What is Motability?

Motability is the leading car scheme for disabled people and Thames Motor Group is proud to be a government-approved dealer for the scheme. Helping you to make the most of your Motability car is our ultimate aim and we're here to help you apply, discover what cars you like and find out how we can get them adapted to suit you best.

The Motability Scheme began in 1978 and has given millions of disabled people the independence and freedom they deserve. It changes the lives of families, too, allowing them to go about their daily lives (and on great trips!) together.

Am I Eligible?

The great news is, if you receive an eligible benefit then you can transfer all or part of your mobility allowance to Motability in return for a fantastic car. Eligible benefits include:

- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance

- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment

- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

The payment for some cars is completely covered by your allowance while you can pay an 'Advance Payment' (additional cost) to get something that's most suitable for you. Many cars are covered by the Motability Scheme so you can get what you want as well as what you need. It's important you love your new car.

Motability Whats Included

Motability Offers from Thames

Use the links below to view the latest Motability offers from our brands.


Your Questions Answered

Got a question about the Motability scheme? We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. Click on the questions to view the answers and if you have a question that we havent covered, simply contact us today and one of our Motability experts will be happy to help.


Whats included in the Motability scheme?​

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You'll get a brand new vehicle along with:

  • Insurance
  • Service and Maintenance (along with free collection and delivery for our Motability Customers - please mention when you book)
  • Breakdown assistance
  • Window and windscreen repair/replacement where required
  • Most adaptations (some may require an additional cost - contact us for info)
  • Replacement tyres

Can I get a car on the Motability Scheme even if I don't drive?

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Yes. The vehicle must be used by (or for the main benefit) of the disabled person transferring their mobility allowance to the Motability Scheme. This means that you can nominate your family members or your carers as the main or additional drivers. If your child, aged 3 years old and above, receives the eligible benefits, as their parent or carer, you can apply on their behalf.

What is an Advance Payment?

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This is an additional, upfront payment for a car that is a higher spec than your weekly allowance covers. It's not a deposit, nor is it refundable.

Motability estimate there are around 450 cars available with no advance payment and some even cost less than your weekly allowance, leaving you to spend the remainder of your weekly payment however you wish.

Some Motability customers could even get financial help towards the cost of any Advance Payment or adaptations required. Contact us for more information.

What kind of driving adaptions are available?

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You could apply to adapt the car to make it easier to get in and out of. There are swivel chair, person hoists, adaptations to the door angle to make it open wider and more.

Many car manufacturers are already making new cars easier to get in and out though, so you may not need to worry about adapting.

The last thing you want to do is manually lift your wheelchair or scooter into the back of a car, however accessible it is. You can apply to adapt your Motability car to incorporate an electronic hoist or you can store your folding wheelchair with a electronic rooftop wheelchair stowage system.

If you have limited limb mobility or difficulty with fine motor control using your legs, don't worry - hand controls are available. You could add push/pull hand controls, easy-release handbrakes and steering balls.

How does the Motability Scheme collect the payments?

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Motability Operations Ltd receives the 4 weekly payment for the lease agreement as a direct transfer from the relevant benefits agency.

How do I apply for the Motability Scheme?

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If you are eligible for the Scheme, all you need to do is contact a your local Thames Motor Group showroom and arrange an appointment. One of our Motability Scheme specialists will guide you through the process and find the ideal car to suit your needs.