Major change for certain drivers set to come into effect

Motorists living with a disability or health condition are bracing for significant changes in just a few days. The Motability Scheme, overseen by Motability Operations, enables people receiving certain disability benefits to utilise portions of their award to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, or scooter.

However, due to the ever-changing automotive market, the organisation adjusts the prices of many vehicles on offer each quarter.

The forthcoming price list update is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, which could see the cost of some vehicles rise due to supply chain disruptions and fluctuating insurance prices. According to the scheme, it collaborates closely with vehicle manufacturers to determine which vehicles are included and at what price point.

What will affect the new prices?

According to the Motability Scheme website, it adjusts prices based on the following factors:

• The manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price (RRP)
• The ongoing cost of running the scheme
• The estimated value of a vehicle at the end of its lease period (mainly determines a vehicles Advanced Payment)
• How much it costs to refurbish a vehicle when it is returned after the end of a lease

Who is eligible for the Motability Scheme?

Currently, the scheme is open to those receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), and War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS).

Current top vehicles on Motability Scheme

During the last price update in July, the Motability Scheme website highlighted its top picks of vehicles available both with and without an Advance Payment. It includes a range of vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), petrol, and diesel.

However, keep in mind that the top picks are likely to change significantly once prices update, and you may get a better deal on the vehicle you want then.

Most popular cars with an Advance Payment

• Vauxhall Mokka Ultimate (petrol/manual) - from £199
• Volkswagen T-Roc Life (petrol/manual) - from £449
• Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium (petrol/manual) - from £499
• Peugeot Rifter Allure (electric/automatic) - from £499
• Suzuki Vitara Motion (petrol/manual) - from £999
• Ford Puma Select (electric/automatic) - from £1145
• Toyota BZ4X Pure (electric/automatic) - from £1695
• Nissan X-Trail Acenta Premium (petrol/automatic) - from £1999

Most popular cars without an Advance Payment

• Vauxhall Frontera Design (electric/automatic)
• Skoda Elroq SE (electric/automatic)
• Hyundai Bayon Advance (petrol/manual)
• Toyota Proace City Verso Icon (electric/automatic)
• Mazda CX-30 Prime-Line (petrol/manual)
• Peugeot 2008 GT (electric/automatic)
• Skoda Kamiq SE Edition (petrol/manual)
• Seat Arona SE Technology (petrol/manual)