How to Get a Mobility Car? 10 FAQs Answered

Getting a mobility car in the UK is a bit frustrating. Because you need something that fits for you, for your daily work and your lifestyle. People don’t tend to switch mobility cars very often, as they usually find the car they purchase is good to be used for many years. If you want to get a mobility car through the Motability Scheme, this clear guide could help you. 

So, let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• A mobility car provides independence for disabled people and is usually leased via the Motability Scheme.

• To qualify, you must receive a mobility-related benefit (PIP, DLA, WPMS, or AFIP) with at least 12 months remaining.

• The scheme covers insurance, servicing, MOT, tyres, and breakdown cover, making running costs predictable.

• Vehicle options include standard cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), adapted cars, scooters, and powered chairs.

• Electric and hybrid mobility cars are available and can reduce running costs while being eco-friendly.

• Most leases run for three years (five for WAVs), after which you can renew, extend, or return the car.

• Using a mobility car checklist helps you choose the right vehicle and adaptations for your lifestyle.

1. What is a motability car in the UK?

A mobility car is especially designed for people who are disabled and have mobility challenges. The purpose of this car is for a person to get around independently. However, the government took the initiative to provide a vehicle for disabled people through the Motability Scheme, where they can easily get a car.

Mobility cars can be standard vehicles or adapted models depending on your needs. These vehicles have wheelchair accessibility, hand control, swivel seats, or other modifications. The purpose is to provide a safe and reliable way to travel around without depending on others. 

2. What is a motability scheme?

Motobility Scheme is a UK government programme to help disabled people, where they can lease a car, scooter, or wheelchair. The purpose is to make the moment easier, safer and more independent for them. 

The Motability scheme is funded by a person’s travel expenses benefit. Depending on the rate of pay you get for travel will depend on the budget you have to spend on a vehicle, which is supplied by Motability.

The leasing duration of a Motability vehicle is usually 3 years, so every 3 years you can pick out a brand-new vehicle.

Additionally, the Motability leasing scheme also includes MOT, servicing and car insurance. So, people on the Motability scheme are well looked after.

Even if you don’t drive by yourself, you can still benefit from the scheme by nominating a driver.

3. What is motability car eligibility?

According to Motability.co.uk, in order to be eligible for the Motability Scheme, you need to receive one of the following mobility allowance benefits. Also, you must have at least one year remaining on the benefit scheme. Unfortunately, the Attendance Allowance benefit cannot be used to lease a car with Motability.

• Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

4. How do I apply for a mobility car?

Applying for a mobility car is straightforward, and here is how you apply for it:

1. Check the eligibility criteria: Check whether you qualify for the mobility scheme mentioned above or not.
2. Choose your vehicle: Choose your type of mobility car, like whether you want a standard car, an adapted vehicle, or a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV).
3. Contact the scheme provider: Apply through the Motability Scheme website or via an approved dealership.
4. Provide documents: You need to provide all documents, like your mobility benefit, ID, and any medical documents if required for adaptations.
5. Select the package:  Most packages include insurance, car servicing, MOT, and tyres. You can also choose any adaptations or optional extras at this stage.

5. What types of vehicles are available?

The scheme provides a wide range of vehicles depending on your needs. 

• Regular cars: A car with or without minor adaptations, suitable for everyday driving.
• Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs): Vehicles designed to accommodate wheelchairs, often with ramps or lifts.
• Adapted vehicles: Modified cars with hand controls, swivel seats, pedal extensions, or other specialist equipment.
• Scooters and powered wheelchairs: This is for those who do not drive but need for independent mobility.

6. Can I get an electric or hybrid mobility car?

Yes, you can get an electric or hybrid car and these cars are ideal for mobility users. Even a smaller sized estate car can be used as a mobility car, it just depends on the person’s needs and requirements of a mobility vehicle.

These cars are the best suited for a disabled person because hybrid and electric cars are pretty much the latest technology in cars and electric cars. They are known for usually being cheaper to run than fuel-alternative vehicles and better for the environment. So this is something to consider when looking for a mobility car to purchase.

7. What specialist equipment or adaptations might I need?

This is a question that may be one of the first questions that springs to mind when you are looking to purchase a mobility car. Most cars can be adapted and enhanced with specialist equipment that can suit your mobility needs and requirements. 

Every individual will look for different types of specialist equipment in their cars. Here are some examples of types of equipment that can be included in mobility cars:

• Electric seats which can easily be adjusted
• Electric rear doors to enter the car if required
• Voice command, to make it easy to use the in-car technology features
• Foldable seats for extra storage room in the rear of the vehicle
• Removable front seats, so someone in a wheelchair can drive whilst they sit in their wheelchair.
• Rear and front parking sensors and cameras, to help with parking the vehicle
• Does the vehicle have a ramp attachment? (if applicable)

8. How much does a mobility car cost?

The mobility car cost is generally covered by the Motability Scheme. So you don’t have to pay the full price upfront. The mobility allowance covers car insurance, servicing and MOT, tyres, breakdown cover and some adaptations. 

However, you may need to make an advance payment sometimes, but it would be covered by the monthly lease payments later.

9. How long is the lease and what happens at the end?

The leased car through the Motability Scheme runs for three years. However, the wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) and specialist models may have longer leases of up to five years. 

At the end of your lease, you may have a few options, like return the car, start a new lease with a different car, or extend the lease. It is important to plan so you have enough time to select a replacement vehicle before your lease ends.

10. What are mobility car checklists, and why are they important?

When you are searching for a mobility car, it may be a good idea to keep a checklist handy so you can keep in mind. It is the sort of thing you are looking for in a mobility car. Here is our checklist.

• Does the car meet my needs and requirements for day-to-day travel?
• Is the fuel economy of the car sufficient?
• Is the car easy to get in and out of?
• Is the car ideal to be use by wheelchair users? (if applicable)
• Is the car comfortable to drive?
• Am I able to use all the equipment inside the car safely and efficiently?
• Is the car easy for me to park?

Final Verdict: How to Get a Mobility Car

Getting a mobility car hasn’t been too complicated. It is straightforward, and for that, you have to understand the motability scheme, eligibility requirements, vehicle options, adaptation and lease details.  These details can help you make an informed decision and get a vehicle that suits your lifestyle and mobility needs.

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