short local trips, a scooter may leave you with some allowance to spare. Compare with our guides to mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
If you do not drive
You do not have to drive yourself. Motability says you or your nominated driver need a valid driving licence, and that the insurance allows up to three drivers. The vehicle must be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person: taking you shopping or to appointments, for instance, not as a relative's own car.
Changes in 2026
Motability has announced changes following a government decision on tax. At the time of writing (November 2026), Motability's website says:
- From 1 July 2026, VAT applies to Advance Payments and Insurance Premium Tax applies to the insurance on most new leases. Leases already running were not changed.
- Wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptations keep their tax concessions.
- The mileage allowance is lower for vehicles ordered on or after 1 July 2026.
Motability has said this makes leasing more expensive. Prices, allowances and the choice of vehicles change regularly, so check the current position on Motability's website before deciding.
What to think about before you sign
- You give up cash. Your mobility allowance stops coming to you for the length of the lease. Work out whether you would be better off keeping the money and using taxis, buses with your free bus pass, or a car you already own.
- Your award length. You need at least 12 months left. If your benefit stops during the lease, the vehicle has to go back; ask Motability what support is offered if that happens.
- The Advance Payment is not a deposit. You do not get it back at the end.
- Mileage. Check the mileage allowance and the charge for going over it.
- Storage and charging at home for a scooter or powered wheelchair.
Common questions
Can I get a Motability car on Attendance Allowance?
No. Motability states that you cannot join the Scheme if you receive Attendance Allowance. The same applies to Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland, which is not on Motability's list of qualifying allowances.
Is there an age limit for Motability?
There is no upper age limit. What matters is that you already receive a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months left to run.
Can I have a scooter instead of a car?
Yes. Scooters and powered wheelchairs can be leased through the Scheme, and often cost less than the full allowance.
Does having a Motability vehicle give me a Blue Badge?
Not automatically, but the benefits that qualify you for the Scheme often qualify you for a badge as well. See our Blue Badge guide.