This report – ‘Motability is not a luxury’ – sets out disabled people’s concerns about potential changes to vehicle support schemes, and what these could mean for independence, access and equality.
Based on a survey of 156 disabled people across Scotland, the report shows that access to a vehicle is viewed as essential rather than optional. Respondents said mobility support enables them to work, attend healthcare appointments, take part in education and stay connected to their communities.
However, many participants raised concerns about the impact of possible future changes. Key issues included affordability, access to suitable vehicles, and the risk of reduced independence.
The findings also highlight wider uncertainty across the disability support system. Of those who said they were not receiving all the support they needed, 44 per cent said they were unsure whether they were eligible. This points to a clear need for more accessible information and better communication about support.
Concerns were particularly strong among people in rural areas, families with caring responsibilities, and people with more complex mobility requirements. For these groups, accessible transport is often the difference between being able to participate fully in society or being excluded.
The report was written before a statement on 5 June 2026 from Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, who confirmed that planned Motability changes due to begin on 1 July 2026 in the rest of the UK will not currently apply in Scotland. While this clarification is welcome, Inclusion Scotland believes it underlines the importance of early, clear communication and meaningful involvement of disabled people in any future decisions and a clear outline of the risks to disabled people’s equality such changes would bring.
Inclusion Scotland is calling on the UK and Scottish Governments, alongside Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme providers, to:
- Protect affordability for disabled people and their families
- Maintain access to vehicles that meet a wide range of needs
- Involve disabled people directly in shaping any future changes
- Provide clear, accessible information about eligibility and proposed reforms
Mobility is not just about transport. It is fundamental to independence, health, wellbeing and equal participation. The report makes clear that any future changes must strengthen support, not create new barriers to equitable travel for disabled people.
Read the report
You can explore the findings in a format that works for you:
- Click here to read the Easy Read version