Who Is Eligible For Motability?

Set up to help disabled drivers retain their independence by providing specially adapted vehicles, the government-funded Motability Scheme exists to provide those who may otherwise struggle to get around access to an affordable, and, if necessary, adapted vehicle. It’s been used by over 640,000 customers all over the UK!

The Motability scheme is something we’re proud to offer across our East Anglia dealerships. In addition to merely facilitating access to new cars for those that are eligible, we ensure that we’re on hand to guide customers through the process, and offer help and advice in finding the perfect car for them and their needs. 

How does Motability work? 

Motability works by allowing you to exchange all or part of a mobility allowance to lease a vehicle of your choice. You’re able to choose the vehicle, explore any adaptations that could be made to assist comfortable travel, and the payments are then deducted from your allowance every four weeks. The payments are made directly to Motability by your benefit payment agency.

Typically, a Motability standard lease is over three years, or five years if you are leasing a WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle).

It’s not just the purchase price that Motability assists with; Motability covers all the following running costs, so all you need to do is fill up with fuel and hit the road: 

• Insurance (for up to three named drivers for cars and WAVs)
• Servicing, maintenance and repairs due to general wear
• Breakdown cover
• Tyre repair and replacement
• Windscreen repairs

Who is eligible for Motability? 

In order to be eligible for the Motability Scheme, you must receive one of the following mobility allowances; bear in mind also that there must be at least 12 months award length remaining:

• Higher rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

All or part of your allowance can be exchanged for the car of your choice. ​

For those aged 65 or over, you are able to apply, provided that you already receive one of the allowances that we mentioned above - those 12 months award length still applies too.

Who isn’t eligible for Motability? 

It maybe goes without saying that anyone that doesn’t receive any mobility allowance isn’t eligible for the scheme, but we understand that it may feel like there are some grey areas. The official Motability website states that ‘you cannot apply to join the Scheme if you receive a lower rate or component of mobility allowance, or Attendance Allowance.’

What happens if I have less than 12 months left on my mobility allowance? 

If you want to pursue a car through the Motability scheme but you have less than 12 months left on your allowance, you’ll need to wait until the allowance provider renews it before you can apply. 

How can I check if I’m eligible for the Motability scheme? 

The official Motability website allows you to check easily whether or not you’re able to apply for the scheme here; they’ll also be able to tell you how long you have left on your allowance, if applicable.

Alternatively, you can visit one of our branches, or get to know the cars we sell online, before getting in touch with one of our advisors who will be only too happy to help.  

How does Motability work at EMG? 

Step 1 – Choose your Motability vehicle 

Explore our wide range of brand new Kia, Mazda, MG and Nissan vehicles available on the Motability scheme. When you’re making your choice, take into account things like fuel consumption and any costs that may be applicable, such as any upfront costs for that model, and any exciting optional extras you may be interested in. Or, you can head to one of our branches to get a feel for what we offer in person. 

Step 2 – Contact EMG Motor Group 

Once you have a vehicle in mind, or you’re excited to get browsing, it’s time to contact or head to your local EMG branch. Our Motability specialists will talk through everything that’s available, give you any advice that you may need, and arrange a test drive for you. We will also be able to go through any optional extras or adaptations that you’d be interested in. 

Step 3 – Ordering your vehicle

When you’ve made your decision, your order will be completed by our dedicated Motability specialist, and they’ll be able to go through what happens next, and when to expect delivery of your vehicle. 

When you come to collect your vehicle, we will, of course, go through how the controls work, so that you drive away feeling confident and happy.