Disabled people in Scotland rely on the Motability Scheme (also known as the Accessible Vehicle and Equipment (AVE) scheme in Scotland) to lease accessible vehicles. This helps disabled people to stay independent and take part in daily life, including work, healthcare, education, and caring responsibilities.
We conducted a survey to understand how changes to the service might impact disabled people.
Our survey shows concern that the scheme is becoming less affordable, less accessible, and less suited to people’s needs. Many respondents said that without a vehicle they would be isolated or unable to leave their homes, as public transport is often inaccessible or unreliable.
Main barriers include high upfront costs for adapted and wheelchair accessible vehicles, limited choice of suitable cars, and uncertainty about potential future changes. Many respondents also raised concerns about affordability, rising costs, and the risk of losing access after reassessment. Caring responsibilities were highlighted as a key reason the scheme is essential for family life and independence.
There is a deep concern that while the scheme is important, it is becoming harder to access and sustain. Any changes must be co-produced with disabled people and protect access, affordability, choice, and independence.