The Motability charity
Helping to give people their independence.
The Motability charity was set up in 1977 to help disabled people, their families and carers get mobile – and give them that feeling of independence that’s so important.
Ford was there at the very beginning, as one of the founding motor manufacturers. Since then, Ford Mobility has supplied over half a million Motability vehicles.
Our award-winning cars are versatile, roomy, stylish and good to drive. You can also take advantage of our large support network of Motability accredited Dealers and benefit from the service of over 800 dedicated Motability Specialists. But first, find out more about how the scheme works and whether you’re eligible.
Jason Richards, a Ford Mobility Ambassador, has put together some practical and insightful tips for purchasing a car on the Motability scheme. Click here to open the PDF.
How it works – three simple steps
Step 1. Choose your car
Your Ford Motability Specialist can help you choose the car to suit you best. It is important you experience our cars first hand, and your Ford Dealer can arrange either an accompanied test drive, or a test ride if you’re going to be the passenger. We can also organise home visits.
Things you’ll need to consider include:
- Can you get in and out of the car easily enough?
- Is there enough room for everything you need to carry with you (e.g. mobility aids, wheelchairs, etc.)?
- Can you use the controls easily as they are, or do they need to be modified for you?
Step 2. Place your order
When you’ve decided on your car, your Dealer will set up your agreement by entering your details, and those of the car, onto Motability online. The price is now guaranteed against that vehicle from this point. A wide range of adaptations can be ordered at this stage and these will be ready for you when you collect your car. Motability check your eligibility with the Department of Work and Pensions and confirm back to your Dealer (usually within 48 hours) that they can place an order for your vehicle with Ford.
Your Dealer will then be able to advise you when your new car will be delivered – which could be as little as a few weeks.
Step 3. Collect your car
Once your delivery date is confirmed, your Dealer will finalise your insurance, loss and damage protection details.
When you go to collect your car, they will give you a thorough handover so you are familiar with the key features. You’ll also need to sign the hire agreement between yourself and Motability Operations, to finance your car.
Finally, if you have an Advance Payment, this will need to be paid to the Dealer (in one lump sum). Your tax disc will be provided with your car, while Motability Operations will hold the V5 document.
You are now free to enjoy your new car from Ford Mobility.
Contract Hire
You simply assign your allowance to Motability and get a brand new car every three years. Your allowance covers most of the running costs. All you have to do is fill your car with fuel.
Your agreement includes:
- A brand new Ford of your choice every three years
- Insurance, loss and damage protection, personal accident cover for named drivers and passengers
- Servicing, maintenance and repairs at your Ford Dealer
- Full breakdown assistance from the RAC
- Window and windscreen replacement at no extra cost
- A 60,000 mile allowance during the three years
- Free replacement tyres fitted by Kwik-Fit
- The most popular adaptations arranged through your Motability accredited Ford Dealer
There are many vehicles available at no additional cost to your allowance, but if you do want a higher specification vehicle or one of our larger cars, you will need to pay an additional one-off ‘Advance Payment’ when you sign for your new vehicle.
Eligibility. Do you qualify for a car using the Motability scheme?
If you’re receiving either of the following benefits, you could qualify for a car under the Motability scheme:
You should have received an Award Notice with details of your allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). If they haven’t sent you one, or if you’ve mislaid it, simply contact the DWP on0845 7123 456 .
Remember, if you’re thinking about selecting Contract Hire, you must have at least 12 months of your award remaining.
For more information on awards and benefits from the DWP, visit the Department of Work and Pensions website.
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMC-DLA)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
You should have received an Award Notice with details of your allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). If they haven’t sent you one, or if you’ve mislaid it, simply contact the DWP on
Remember, if you’re thinking about selecting Contract Hire, you must have at least 12 months of your award remaining.
For more information on awards and benefits from the DWP, visit the Department of Work and Pensions website.