Social Security Experience Panels: Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme

Why people had not used the Motability scheme

We asked those respondents who said they have never used the Motability scheme if there were particular reasons why (see Table 2). Of the 78 people who provided a reason, more than a quarter said that they didn’t qualify (28 per cent), or that they needed their disability allowance to pay for other things (28 per cent). One in eight (12 per cent) said that they preferred to use their own vehicle.

Some respondents who listed “another reason” said that they had not used the scheme because they did not drive, or because their medical condition stopped them driving or stopped them from using mobility scooters.

However, a small number of respondents said that they had not used the system because they found it “complicated” or “complex”.

“I did not know if it applied to myself”

“I have no idea if I qualify. All these things to do with health are so complex.”

A few respondents referred to the qualifying criteria for Motability being reliant on disability benefits. They described that concerns around having their benefits reduced led to them avoiding making changes that might have given them eligibility for Motability which they did not currently have.

“Complicated, too fearful of assessments with DWP, not on higher rate mobility, should be on higher for years, but whole thing makes me feel so anxious.”

“My mobility has worsened greatly over [the] past 5 years but a fear of being treated unfairly by the DWP has meant I haven't applied for PIP [Personal Independence Payment]. I'm on DLA [Disability Living Allowance] and the many people who look after me understand my fears of the assessment but feel I'm losing out.”

One respondent highlighted a fear of losing their vehicle should they be reassessed and lose their qualifying benefit.

“Been scared to use it for car under current DWP, as hear and read horror stories of people getting their car taken off them when unfairly assessed.”

Some also said that they did not meet the eligibility criteria for the qualifying benefits, set out by DWP or Social Security Scotland. This was despite respondents feeling that they might benefit from the scheme.

“Because it has a ludicrous age cap of 65. My disabled mother was too embarrassed to claim DLA for years and when I finally persuaded her at her retirement it seems those over retirement age don't exist. They don't need to get around and they aren't expected to have a life.”

One respondent said that the advanced payments required meant that they could not afford a suitable car, while another described the scheme as “very expensive”.

“The huge no refund deposit for a car that meets my needs prevents it. I have to get old cars.”

One respondent said they did not use the scheme because the mobility scooters available were not what they would choose.