Top 10 best Motability electric cars 2024

‘Motability’ is a fantastic scheme that gives eligible people in the UK the opportunity to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair in exchange for their mobility allowance. Those who qualify can pick any car, scooter or wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) they want, provided it’s offered on the Motability scheme.

But it’s not just a lease: the Motability scheme will also cover all of your insurance, breakdown assistance, tyre repair and replacement, windscreen repairs, servicing and maintenance, making it a convenient and hassle-free option. 

Every three months, the organisation negotiates discounted leasing rates with car manufacturers, potentially offering big savings that aren’t available elsewhere. Plus, after your three year lease, you’ll be eligible for a new car, too, meaning you’ll never have to worry about missing out on the latest technology or safety features.

Speaking of which, nowadays, more and more of the latest and greatest electric cars are becoming available on the scheme, including city cars and family SUVs, to even larger and more practical options like the Citroen e-SpaceTourer nine-seat minibus.

After finding the car you want, you can also decide who drives the vehicle and which dealership to operate through. Drivers still have to pay for fuel, however, choosing an electric car could offer huge savings over the course of the lease compared to a petrol or diesel-powered equivalent. Motability has also partnered with Ohme to offer home charging points to clients who choose an electric model.

Below, we’ve listed what we consider to be the top 10 cars available on the Motability scheme. We've not only taken into account how good these cars are as standalone models – our list of the top 10 best electric cars will give you an overview of our favourites from across the entire EV market – but also what value they represent taking into account the necessary advance payment. 

All the EVs below will use the entirety of your weekly Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PiP). It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that drivers aged under 25 are restricted to cars that sit in insurance group 16 or lower, and have a power output of 120bhp or less. With all that said, keep reading for our breakdown of who qualifies for Motability and what the scheme includes as a whole.

1. MG4 EV

10

Advance payment: £0 (SE) to £649 (Trophy Long Range)

The MG4 ranks highly in our list of the very best electric cars, so it’s a natural fit that it tops our best Motability EVs list, too. With a sporty driving experience and spacious interior, the MG4 is sufficient for use as a family car, with plenty of headroom and a flat floor in the rear. The boot might not be the biggest in its class, but it should be large enough to carry the weekly shop; you’ll likely need to fold down the rear seats if you plan to carry anything like a pram. or wheelchair. MG says base cars can do just over 200 miles on a charge, however, if you think you’ll be travelling long distances, we recommend stepping up to the mid-spec SE Long Range with its 281-mile range and bargain £49 advance payment.

Read our full MG4 review to find out more.

2. Hyundai Kona Electric

10

Advance payment: £99 (48kWh Advance) to £3,599 (65kWh Ultimate w/ Lux Pack)

Looking like it’s been pulled straight out of an X-Men comic, the Hyundai Kona Electric is an ‘uncannily’ fantastic EV. Sharing parts with the Kia Niro EV, it’s relaxing to drive and, in top-spec form, is capable of over 300 miles on a charge. Base models with their circa-215-mile maximum only require a small advance payment, while all cars get a modern, yet ergonomic interior with a decent balance of screens and buttons that are easy to operate when on the move. There are more spacious electric SUVs out there, but the Kona Electric’s boxy shape means it should be more than roomy enough for small families. Being one of the more efficient competitors in its class should result in low running costs, too.

Read our full Hyundai Kona Electric review to find out more.

3. Skoda Enyaq

10

Advance payment: £0 (60) to £2,099 (85x SportLine Plus)

Sharp looks, a plush and spacious interior and a strong electric range – the Skoda Enyaq SUV has it all. Its suspension may be on the firm side, but it does well to soak up all but the nastiest of bumps. You’ll be grateful for plenty of Skoda’s neat ‘Simply Clever’ features, too – such as an umbrella hidden in the door and a parking ticket clip on the windscreen. Base 60 models don’t require an advance payment, although top models with their range of well over 300 miles are among the most expensive options on this list. If you can stump up the cash, though, you’ll find the Enyaq to not only be one of the best cars on the Motability scheme, but one of the most well-rounded EVs you can buy full-stop.

Read our full Skoda Enyaq review to find out more.

4. Renault Megane

10

Advance payment: £195 (Techno+) to £845 (Iconic)

The Renault Megane E-Tech is one of the finest electric family cars you can buy, and is nothing like its bland, petrol-power predecessor. A particular highlight for us is the Megane’s Google-based infotainment system which is one of the most responsive and intuitive units we’ve ever come across. It drives well, too, offering an ideal blend of comfort and driving fun. All Megane E-Tech models have an official range of 280 miles and can be topped-up in as little as half an hour, thanks to 130kW ultra-rapid charging. The base Techno+ model now comes as standard with a heat pump – ideal for preserving range in the winter – and given there’s so much kit as standard, we see little reason to spend more on your advance payment to step up to the top-spec Iconic.

Read our full review of the Renault Megane to find out more.

5. Jeep Avenger

10

Advance payment: £0 (Summit)

Available with no advance payment on the Motability scheme, Jeep’s first EV may not be four-wheel drive, but it’s pretty capable off-road. However, it’s the jungle of the concrete variety in which the Avenger is best suited for, with light steering for easy manoeuvres around town, a raised ride height for good visibility in traffic and a compact size which makes it easy to park. Only the top-spec Summit trim is available on the Motability scheme, though that’s not a bad thing as it comes equipped with plenty of luxuries like heated front seats, twin 10.25-inch screens, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera – all handy items for longer journeys given the Avenger is capable of up to 250 miles on a charge.

Read our full Jeep Avenger review to find out more.

6. Kia Niro EV

10

Advance payment: £349 (2) to £2,849 (4)

Sister car to the brilliant Hyundai Kona, the Kia Niro is a great electric family car and represents fantastic value on the Motability scheme – particularly if you go for the entry-level ‘2’ model. While higher-spec cars will set you back thousands in advance payments, the base Niro is relatively affordable and comes packed with standard kit including a dual-screen infotainment system, climate control and rear parking sensors. All Kia Niros get a 275-odd mile range and 77kW rapid charging so you won’t be feeling short-changed by going for the base car. Throw in a comfortable and relaxing ride, what’s not to like?

Read our full Kia Niro EV review to find out more.

7. Cupra Born

10

Advance payment: £0 (V1 58kWh) to £2,195 (V3 e-Boost 77kWh)

Those looking for a little more excitement from their Motability vehicle should look no further than the Cupra Born. A sister car to the Volkswagen ID.3 – which also happens to be available on the scheme – the Cupra is much sportier than its German counterpart, with sharper steering and a more aggressive appearance. 

The base V1 model is our pick of the line-up and this happens to be available with no advance payment on Motability; even this gets a nippy 201bhp electric motor, as well as a range of up to 264 miles. If you don’t mind all the copper-coloured accents, the Cupra Born is a great option if you’re after something that’s enjoyable to drive, but also functional as a low-cost family car.

Read our full Cupra Born review to find out more.

8. Citroen e-C4

Advance payment: £0 (ëSeries)

The Citroen C4 has been around for a while now, but did you know it’s also available in fully-electric form, too? The e-C4 is an ideal choice for those not only looking for something truly comfortable – Citroen’s Hydraulic Cushion suspension is fantastic at ironing out bumps – but also something that feels much like a traditional petrol car. Acceleration is quiet and smooth from the e-C4’s electric motor, plus recent updates have extended range to a maximum of 261 miles. Furthemore, despite its sleek saloon-like shape, the e-C4 is actually a hatchback, making loading larger items much easier than it would be otherwise.

Read our full review of the Citroen e-C4 to find out more.

9. Citroen e-Berlingo

10

Advance payment: £1,495 (Flair XTR), £2,345 (Flair XTR XL)

It may not be the cheapest entry on this list in terms of the advance payment, but boy does the e-Berlingo offer bang for your buck when it comes to interior space. The electric Citroen van is available with up to seven seats and, in long-wheelbase XL specification, offers up to 3,500 litres of space – more than enough for a wheelchair and luggage for a two-week family holiday. The five-seat Flair XTR model requires you to pay less up-front, and all models boast comfortable suspension, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus plenty of cubbyholes to tuck away your belongings.

Read our full review of the Citroen e-Berlingo to find out more.

10. Smart #1

10

Advance payment: £0 (Pro+)

Don’t be deterred by the Smart brand; the Smart #1 is a small-yet-spacious SUV that oozes chic and premium appeal. Thanks to its raised crossover stance and standard-fit glass roof, the #1’s interior is incredibly airy and offers superb visibility. It feels pretty luxurious, too, with a long standard equipment list and several parts pinched from partner Mercedes-Benz. It does tend to fidget over bumps – something you may want to consider if you’re after something with a smooth drive – but with 261bhp powering the rear wheels, few cars in this segment offer the same punchy performance as the Smart. You can slide the rear seats forward and back, too, meaning you can still carry passengers in the back when transporting larger items. Partner this with no advance payment to be seen and the positives greatly outweigh the negatives.

Read our full Smart #1 review to find out more.

Do I qualify for the Motability scheme?

To be eligible for the Motability Scheme, you must receive one of the following mobility allowances:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

£71 per week

Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)

£71 per week

Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)

£71 per week

Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment

£71 per week

War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

£79.25 per week

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

£71 per week

You must have at least 12 months left to run on any of the above allowances to qualify for Motability. There are also terms and conditions that need to be met: any car leased through Motability must be used for the benefit of the disabled person, even if it's predominantly or entirely driven by another named driver.

Any named driver must have a valid driving licence, and also meet RSA’s insurance underwriting criteria. Misuse of a Motability car – ranging from driving without insurance to sub-leasing the vehicle – could result in the termination of the lease and a bill to cover any repairs or loss of resale value. You may also be prevented from getting another car through the scheme.

What’s included on the Motability scheme?

As mentioned above, leasing through Motability lets you roll insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing and maintenance into one package, with all of the above organised for you. Insurance is provided by RSA Motability, and includes personal accident cover. Servicing is included, too, and if you give the dealership three weeks’ notice, it'll arrange a courtesy car so you can travel home while the service is being carried out.

Motability arranges full breakdown assistance, and you may have up to two named drivers. Cars have a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles, while MOTs and road tax are covered as well. Perhaps most importantly of all, the scheme allows you to choose a variety of adaptations to accommodate a variety of disabilities. Some adaptations are free, while others have a price attached.

All manner of adaptations can be arranged, including hand controls, steering aids, pedal modifications and personal hoists. Consult with your dealer to have these fitted. It’s important to note that there are cars on the scheme that cost less than a full week’s mobility allowance to lease, and therefore it could still be cheaper overall to run a petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle. We've also made a list of the best Motability hybrid cars if you can't make the switch to electric just yet.