By Bradley Taylor
Motability is an initiative in the UK that has been created in order to provide disabled individuals with a means of being able to drive around safely. The scheme allows for those who are disabled to purchase or hire a car.
Cars aren’t the only option however, as the scheme also allows for people to benefit from the use of a powered wheelchair and even a scooter.
Requirements
In order to benefit from the Motability scheme, it is key that individuals are currently the recipient of one of the following:
- The Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- A Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a result of the Enhanced Mobility Component
- The Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
For anyone who is a recipient of the above, yet unable to drive, the opportunity to benefit from the Motability scheme still remains. This is because you can apply for the scheme as a passenger, rather than a driver. It is because of this that a carer or parent, can apply on behalf of someone who is benefiting from the Motability scheme.
For those looking to benefit, it is important that no serious driving convictions exist on your record. You may also find that if you are under the age of 25, you may not be able to take full advantage of all the scheme has to offer.
What’s on Offer?
With the help of the Motability scheme, you’ll find that you can benefit from the following-
- A new car which is provided on a three year contract hire lease
- A new or used car, provided on hire purchase for a term duration of two to five years
- A powered wheelchair or scooter, new or used, obtained through hire purchase for a term duration of one to three years
It is important to note that once a decision is made, you will then be required to put forward your allowance in order to pay for it.
For many, the best option on offer is the one which is based on a contract hire scheme. This is the one which provides individuals with a new car, in accordance to the manufacturers provided. Beneficiaries of this option will find that the maintenance and service fees are covered by the scheme, as well as the provision of breakdown cover and insurance.
You will need to find a car dealership that accommodates for those looking to make use of the Motability scheme, such as this one.
Restrictions
Though comprehensive in its nature, the scheme does have some restrictions. It is imperative that any nominated drivers who are not disabled live within 5 miles of the disabled individual for whom the scheme is intended for.
New Possibilities
As you can see, the Motability scheme provides eligible individuals with an opportunity to travel in ways they might not have been able to previously.
It is important to note however, that those looking to benefit from the scheme find out all that it has to offer, so as not deny themselves from the full advantages to be gained whilst using the Motability initiative. By taking the time to research the details, you’ll find that the Motability scheme opens up a whole new world of possibilities you were otherwise not able to afford, giving you the chance to travel in manner that was not previously an option.
Author biography – Bradley Taylor is a freelance writer from Derby, England who writes across a variety of topics including everything automotive. You can follow him on Twitter and connect with him on Google+.