Five Chinese car brands have been added to the Motability Scheme, replacing several luxury European manufacturers that were removed last year following criticism of how the programme was being used.The new manufacturers, Geely, Jaecoo, Chery, Leapmotor and Omoda, are now offering vehicles through the scheme, expanding options for disabled drivers.Their arrival comes after several premium brands were axed from the programme late in 2025, including models from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus and Alfa Romeo.The decision followed mounting criticism after figures showed that around 85 per cent of Motability users were paying extra to upgrade to higher-specification vehicles.
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander previously signalled support for removing expensive models from the scheme. She said she would be “comfortable” with scrapping access to “really high-end cars”.The Motability Scheme allows people who receive disability benefits to exchange their mobility allowance for a leased vehicle. However, the scheme has faced growing scrutiny over the years, including the fact that only around 10 per cent are specially adapted for wheelchair users. Critics argued that generous tax exemptions meant some customers were effectively able to lease expensive cars at reduced cost.Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in the Autumn Budget that extra charges would apply to some Motability payments from July.Advance Payments, the top-up sums customers pay when they choose a vehicle beyond their standard allowance, will now be subject to VAT at the standard 20 per cent rate, as well as a 12 per cent Insurance Premium Tax.Existing customers will not be affected immediately as the new tax rules will only apply to leases signed from summer 2026 onwards.Some exemptions will also remain in place. Vehicles that are permanently adapted for wheelchair or stretcher users will still be free from both VAT on Advance Payments and Insurance Premium Tax.LATEST DEVELOPMENTS UK’s largest car park operator set to ‘enter administration’ with 1,000 jobs at NCP at riskVauxhall unveils new Astra with ‘unique’ offer including £500 for drivers switching to electricSadiq Khan could be stung by his own SUV crackdown as Mayor rejects ‘anti-motorist’ attackDespite the new charges, Motability still offers more than 840 vehicles from around 30 manufacturers, with roughly 40 models available without any Advance Payment.Geely, which is part of the group that owns Volvo, is introducing the Starray mid-size SUV, designed with higher seating and a large boot that could make it easier to carry mobility equipment.Jaecoo will offer the Jaecoo 7 SUV, which features a raised ride height to help drivers get in and out more easily.Meanwhile, Chery is bringing two SUVs to the programme, the Tiggo 7 and the larger Tiggo 8, a seven-seat model aimed at families.Leapmotor is introducing the fully electric C10 to the Motability scheme, while drivers will be able to get behind the wheel of the Omoda E5.However, disability campaigners have warned that the tax changes could make life harder for people who rely on accessible transport.James Taylor, from the charity Scope, said disabled households already face higher everyday costs. He said: “Life costs more if you are disabled; transport, energy and equipment all come with a hefty price tag.”The Government must work with disabled people to make sure any future reforms create an equal future with disabled people.”
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