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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
6 min read
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
March 30, 2026
Last reviewed: 30 March 2026
Applies to: UK
Written by: Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Motability users could face higher costs from July 2026, with some disabled people paying up to £400 more upfront for certain vehicles. At the same time, changes to mileage, tyres, and travel abroad rules may reduce flexibility for how vehicles are used.
The Motability Scheme allows people to exchange mobility benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for a vehicle (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-and-insurance-premium-tax-change-to-reliefs-for-qualifying-motor-vehicle-leasing-schemes/motability-scheme-reforming-tax-reliefs), so any increase in costs or restrictions can directly affect independence and daily life.
These changes matter because they affect more than just budgets – they affect access to work, healthcare, and everyday activities. The Purpl Disability Benefits and Support Handbook can help you understand how schemes like Motability link to wider financial support.
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Motability vehicles play a vital role in everyday life. Many disabled people rely on them to get to work, attend medical appointments, shop, and stay connected to their communities.
When costs increase or options become more limited, the impact goes far beyond money. It can reduce independence, increase isolation, and make daily life harder to manage.
Disabled households already face higher living costs, so even a few hundred pounds upfront can create a real barrier.
Purpl Insight: Mobility is essential, not optional – when access becomes more expensive, independence becomes harder to maintain.
From July 2026, several changes are expected to affect pricing and how vehicles can be used.
These include:
Motability vehicles are funded using benefits like PIP (https://www.gov.uk/pip), so rising vehicle costs and pricing changes directly affect what options are available within the scheme.
Some users may now need to pay more upfront for vehicles that were previously available at lower cost.
Purpl Tip: If your current car had little or no upfront cost, check future pricing early – similar vehicles may now cost more.
Several factors are driving these changes.
Vehicle prices have increased across the UK due to:
There are also pricing pressures linked to taxation, including VAT-related impacts on leased vehicles and adaptations, which affect how vehicles are priced within the scheme.
At the same time, the Motability Scheme must remain financially sustainable while continuing to support millions of users.
These combined factors mean:
Purpl Insight: Rising vehicle costs affect everyone – but disabled people feel the impact more because mobility is essential.
Not all vehicles will be affected equally, but some categories are more likely to see changes.
These include:
Some users may notice:
Motability pricing changes regularly, so availability can shift depending on supply and demand.
Purpl Tip: Compare multiple models before renewing – similar vehicles can have very different upfront costs.
An increase of up to £400 upfront can have a significant impact, especially for people on fixed incomes.
This could mean:
Some people may also find that vehicles they previously relied on are no longer available or now require much higher upfront payments.
Purpl Insight: Upfront costs often create the biggest barrier, even when ongoing payments stay the same.
Changes to mileage, tyres, and travel abroad rules may affect how freely you can use your vehicle.
This could include:
For people with fluctuating conditions or complex needs, flexibility is often essential.
Purpl Tip: Track your usage over time so you can choose a vehicle and agreement that matches your real needs.
If you are currently on the Motability Scheme, there are practical steps you can take now:
Taking action early gives you more choice and control.
Purpl Insight: Planning ahead reduces stress and helps you make better financial decisions.
We asked our Purpl Facebook group how these changes to Motability could affect them, and the results show real concern about rising costs and reduced accessibility.
From 273 responses, we found:
Many members also shared personal experiences in the comments, including:
This highlights how these changes are not just theoretical – they are already shaping real decisions for disabled people across the UK.
Purpl Insight: When members start questioning whether they can stay on Motability, it shows how close the system is to becoming unaffordable for many.
Not everyone will be affected in the same way, but many users may see higher upfront costs depending on the vehicle they choose.
Costs are rising due to higher vehicle prices, supply issues, and pricing pressures including VAT-related impacts.
Some vehicles may still be available with no upfront payment, but options may be more limited than before.
Mileage changes depend on your lease agreement, so it’s important to check your specific terms.
You can usually travel abroad, but changes to policies may affect flexibility and coverage.
Higher costs and fewer options may reduce independence and make it harder to access essential services.
Motability costs rising from July 2026 could have a real impact on disabled people across the UK. Higher upfront payments, fewer vehicle options, and new usage limits all affect how people access mobility.
This is not just about cost – it is about independence, access, and quality of life.
Understanding the changes early and planning ahead can help you make the best decisions for your situation.
Georgina is the Founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people and those living with long term health conditions save money through discounts, practical guides, and financial support information. With lived experience of disability, she understands the real cost of everyday barriers and created Purpl to make support more accessible and easier to understand.
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Motability in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Motability Scheme Eligibility: How to Qualify
Motability Scotland 2026 changes explained
How to Apply for PIP and Maximise the Benefits in the UK
How to Apply for ADP (Adult Disability Payment) and Maximise the Benefits in Scotland