Motability Foundation is a charity based in Harlow, Essex and established in 1978. Under its 1988 Royal Charter it has all party political support and has overall responsibility and oversight of the Motability Scheme. The Motability Scheme, which is run by Motability Operations, enables disabled people to lease a car, powered wheelchair or scooter simply by using their government-funded mobility allowances. Customers exchange their Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or War Pensioners Mobility Supplement allowances for a worry-free mobility package usually on three year contract hire.
The package can include a car, powered wheelchair or scooter with insurance, servicing, tyres, breakdown cover included. Customers can also obtain adaptations and wheelchair accessible vehicles through the Scheme.
Motability directs and oversees the Scheme and raises funds to provide financial help to provide Scheme customers with a grant (if they meet certain financial criteria) and would otherwise be unable to afford the type of car and any adaptations that they need. It also administers the Government's Specialised Vehicles Fund which provides financial assistance for customers who need to travel in their wheelchairs and provides technical support to customers and the adaptation and conversion industry.