Motability and electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars

Cars can be a vital way of getting around for people with a disability. Depending on individual circumstances, they may need a larger model capable of accommodating a wheelchair, or one that can be easily modified with hand controls or other adaptations. Or, they may simply want a conventional car that their carer, a friend or family member can drive them in.

The Motability Scheme can help with this. Motability is a charity that works closely with the government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It exists to help people with a disability purchase a new car suitable for their needs, and to assist with conversions or adaptations if necessary. The scheme covers not just the lease of a car, but also insurance cover, breakdown cover and all routine maintenance and servicing.

Motability ensures cheaper lease deals for people with disabilities, their families and carers, as well as reducing the cost of conversions and adaptations, if needed. Motability cars are financed wholly or in part by the Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMC) of a recipient’s Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or by their Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Anyone in receipt of a War Pensions Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment can also lease a vehicle on the Motability Scheme. In recent years, an increasing range of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles have become available on the scheme, giving buyers more choice than before.

Before picking a vehicle, make sure you’re eligible for the scheme. To find out, visit Motability's website. Once you’ve picked the right car, contact the Motability Scheme specialist at your local dealership, who'll then place the order. Note that you'll need to have at least 12 months remaining on your mobility allowance when placing the order.

Read on to find out how to get an electric or hybrid car on the Motability Scheme – and make sure to check out our regularly updated pages picking out the best hybrid and electric cars available on the scheme.

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars on Motability with no advance payment

The easiest way to find what hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars are currently available on Motability is to go to the car search tool on the scheme's website, set the 'Advance payment' to zero and in the fuel type category, select 'Hybrid - Petrol', 'Plug-In Hybrid - Petrol' and 'Electric'. This will display all the available hybrid and electric models with no advance payment.

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars on Motability with an advance payment

If you can afford to make a one-off advance payment out of your own pocket to 'top up' your Motability allowance, that opens up more hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric options. To see available cars, follow the same instructions as above on the Motability site, but set the 'Advance payment' to the level you can afford and see what's on offer.