Changes to the Motability scheme

As of the 1st July the government backed Motability scheme is changing. Previously administered by the profit making route2mobility, who had run the scheme for the last 5 years, the new guardians are old hands when it comes to dealing with recipients of Disability Living Allowance. Motability Operations have looked after the Motability car scheme for 35 years and are now taking over the Powered Wheelchair and Scooter scheme.

They have already made a few changes to the scheme removing the Hire Purchase option in favour of a worry free Contract Hire option which will see most customers receiving a new scooter or powered wheelchair customer every three years (a five year option is available for some custom built powered wheelchairs). The package includes standard pricing nationwide from a selection of over 200 products, fully comprehensive insurance, recovery assistance, servicing, maintenance and repairs, replacement tyres and batteries and all supported by a UK based customer service team.

What isn't included though are any additional extras that are not fitted as standard, any fines incurred by the driver of the scooter or powered wheelchair and insurance cover does not extend to the theft of personal belongings such as coats bags, mobile phones and money. If you lose more than three sets of keys, you will have to pay for subsequent replacements.

You still need to contact a Motability accredited scooter and powered wheelchair dealer to apply and the payments are still deducted at source from your allowance. The biggest change though is that Motability Operations are a not for profit organisation so if you are thinking of getting a new scooter or powered wheelchair using your Disability Living Allowance, there's never been better value for money.