The Motability scheme - who it’s for and how it works

The Motability scheme is a Government-backed programme that helps disabled people to get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair.

As well as offering the independence and freedom that comes with car ownership, the scheme helps make ownership as simple as possible by including insurance, road tax, breakdown cover servicing and maintenance in a single monthlylease cost. All you have to do is add the fuel.

The scheme covers standard cars and wheelchair-accessible vehicles but can also help with specific adaptations to your chosen vehicle to help make access and driving easier, as well as providing suitable storage for mobility aids.

More than 2,000 different cars from all the major manufacturers are available from a network of 5,000 approved dealer.

To help you understand exactly how the scheme works we’ ve put together a guide to the basic facts. For more details you canvisitwww.motability.co.uk

Here we look at the basic facts of the scheme.

What does the scheme do?

The Mo ta bi li ty 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, meetup with friends – in short, to enjoy the freedom and independence that so many of us take for granted.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

■ 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 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 Limited (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 non-distributable and are held for the benefit of the scheme.

VALUE FOR MONEY

For disabled people, the scheme offers a leasing package that is over 40 per cent cheaper than comparable market offerings. Excluding the benefit of VAT and IPT concessions, the scheme is still some 25 per cent cheaper than comparable offers in the wider market, reflecting its buying power and efficiency.

KEY FEATURES OF THE MOTABILITY SCHEME Affordable vehicles

■ Around 350 vehicles available at no Advance Payment.

■ Wide range of adaptations at no additional cost.

■ 60,000 mileage allowance over three years or 100,000 over five 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.