Quick answer: The Motability Scheme lets you exchange all or part of a qualifying mobility allowance for a leased car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair. With arthritis, the usual route is the enhanced (higher) rate of the PIP or Adult Disability Payment mobility part. You normally need at least 12 months left on your award to join. Insurance, servicing and breakdown cover are included.
Checked on 10 October 2026 against the Motability Scheme FAQs and GOV.UK: vehicles and transport help. Scheme prices and terms change, so check the Motability website before you order.
If arthritis makes walking, buses and trains hard, a car can be the difference between getting out and staying in. For some people a scooter or powered wheelchair is the better answer. The Motability Scheme lets eligible disabled people lease one of these using their mobility allowance, with insurance, servicing and breakdown cover included. This guide explains who can join, how it works and the questions to ask before you choose a vehicle.
What the Motability Scheme is
The Scheme is run by Motability Operations. Its FAQs explain that you exchange all or part of your higher rate mobility allowance for a brand-new car, wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair. Payments go straight from your allowance provider (DWP, Social Security Scotland or the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland) to the Scheme. You keep getting any other parts of your benefit as normal, including the daily living part of PIP.
A separate charity, the Motability Foundation, offers means-tested grants for some people who cannot afford the vehicle or adaptations they need.
Who can join
According to the Scheme, you can apply if you get one of these:
- enhanced rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
- higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You normally need at least 12 months left on your allowance to join. If you have less, the Scheme says you need to wait until your award is renewed. If you are already on the Scheme and your lease is ending, you no longer need 12 months left on your allowance to apply for your next vehicle.
Benefits that do not qualify
The Scheme says you cannot join with a lower (standard) rate of a mobility allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance. This matters for older people with arthritis: if you claim after State Pension age you will usually get Attendance Allowance, which has no mobility part, so you cannot join on that basis. If you already get a qualifying allowance, you can apply at 65 or over as long as it has at least 12 months left.
Getting the enhanced mobility rate with arthritis
For PIP and ADP, the enhanced mobility rate needs 12 points or more across the two mobility activities. For arthritis, the points usually come from the "moving around" activity. The PIP regulations score it like this:
| Moving around: on most days you can stand and then move… | Points |
|---|---|
| more than 200 metres, aided or unaided | 0 |
| more than 50 metres but no more than 200 metres | 4 |
| more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres, unaided | 8 |
| more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres, only using an aid such as a stick or frame | 10 |
| more than 1 metre but no more than 20 metres | 12 |
| cannot stand, or cannot move more than 1 metre | 12 |
So 12 points from moving around alone means that on most days you cannot reliably walk more than 20 metres. Ten points (20 to 50 metres with an aid) gives the standard rate unless you also score points for planning and following journeys. "Reliably" means safely, to an acceptable standard, repeatedly and in a reasonable time. Our complete PIP guide explains the test in detail.
If you were awarded the standard mobility rate but think you should have the enhanced rate, you can challenge the decision. See our PIP appeal guide, and get advice first, as a challenge looks at the whole award.
What the lease includes
The Scheme describes its car lease as an all-inclusive package. It includes:
- insurance for up to three named drivers
- breakdown cover
- servicing and maintenance
- tyres (replacement under the Scheme's rules)
The Scheme says that with a car, "all you need to budget for is fuel". You may also need to pay an Advance Payment for some vehicles (see below) and any excess if you make an insurance claim.
Lease length
Car leases generally run for three years, or five years for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. At the end, you can lease another vehicle or return it and have your mobility allowance paid to you again.
Mileage limits changed on 1 July 2026
| When you ordered | Three-year car lease | Five-year WAV lease | Charge for extra miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 1 July 2026 | 60,000 miles | 100,000 miles | 5p per mile |
| On or after 1 July 2026 | 30,000 miles | 50,000 miles | 25p per mile (21p if you get VAT relief) |
Source: Motability Scheme FAQs, checked 10 October 2026. If you drive a lot, for example for hospital appointments or work, work out your likely mileage before you order. The Scheme has information about support for higher mileage.
What it costs
According to the Scheme:
- Scooters and powered wheelchairs all cost less than your weekly allowance, so you get some money back.
- Cars and WAVs vary. Some cost less than your allowance, some cost the same, and some need an Advance Payment.
An Advance Payment is an upfront, non-refundable amount for some larger or higher-specification vehicles. It is not a deposit. You can filter your vehicle search to show cars with no Advance Payment. Prices change, so check the current price list.
Choosing a vehicle that suits arthritic joints
The right car can make a big difference to pain and fatigue. Before you order, try sitting in, getting out of and driving shortlisted cars, ideally on a day when your joints are stiff. Think about:
| Problem | What to look for or ask about |
|---|---|
| Painful hips or knees getting in and out | Seat height close to your hip height; wide door openings; a swivel seat adaptation; firm seat bolsters that do not get in the way |
| Stiff neck or back | Good all-round visibility; reversing camera and parking sensors; adjustable lumbar support |
| Painful hands and wrists | Automatic gearbox; keyless entry and start; electric parking brake; light steering; large controls |
| Loading a wheelchair or scooter | Boot sill height and size; a hoist or boot lift adaptation |
| Fatigue on long journeys | Cruise control; comfortable heated seats; lane-keeping features |
Our guide to driving with arthritis has more tips on comfort and safety.
Adaptations
The Scheme groups adaptations into access (for example swivel seats), stowage (such as boot hoists) and driving controls (such as steering aids). It says many adaptations are available at no extra cost if fitted at the start of your lease, though there may be a charge for larger, more complex adaptations. If you are not sure what you need, the Scheme can arrange a Driving Mobility assessment.
Scooters and powered wheelchairs
If you do not drive, or find a car hard to get in and out of, a scooter or powered wheelchair may suit you better. The Scheme says a dealer will arrange for you to try some and help you apply. Think about where you will store and charge it, the kerbs and slopes near your home, and whether you need to take it in a car. Our guide to mobility scooters with arthritis covers this in more detail.
Questions to ask before you order
- Is there an Advance Payment, and is it the same on the day I collect the car?
- How long is the expected delivery time for this model, and would another manufacturer be quicker?
- Which adaptations can be fitted at the start of the lease at no extra cost?
- Will my wheelchair, rollator or scooter fit in the boot, and can I lift it in?
- What is my likely annual mileage, and what happens if I go over the limit?
- If the car is electric, where will I charge it, and can I manage the cable and connector with sore hands?
- Who will be the named drivers, and do they all meet the insurer's criteria?
- What condition does the car need to be in when I hand it back?
If you do not drive
You do not have to be the driver. The Scheme covers up to three named drivers, who need a valid licence and must meet the insurer's criteria. The vehicle must be used by you or for your benefit. The Scheme explains this does not mean you must be in the car for every journey; for example, someone in your home can use it to do your shopping. Only drivers named on the insurance certificate can drive it.
How to join, step by step
- Check your award letter shows a qualifying allowance with at least 12 months left.
- Research vehicles on the Motability website, filtering by price and features.
- Visit an accredited dealer (or scooter or wheelchair supplier). Test sit and test drive.
- Ask about adaptations and a Driving Mobility assessment if needed.
- Apply through the dealer, who will help with the paperwork.
- Collect your vehicle when it is ready. Delivery times depend on the manufacturer and model.
If your award changes
If you stop getting a qualifying allowance, for example after a PIP review, the Scheme says you should contact its customer services team. It will explain that your lease is ending and help you return the vehicle. Some people who lose their award after a DLA to PIP reassessment may be eligible for a support package. If you think the PIP decision is wrong, you can challenge it, but get advice quickly.
Other transport help linked to your benefits
GOV.UK lists other help for disabled drivers and passengers:
- Vehicle tax exemption for one vehicle if you get the enhanced mobility rate of PIP or ADP, or the higher rate mobility of DLA, among others.
- 50% vehicle tax reduction if you get the standard mobility rate of PIP or ADP.
- VAT relief on some vehicle adaptations and on the lease of a Motability vehicle.
- A Blue Badge, a Disabled Persons Railcard, a disabled persons bus pass and local dial-a-ride or taxi schemes. See our Blue Badge guide.
Across the UK
The Scheme is available across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. What differs is the benefit: PIP from DWP in England and Wales, Adult Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland, and PIP from the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland. The qualifying rates are the enhanced mobility rates of these benefits.
Free, independent advice
For help with your mobility benefit, contact Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Scotland or Advice NI. Scope, Turn2us and Disability Rights UK publish free information about disability benefits. We are not connected to these organisations or to Motability Operations.
When to get medical help
Tell your GP or rheumatology team if arthritis is making it harder to walk, use your hands or turn your head, as treatment or physiotherapy may help. You must tell the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland) about some medical conditions that affect your driving; check GOV.UK if you are not sure. Stop driving and seek advice if pain, stiffness or medicines affect your ability to control the car safely. Get urgent help from NHS 111 or your GP if a joint suddenly becomes hot, swollen and very painful.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Motability car with arthritis?
Yes, if you get a qualifying allowance such as the enhanced mobility rate of PIP or ADP, with at least 12 months left on your award. Arthritis itself does not qualify you; the benefit award does.
Can I join the Motability Scheme on Attendance Allowance?
No. Attendance Allowance has no mobility part, so it does not qualify.
Does Motability include insurance?
Yes. The car lease includes insurance for up to three named drivers, plus breakdown cover and servicing.
How many miles can I drive on Motability?
For orders on or after 1 July 2026, up to 30,000 miles over a three-year car lease or 50,000 miles over a five-year WAV lease, according to the Scheme.
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
Only for some vehicles that need an Advance Payment. Many cars have none, and scooters and powered wheelchairs cost less than the allowance.
What if I lose my PIP mobility award?
Contact the Scheme straight away. Your lease will usually end and you will need to return the vehicle. Get advice about challenging the decision if you think it is wrong.
Sources and further reading
- Motability Scheme: Am I eligible to join the Scheme?
- Motability Scheme: How many miles am I allowed to drive?
- Motability Scheme: How long is my lease?
- Motability Scheme: Which adaptations can I get?
- GOV.UK: Financial help if you're disabled – vehicles and transport
- GOV.UK: Personal Independence Payment
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom — not legal, financial or personal medical advice. Benefit rules and rates change, so always check GOV.UK (or mygov.scot / nidirect) and get free advice before you act. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical and editorial review. Everyone's situation is different, so always follow the advice of your own GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Driving with arthritis — staying safe and comfortable
- Mobility scooters — choosing one with arthritis
- Blue Badge guide — parking closer
- Benefits and PIP hub — all money and benefits guides