Currently, in the UK, 580,000 people qualify for and use the Motability scheme to help them to run a vehicle. All of those people are disabled. Without the help of the scheme, most would not be able to afford to run their own vehicle.
The vehicles they run using funds from the scheme include cars, electric scooters and powered wheelchairs. The scheme is extremely flexible, which means that it is easy for people to buy and run the vehicle they really need. The allowance even helps those who do not actually want to run a vehicle. It recognises that for some people to use public transport instead. Therefore, it is possible to qualify for the scheme and use the money to buy train and bus tickets instead, or pay for taxis.
The History of the Motability Scheme
Prior to the introduction of the scheme, the only help the disabled got to find and run a vehicle came in the form of a specialist vehicle. The vehicle was known as the blue trike. It could only accommodate one person and many disabled people did not feel safe in them and found that getting in and out of them was difficult. In addition, nobody whose disability meant that they could not drive themselves could use them, so they ended up getting no help at all.
In 1977, it was decided to give the disabled a sum of money to put towards a vehicle that was right for them and their specific needs. Initially the scheme was only for the young. However, this quickly changed and it became open to all.
By October 2006 2,000,000 cars had been brought under the scheme. It was an amazing success, which gave the disabled the ability to lead near normal lives.
Owning a vehicle gives people the ability to work, take themselves to appointments and socialise. The scheme is seen as so important that it will continue despite many other cuts to social services for the disabled. However, because less people will qualify for the Disabled Living Allowance it is anticipated that less people will qualify for the Motability allowance in the future.
To find out more about the Motability scheme and leasing a car using the allowance visit the William A Lewis website.