10/08/2015
Navigating the world of personal mobility can sometimes present challenges, especially when it comes to finding suitable transport. In the United Kingdom, the Motability Scheme stands as a beacon of independence, designed to make motoring accessible and affordable for disabled people. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the scheme, explaining who qualifies, how to apply, and where to find the perfect vehicle to suit your unique needs. Whether you're considering your first Motability vehicle or simply seeking to understand the scheme better, you've come to the right place.
- What Exactly is the Motability Scheme?
- Who Qualifies for the Motability Scheme?
- The Motability Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Finding Your Ideal Motability Vehicle: Dealerships and Specialists
- Visiting a Dealership: Important Considerations
- Benefits and Peace of Mind with Motability
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Motability Scheme
What Exactly is the Motability Scheme?
At its core, the Motability Scheme is a government-backed initiative that enables disabled people to exchange their qualifying mobility allowance for a brand new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter, or powered wheelchair. The scheme aims to provide a simple, affordable, and worry-free way for individuals to lease a new vehicle, helping them to maintain or regain their independence and freedom of movement. It's built on the principle of making personal transport accessible, reducing the financial and logistical burdens often associated with acquiring and maintaining a vehicle adapted for specific needs.
Who Qualifies for the Motability Scheme?
Eligibility is the first crucial step in accessing the Motability Scheme. To qualify, you must be receiving one of the specific mobility allowances listed below and have at least 12 months' award length remaining on that allowance. The scheme is designed to support a wide range of individuals, ensuring that those most in need can benefit. The qualifying allowances and their current weekly rates are:
It's vital to confirm your eligibility before proceeding, as this forms the foundation of your application. Checking the remaining length of your award is equally important, as this dictates how long you can participate in the scheme.
Qualifying Mobility Allowances
The table below outlines the specific allowances that can be exchanged for a Motability vehicle, along with their respective weekly rates:
| Mobility Allowance | Weekly Rate (as of information provided) |
|---|---|
| Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) | £77.05 |
| Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | £77.05 |
| Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Child Disability Payment (Scotland) | £77.05 |
| Enhanced Rate Mobility part of the Adult Disability Payment (Scotland) | £77.05 |
| Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) | £77.05 |
| War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) | £86.00 |
The Motability Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, embarking on the Motability journey is a straightforward process designed to be as seamless as possible. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before anything else, reconfirm that you are indeed receiving one of the qualifying mobility allowances mentioned above and that you have at least 12 months remaining on your award. This initial check saves time and ensures you meet the fundamental criteria for the scheme. Without this, you cannot proceed.
2. Choose Your Vehicle
This is arguably the most exciting part of the process. You have the flexibility to search for a vehicle online through the Motability website or visit a participating dealership to explore the vast array of available vehicles in person. When making your choice, it's crucial to consider not only the type of vehicle but also any specific adaptations you might need. These could range from simple driving aids to more complex internal transfer solutions or drive-from-wheelchair modifications. Taking the time to assess your requirements will ensure the vehicle truly suits your lifestyle and mobility needs.
3. Contact A Dealer
With a vehicle type in mind, your next step is to reach out to a Motability-accredited dealership. These dealerships are equipped with dedicated Motability Specialists who are trained to provide expert advice on vehicle suitability and guide you through the entire process. They can help you understand the various options, discuss any potential Advance Payments (an upfront payment required for some vehicles), and assist with test drives. Booking an appointment in advance is highly recommended to ensure a specialist is available to give you their undivided attention.
4. Order Your Vehicle
Once you’ve had a test drive and made your final decision on a vehicle, the dealer will take care of the necessary paperwork. This involves completing the lease agreement and placing the order for your brand new vehicle. The Motability Specialist will ensure all details are correct and that the vehicle, including any specified adaptations, is ordered according to your requirements.
5. Drive Away
After your application has been approved and your new car or vehicle arrives at the dealership, you'll be contacted to arrange collection. This is the moment you can finally collect your new vehicle and begin enjoying all the benefits of the Motability Scheme, including the independence and convenience of having a new, accessible form of transport.
Finding Your Ideal Motability Vehicle: Dealerships and Specialists
The Motability Scheme boasts an extensive network across the UK, making it remarkably easy to find a suitable supplier, no matter your location or specific vehicle needs. There are approximately 4,500 Motability dealerships throughout the UK, ensuring widespread access to the scheme. Crucially, every car dealership participating in the scheme has at least one dedicated Motability Specialist on hand. These specialists are invaluable resources, offering personalised advice and assistance to help you choose the vehicle that best fits your individual requirements.
The Enhanced 'Find a Dealer' Tool
To simplify the search process, Motability has revamped its 'Find a Dealer' tool, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. Based on customer feedback, the tool now offers enhanced search criteria and features:
- Manufacturer Filters: Users can now filter their search by specific vehicle manufacturers they are interested in.
- GPS Location Search: Utilise your GPS location to quickly find the nearest dealerships, ensuring convenience wherever you are in the UK.
- Map View: An option to view search results on a map provides a clear visual of dealership locations and offers directions on how to get there.
- Dedicated Dealership Pages: Each dealership now has its own detailed page, providing essential information such as opening hours for both showrooms and servicing centres.
- Specialist Information: For car dealers, you can even see the names of the Motability Scheme specialists at your chosen dealership, along with details about their accessibility measures. This allows you to know who you'll be dealing with and what to expect before your visit.
Beyond Cars: Scooters, Powered Wheelchairs, and Adaptations
The 'Find a Dealer' tool isn't just for cars. If you're looking for a scooter or powered wheelchair, you can also locate dealerships closest to you. Furthermore, for those seeking vehicle adaptations, the tool allows you to search across multiple adaptation types, helping you identify installers best placed to meet your needs. Mobility in Motion, for example, offers a range of accessible driving aids and vehicle adaptations focused on improving mobility and ensuring easy, accessible travel for all.
Specialised Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)
For individuals requiring Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, the 'Find a Dealer' tool offers specific filters, allowing you to search for WAVs based on type: passenger, Drive from, or Nearly New WAVs. This ensures you only see suppliers who offer the specific vehicle type you're looking for. It's important to note that all WAV suppliers within the scheme offer a no-obligation, nationwide service. This means even if your preferred WAV supplier is many miles away, they will still come to you, ensuring convenience regardless of distance.
Leading WAV converters in the UK include:
- Sirus Automotive: Specialising in Upfront WAVs, Sirus offers solutions for disabled drivers (such as drive from wheelchair WAVs and internal transfer solutions) and passengers who wish to travel upfront in their wheelchair.
- Allied Mobility: As a top Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) converter, Allied Mobility has been supplying quality accessible vehicles since 1993, catering to individuals with disabilities, care homes, charities, and local authorities.
Insurance and Rental Options
While the Motability Scheme provides a comprehensive lease package, there are also specialist services available for related needs:
- Fish Insurance: With over 20 years of collaboration with WAV suppliers, Fish Insurance is trusted to provide specialist adapted car and WAV insurance to customers, offering tailored coverage for these unique vehicles.
- Specialist Vehicle Rental: For those needing short-term solutions, Specialist Vehicle Rental offers daily and long-term hire of bespoke vehicles, including WAVs and cars adapted for disabled motorists. Their nationwide service provides an affordable option for disabled drivers and passengers across the UK.
Integrating Your Search
One of the most beneficial features of the new 'Find a Dealer' tool is its integration into the main Car Search function. This means that once you've identified a car or WAV that piques your interest, you'll immediately have the option to view detailed information on the nearest dealership capable of supplying that specific vehicle. This streamlined process truly enhances the customer's online experience.
Visiting a Dealership: Important Considerations
While many dealerships have reopened, they are often operating with strict social distancing measures in place. It is always advisable to contact the dealership you intend to visit beforehand. This allows you to book an appointment, ensuring a Motability Specialist is available, and they can inform you of any specific protocols or expectations prior to your arrival. All necessary contact details can be found easily using the 'Find a Dealer' tool.
Benefits and Peace of Mind with Motability
The Motability Scheme offers more than just a vehicle; it provides a pathway to greater independence and a sense of security. As one satisfied customer shared, "I’ve had quite a few years of worry-free motoring." This sentiment encapsulates a core benefit of the scheme: the comprehensive nature of the lease package. While the specifics of what's included are best confirmed with a Motability specialist, the scheme aims to reduce the typical burdens of vehicle ownership, allowing customers to focus on enjoying their mobility. The structured process, the support from dedicated specialists, and the wide array of accessible vehicles contribute to a truly empowering experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Motability Scheme
What exactly is the Motability Scheme?
The Motability Scheme allows disabled people to exchange their qualifying mobility allowance for a lease on a new car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter, or powered wheelchair, providing an affordable and convenient way to access personal transport.
Am I eligible for Motability?
You are eligible if you receive one of the specific mobility allowances (Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA, Enhanced Rate of Mobility Component of PIP, Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland), Enhanced Rate Mobility part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland), Armed Forces Independence Payment, or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement) and have at least 12 months remaining on your award.
How many Motability dealerships are there in the UK?
There are approximately 4,500 Motability dealerships across the UK, each typically having at least one Motability Specialist to assist customers.
Where can I find a Motability car or supplier?
You can find your nearest Motability Scheme car dealer, scooter and powered wheelchair dealer, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) supplier, or adaptations installer using the online 'Find a Dealer' tool. This tool allows you to filter by manufacturer, search by GPS location, view maps, and see specific dealership information.
Can I get a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) through Motability?
Yes, the Motability Scheme offers a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs). You can use the 'Find a Dealer' tool to filter for passenger, Drive from, or Nearly New WAVs, and WAV suppliers like Sirus Automotive and Allied Mobility offer nationwide service.
What support can I expect when choosing a vehicle?
When choosing a vehicle, you'll receive support from dedicated Motability Specialists at accredited dealerships. They can provide advice on vehicle suitability, discuss adaptations, arrange test drives, and guide you through the ordering process. The online 'Find a Dealer' tool also provides details on dealer services and accessibility measures.
If you want to read more articles similar to Your Guide to the Motability Scheme in the UK, you can visit the Automotive category.