Motability Scotland 2026 changes and AVE scheme

Last reviewed: 2 March 2026
Applies to: Scotland
Written by: Georgina, Founder of Purpl

If you’ve seen posts suggesting Motability is ending in Scotland, you’re not alone. Searches for “Motability Scotland 2026 changes” and “Can I get a Motability car with ADP?” have increased as more disabled people transfer to Scottish disability benefits.

Motability is not ending. However, the route to accessing a mobility vehicle has changed. If you now receive Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP), you must apply through Scotland’s Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) Scheme.

Here is exactly what has changed, who qualifies, and how to apply safely in 2026.

At a glance

Scotland now uses the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) Scheme for mobility leasing.
It applies to people receiving Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP).
You must receive enhanced mobility (ADP) or higher mobility (CDP).
You usually need at least 12 months remaining on your award.
You can lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair.
Motability Operations delivers the leases as the authorised provider.

Eligibility guidance:
https://www.mygov.scot/lease-accessible-vehicles

Featured snippet summary

The Motability Scotland 2026 changes mean that people receiving enhanced mobility under Adult Disability Payment or higher mobility under Child Disability Payment must apply through the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) Scheme. If you meet the eligibility rules and have at least 12 months left on your award, you can lease a vehicle or mobility equipment through Motability Operations.

In this guide

What has changed in Scotland
Who qualifies under the AVE scheme
What you can lease through the AVE scheme
Step by step: how to apply now
What happens if your benefit changes
Frequently asked questions
In summary

What has changed in Scotland

Disability benefits are now delivered by Social Security Scotland rather than the Department for Work and Pensions for new and transferring claims.

People in Scotland are moving from:

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

to:

Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
Child Disability Payment (CDP)

To align mobility leasing with these Scottish benefits, the Scottish Government introduced the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) Scheme.

Scottish government source:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/disability-benefits-evaluation-accessible-vehicles-ave-scheme/

Purpl tip: If you still receive PIP or DLA from the DWP and have not transferred to ADP or CDP, you usually remain under the standard Motability Scheme.

Who qualifies under the AVE scheme

You may qualify for the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) scheme if you:

Live in Scotland
Receive the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
Receive the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (CDP)
Or receive the higher rate mobility component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance

To apply for the AVE scheme, you usually need at least 12 months remaining before your next award review for ADP, CDP or Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance.

If your award is ongoing or indefinite, you can apply without needing to worry about a review date.

If you are already leasing through the AVE scheme, you can apply for a new vehicle or equipment without needing 12 months left before your next review.

Official eligibility criteria:
https://www.mygov.scot/lease-accessible-vehicles

Contact Social Security Scotland:
0800 182 2222 – 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
https://www.mygov.scot/contact-social-security-scotland

Purpl tip: Always check your decision letter before applying. The mobility rate must be clearly confirmed.

What you can lease through the AVE scheme

Eligible disabled people in Scotland can lease:

Standard cars
Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs)
Scooters
Powered wheelchairs

Your lease typically includes:

Insurance for up to 3 named drivers
Tyre replacement
Windscreen cover
Breakdown cover and roadside assistance
Vehicle tax
Servicing and maintenance
Some adaptations, if needed

You can find out more about available adaptations on the Motability website:
https://www.motability.co.uk

If you plan to use your vehicle for work, you must get permission from the Motability insurance provider, Direct Line Motability (DLM).

Some types of business use may be allowed, for example if you are a travelling salesperson. However, you cannot use the vehicle as a taxi or for delivery work.

Purpl tip: Think about future needs. If your condition is progressive, consider a vehicle that allows for later adaptations.

Step by step: how to apply now

Follow these steps to get an accessible vehicle, power-assisted wheelchair or scooter.

Step 1: Find an approved dealer

You can only lease a vehicle from dealers who are part of the AVE scheme. At the moment, Motability is the only accredited provider.

Before you start looking, gather your documents. You will need:

A form of ID (such as a passport or driving licence)
Your certificate of entitlement from Social Security Scotland

You can find participating dealers on the Motability website:
https://www.motability.co.uk

Purpl tip: Getting your paperwork ready before visiting a dealer can prevent delays later.

Step 2: Visit the dealer

Book an appointment to discuss the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) scheme.

If it’s difficult for you to travel, ask the dealer whether they can:

Visit you at home
Help arrange transport to and from the dealership

The dealer will help you choose a vehicle, powered wheelchair or scooter that suits your needs.

If you need adaptations, tell the dealer. Some adaptations are included at no extra cost. You can check what is available on the Motability website.

If you or your child uses a wheelchair or mobility aid, take it with you to ensure it fits properly.

Step 3: Order your vehicle

Once you have chosen your vehicle or equipment, you can place your order.

You will need to show:

Your certificate of entitlement from Social Security Scotland
A valid form of ID
Your driving licence (if you will be driving)

Around two weeks after ordering, you will receive a confirmation letter containing your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Keep this safe – you will need it when collecting your vehicle.

Step 4: Collect your vehicle and sign the lease

You will sign your lease agreement at the dealership.

The dealer sends the lease details to Social Security Scotland. Social Security Scotland then pays some or all of your mobility component directly to the dealer, as agreed in your lease.

If travelling to the dealership is difficult, ask whether your vehicle can be delivered.

What happens if your benefit changes

If your mobility component stops or is reduced below the qualifying rate, you will usually need to return your AVE vehicle or equipment.

If you paid an advance payment, you may receive part of this back. The amount depends on how long you have had the vehicle.

If you disagree with a decision to reduce or stop your Adult Disability Payment or Child Disability Payment, you can challenge it.

You can usually keep your vehicle for up to 8 weeks after your mobility component stops.

Citizens Advice Scotland guidance:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/help-for-disabled-travellers1/

Purpl tip: Appeal deadlines are strict. Seek advice immediately if your mobility award changes unexpectedly.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the AVE scheme

Is Motability ending in Scotland in 2026?

No. Scotland now uses the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) Scheme for people receiving Scottish disability benefits, but Motability Operations continues to deliver leases.

Can I get a Motability car with Adult Disability Payment?

Yes, if you receive the enhanced rate mobility component of ADP and meet the award length requirement.

What is the ADP car scheme in Scotland

It refers to accessing a mobility vehicle through the AVE scheme using the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment.

What happens to my Motability car when I move from PIP to ADP

If you remain eligible at the correct mobility rate, you can usually continue your lease.

Can disabled people in Scotland still access mobility vehicles?

Yes. Disabled people receiving enhanced mobility under ADP or higher mobility under CDP can apply through the AVE scheme, subject to eligibility rules.

In summary

Motability has not ended in Scotland. However, the route to accessing mobility vehicles now runs through the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment (AVE) Scheme for those receiving Scottish disability benefits.

If you receive enhanced mobility under ADP or higher mobility under CDP and have at least 12 months remaining on your award, you can apply now.

Mobility support remains available but the eligibility route has changed.

About the author

Georgina is the Founder of Purpl, a UK platform dedicated to helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions save money and access clear, trustworthy information. As a disabled entrepreneur and advocate, Georgina regularly writes about disability benefits, mobility access, cost of living pressures and policy changes affecting the disabled community.

Purpl articles are fact-checked using official government sources and reviewed for clarity, accessibility and accuracy before publication.

Other articles, or links, you might find useful:

Motability in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
How to Apply for ADP (Adult Disability Payment) and How to Apply for ADP (Adult Disability Payment) and Maximise the Benefits in Scotland
Motability Scheme Eligibility: How to Qualify for a Disability Car in the UK
Motability Changes 2025: The Real Facts Behind the Headlines

All Articles

Motability Scotland 2026 changes explained: what the AVE scheme means and how to apply now