Edward Hedgren, Negosentro | The excellent Motability Scheme helps thousands of disabled individuals in the UK to lead their daily lives and enjoy independence with ease. The scheme allows those that are on a mobility allowance benefit to exchange this for a lease on a car, scooter or powered wheelchair. This allows these individuals to be mobile and not have to rely on public transportation or others to travel.
Eligibility
So, who is eligible? If you want to lease a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle through the Motability Scheme you will need to receive one of the following benefits and have at least 12 months remaining:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
These will be exchanged for the lease, so you will not have to pay anything to lease an automobile through the Motability Scheme.
Joining
To join, you will first need to find the right vehicle for your requirements. To identify this, you will need to consider how large it needs to be, typical journeys, accessibility and adaptations. You do not have to drive yourself and you can name two drivers to be insured to drive the car.
You should then speak to a specialist supplier like Allied Mobility – they will be able to talk through your options with you and arrange a test drive or perhaps bring the vehicle to your home to test. From here, the dealer will help you to place the order and the vehicle will either be delivered or you can pick it up. Insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover are all included, so you do not have to worry about arranging this.
Limitations
The automobile is to be used for the benefit of the disabled person, but other named drivers are able to use the automobile for shopping etc. Lending or sub-leasing the car is not allowed, plus it cannot be used for unauthorised business purposes. If the disabled individual is unable to drive, they can learn in their Motability car from the age of 16 and you may be able to receive financial help towards the cost of lessons.
The Motability Scheme helps thousands of disabled individuals in the UK to be mobile each and every day. By exchanging your mobility allowance, you can receive a car, scooter or powered wheelchair and benefit from the freedom and independence that this brings.
