Quick summary:
The majority of popular adaptations are supplied at no extra cost when fitted at the start of your lease
Larger or specialist adaptations may contribute to your Advance Payment on the Motability Scheme
Mid-lease adaptations work differently and need Motability Scheme authorisation first
Vertu Motability specialists match the right adaptation to the right car
Thinking about motability adaptations but not sure what they'll set you back? You're not alone. Many customers assume the costs will stack up, and put off asking for help they'd genuinely benefit from.
Here's the reality: the Motability Scheme offers close to 400 different adaptations, and many of the most popular ones are included at no extra cost. Specialist additions have transparent pricing, built around how and when they're fitted. This guide takes you through who qualifies, the typical motability adaptations cost structure, the most popular Motability Scheme adaptations, and how to pick the right ones.
How Motability Adaptations Are Priced
Costs under the Motability Scheme fall into three brackets, and knowing which bracket applies makes planning easier.
The first bracket covers adaptations supplied and fitted at no extra cost. Many of the Scheme's most popular changes sit here, as long as they're ordered at the same time as your car.
The second bracket covers adaptations that contribute to your Advance Payment. These tend to be larger or more complex pieces of kit, and the contribution is folded into your monthly agreement.
The third bracket covers adaptations fitted mid-lease. Payment goes direct to the installer, and authorisation from Motability Scheme customer services is required first.
Pricing is refreshed each quarter, so a quick chat with a Vertu Motability specialist gives you up-to-date figures for the car you have in mind.
Who Qualifies For Scheme Adaptations?
Access to adaptations starts with Motability Scheme membership. You're eligible if you receive one of four qualifying allowances at the right rate:
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enhanced rate mobility component
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) higher rate mobility component
Your qualifying allowance needs at least 12 months to run at the point you take out the lease. If that applies to you, you can swap your allowance to lease a new car and arrange adaptations alongside it.
Driving Adaptations And Their Cost
If standard pedals, gear shifts or steering controls make driving harder than it needs to be, driving adaptations are built to open things back up.
Popular choices include:
Hand controls that let you accelerate and brake without the pedals
Steering balls or knobs for one-handed steering
Left-foot accelerators for drivers who find using the right leg difficult
Pedal extensions for shorter drivers
Easy-release handbrakes for anyone with reduced grip
Most driving adaptations are supplied at no additional cost when fitted at the start of your lease. The more specialist installations may carry an Advance Payment contribution, which your Motability specialist can confirm up front.
Access Adaptations And Their Cost
Getting in and out of the car is where many customers feel the biggest difference. Access adaptations are built for exactly that moment.
Common options include:
Swivel seats that rotate out of the car for easier transfer
Electric swivel seats for powered help
Transfer plates that bridge the gap between wheelchair and seat
Grab handles placed where you need them
Boot sills or step aids for easier loading
Simpler access aids often fall into the no-extra-cost bracket, while powered or more complex items may contribute to your Advance Payment.
Stowage Adaptations And Their Cost
Stowage adaptations handle the practical side of carrying your mobility equipment, and this is the category most likely to involve a contribution.
The range covers:
Two-way and four-way boot hoists for manual or powered wheelchairs
Electric person hoists for passenger transfer
Roof-mounted wheelchair stowage boxes
Ramps for wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Larger hoists and roof-based solutions usually come with an Advance Payment contribution, reflecting the engineering and installation involved. Your Motability specialist will walk you through what each option adds to your agreement.
Adding Adaptations During Your Lease
Not everyone knows what they'll need on day one, and the Motability Scheme makes room for that.
If your needs change mid-lease, you can add adaptations later. Costs are different from the start-of-lease model: payment goes direct to the installer, and prices might not match the quarterly list. You'll need to tell Motability Scheme customer services first and get authorisation before any work goes ahead.
Many adaptations can transfer to your next Motability vehicle, as long as the new car is compatible. So what you fit now isn't necessarily a one-off spend.
What If You Need Financial Help?
For customers who can't afford essential adaptations, the Motability Foundation runs several grant programmes, means-tested to make sure support reaches those in greatest need.
Grants may contribute towards an Advance Payment or towards specific adaptations, with applications assessed on individual circumstances. The focus is on cost-effective solutions that meet your mobility needs.
Choosing The Right Adaptations
Picking the right adaptation isn't a solo decision. The Scheme's biggest asset is the network of specialists built around it.
Three steps worth taking before you order:
Think about your daily routine, where you struggle, and where help would make the biggest difference.
Speak to a Vertu Motability specialist about which cars suit the adaptations you need. Not every adaptation fits every vehicle.
If you're unsure, ask about a Driving Mobility assessment, which gives you independent, hands-on advice.
A specialist will also connect you with an approved adaptations installer, who carries out the fitting itself.
Our guide to Motability adaptations goes deeper on the categories and types available. The Vertu Motability hub has the latest Scheme offers alongside our full range of eligible cars.
- Motability