Motability Scheme – all you need to know
THE Motability Scheme enables disabled people to use all or part of their mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair.
This gives them the freedom to get to work or college, attend a medical appointment, meet up with friends – in short, to enjoy the freedom and independence that so many of us take for granted. Anyone who receives one of the following mobility benefits can use it to pay for their lease:
Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC of DLA).
Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC of PIP).
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
It is entirely up to the recipient whether they choose to spend their allowance by joining the Motability Scheme or in some other way. One in three of those currently eligible have chosen to join the scheme. Who can use a Motability Scheme car? Around two-thirds of scheme customers drive but those who do not can lease a car as a passenger.
Similarly, parents or carers can also apply on behalf of a child aged three and above. The car must be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person. What is included in the cost of a lease? Scheme customers lease a new car every three years with insurance, road tax, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover all included within the cost.
A wide range of adaptations and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) are also available.
A similar scheme exists for disabled people wishing to lease a scooter or powered wheelchair instead. Who is involved in the Motability Scheme? The Motability Scheme is operated for Motability on a contract basis by Motability Operations (the operating arm of Motability Operations Group plc, which itself is owned by the major banks: Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland).
Any profits made are nondistributable and are held for the benefit of the scheme. This can include donations to Motability or The Motability Tenth Anniversary Trust. Value for money For disabled people, the scheme offers a leasing package that is more than 40% cheaper than comparable market offerings (source: CAP Derwent, March 2017).
Excluding the benefit of VAT and IPT concessions, the scheme is still some 25% cheaper than comparable offers in the wider market, reflecting its buying power and efficiency.
KEY FEATURES OF THE MOTABILITY SCHEME
Affordable vehicles
More than 350 vehicles available at nil advance payment.
Wide range of adaptations at no additional cost.
60,000 mileage allowance over three years.
£250 Good Condition Bonus at end of lease (subject to vehicle condition). Worry-free motoring
Comprehensive insurance, service, maintenance and repair included in the lease.
Breakdown and recovery service included. Replacement tyres included. Windscreen repairs or replacement included. Unique customer service
UK-based customer services centre taking more than one million calls each year.
Customers are supported during periods of hospitalisation when their mobility allowance is suspended.
Available to eligible disabled people across the UK with no pricing differentials.
Customers are allowed to change drivers to facilitate changing carer arrangements.
Customers are supported with alternative transport, for example hire cars and taxi journeys – if their vehicle is off the road.
98% customer satisfaction for the car scheme and 95% for the powered wheelchair and scooter scheme.
Motability Operations Limited was again recognised in 2016 as ‘the highest performing organisation in the UK’ by the independent Institute of Customer Service reflecting the importance of service meeting the unique needs of disabled people.