Motability Explained

At Trowbridge and Westbury Ford, we are proud to support Motability, a scheme that helps thousands of disabled drivers to be as mobile and independent as possible.

As one of the founding Motor Manufacturers, Ford has been part of the Motability scheme since its launch in 1977. They account for almost one in five of the vehicles delivered via the Motability scheme, which was set up to help disabled people, their families and carers become mobile.

Having a car can give you the freedom of independence. With Ford Motability you also get freedom of choice. With an extensive range of award-winning cars that deliver versatility and space without compromising on performance, drivability or style.

And with rising energy and fuel prices, Motability have now extended their one-off New Vehicle Payment of £750. Eligible to all new to scheme orders by the end of December 2024*. 

*Limited time only, payment received after delivery of vehicle.

Whether you choose to drive or nominate a carer or family member, and you receive any of the following allowances with at least 12 months remaining you could qualify.

These are:

• Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMC-DLA)
• Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Child Disability Payment (CDP-Scotland only)

Your Trowbridge Ford Motability Specialist can help you choose the car to suit you best. To find the one that’s right for your needs, it’s important you experience our cars first hand. Your fully trained Motability Specialist can arrange either an accompanied test drive, or a test ride if you’re going to be the passenger. If it’s easier, we can also organise home visits or come and collect you.

Things you’ll need to consider include:

• Can you get in and out of the car easily enough?
• Is there enough room for everything you need to carry with you (e.g. mobility aids, wheelchairs, etc.)?
• Can you use the controls easily as they are, or do they need to be modified for you?

When you’ve decided on your car, your Motability Specialist will set up your agreement by entering your details, and those of the car, into Motability online. The price is now guaranteed against that vehicle from this point. At this stage, a wide range of adaptations can be ordered and these will be ready for you when you collect your car. Motability check your eligibility with the Department of Work and Pensions and confirm back to us that we can place an order for your Ford vehicle.

We'll also be able to advise you when your new car will be delivered, which could be as little as a few weeks.

Once your delivery date is confirmed, we will finalise your insurance, loss and damage protection details.

When you come to collect your car, we will give you a thorough handover so you’re familiar with the key features. To finance your car, you’ll also need to enter your PIN, to sign the hire agreement between yourself and Motability Operations.

Finally, if you have an Advance Payment, this will need to be paid to us (in one lump sum). Motability Operations will hold the V5 document.

Ford offer a range of vehicle adaptations and these will be ready for you when you collect your car. All adaptations are produced and fitted by Motability accredited manufacturers and installers. And they will be maintained, along with your car, by the Motability Operations Fleet Service team for the length of your contract.

How to adapt your Ford Motability car

You can request an adaptation on your new vehicle with complete peace of mind because the adaptations will be:

• Produced and fitted by Motability accredited manufacturers and installers who will contact your dealer to ensure they are fitted before delivery
• Maintained, along with your car, by the Motability Operations Fleet Service team to provide worry-free motoring for the length of your contract

In most cases we will be able to order your vehicle and adaptation at the same time, while agreeing with the installer when and where the adaptation is to be fitted.

Using a Driving Assessment Centre

When choosing adaptations, we recommend that you seek specialist advice from a Driving Assessment Centre. They will assess your needs (whether you are the driver or passenger) and offer advice on:

• Helpful driving aids and adaptations
• Safely getting in and out of your vehicle
• Loading and stowage of equipment

Driving Assessment Centres can be found nationwide. Fully-trained occupational therapists and a Driving Adviser will help ensure you can drive safely and comfortably (you may need to pay a small fee).

To view more information on the Driving Assessment Centres, please visit Driving Mobility

For details of your local assessment centre, please call Driving Mobility on: 08005593636 or visit www.drivingmobility.org.uk/find-a-centre/