Motability Scheme Statistics 2026 Reveal A Big Shift

The Motability Scheme entered 2026 with 860,000 customers in the UK, over 100,000 electric vehicles in use, and a major policy reset due to start on 1 July 2026 that will raise some customer costs while tightening mileage, tyre, and overseas-travel rules for new orders. The clearest 2026 statistics point to a scheme that remains large and highly used, but is also being reshaped by tax changes and affordability pressure.

2026 at a glance

The scheme scale is still substantial: Motability says it had 860,000 customers across the UK at the end of March 2025, with an average customer age of 52 and around 60% female customers. The organisation also reports that more than 35,000 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are on the scheme, about 60,000 adapted vehicles are in circulation, and customer satisfaction remains high at 9.4 out of 10.

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• 860,000 customers across the UK at end-March 2025.
• 100,000+ electric vehicles already on the scheme.
• 35,000+ Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles in service.
• 60,000 adapted vehicles available for customers with additional needs.
• 9.4/10 satisfaction from customer feedback.

What changed in 2026

The biggest policy changes in 2026 are scheduled for new orders from 1 July 2026, when VAT and Insurance Premium Tax will apply to most new leases, and Motability says the average cost of a new lease would rise by around £1,100 without action. Motability's own update says the changes only affect new orders from that date, while existing leases continue on current terms for now.

New-order rules

The new-order rules announced for 1 July 2026 include a 10,000-mile annual allowance for new orders, equivalent to 30,000 miles over a three-year lease and 50,000 miles over a five-year WAV lease. Motability also says the excess mileage fee will rise to 25p per mile including standard rate VAT, tyre replacement limits will be reduced, and an admin fee will apply for taking a vehicle into the EU.

1. New car orders from 1 July 2026 get a 10,000-mile annual allowance.
2. Excess mileage charges rise to 25p per mile.
3. Three-year leases cover up to six tyres, with up to four for accidental damage.
4. Five-year WAV leases cover up to 10 tyres, with up to six for damage.
5. Customers travelling to the EU must pay an admin fee for the VE103 process.

Electric vehicle trend

The strongest electric shift in the scheme is that more than 100,000 customers are now using EVs, but Motability's customer research shows that range anxiety and charging access remain major barriers. The organisation reports that 62% of customers are not confident the range suits their needs, 72% are not confident about public charging, and 60% say upfront and running costs put them off choosing an EV.

"The scheme is evolving to support more people, but affordability and charging confidence are now the two pressure points that matter most in 2026."

Why the numbers matter

The most important social value statistic is not just how many people use the scheme, but what they gain from it. Motability says 80.4% of customers report improved access to health services, 21.2% say it improved job opportunities, and users increase working hours by an average of 14 per week, underlining the scheme's role in mobility, employment, and healthcare access.

Motability Foundation also says it awarded 10,473 grants worth £59.3 million in its latest reporting cycle, alongside 3,376 Driving Lessons grants worth £5.6 million and 4,595 grants toward Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. Those grant figures suggest the wider support ecosystem remains active even as the vehicle scheme itself becomes more cost-sensitive.

Historical context

The 2026 reset fits a longer shift in the scheme from broad access and expansion toward tighter affordability controls, electrification, and more targeted support. The move away from premium brands and coupés, combined with a greater emphasis on practical cars and EVs, signals a deliberate effort to protect the scheme's long-term financial sustainability while keeping it focused on everyday mobility needs.

For families and disabled drivers, the practical takeaway is simple: 2026 is not a shutdown year, but it is a transition year. The most visible changes land on new orders after 1 July 2026, so the timing of an application now matters more than it has for several years.

What to watch next

The key watch points for the rest of 2026 are whether the higher upfront costs reduce demand for some models, whether mileage caps change driver behaviour, and whether EV confidence improves as more accessible charging becomes available. The most useful statistics to monitor are customer numbers, EV share, affordability complaints, and the level of take-up for zero-Advance Payment vehicles.