Who pays for adaptations to be fitted?

If the adaptations are ordered when you order your car the cost of fitting will be included in the price quoted by your dealer, many adaptations can be fitted at no extra cost at this stage, if you're unsure speak to the Motability Specialist at your chosen dealership.

Can I transfer an adaptation from my old car?

It will depend on the adaptation being suitable for your new car. The majority of stowage and access adaptations can be transferred to a new vehicle at little or no extra cost. Check with your Motability Specialist for confirmation.

Am I able to get more than one adaptation fitted to my vehicle?

Yes, many adaptations can be fitted alongside others, check with your Motability Specialist when ordering your car for advice on the best adaptations for your needs.

Can adaptations be added part-way through my lease?

Yes, but you will need to make sure you inform the Motability customer services team and RSA Motability first to ensure you have adequate insurance. You must also use a Motability adaptations installer and you will need to pay the cost of the adaptations directly to the installer.

I have adaptations on my car, can I keep it for longer?

If you have had extensive adaptations fitted to your vehicle you may be eligible to extend your lease by up to two years. If this option is available to you it will be included in the letter which Motability will send to you three months before your lease agreement it due to end.

Motability Adaptations and Adjustments

Over 40,000 customers on the Motability Scheme have adaptations fitted to their cars to help make driving or travelling easier or more comfortable. Explore the information below on the different types of adaptations available.

Get in touch about Motability Adaptations

Man helping lady put plants in the back of her car

We’d recommend working out which types of adaptations you might need before choosing your car, as not all of the adaptations are suitable for every type of car. But don’t worry, out Motability specialists are always on-hand to help you find a car to work with your adaptations.

Adaptations generally fall into three categories:

Driving Adaptations

Driving adaptations can enable driving for someone who otherwise wouldn’t find it possible, assisting with speed control, steering and signalling. Dependent on the driver needs they vary from simple attachments to replacing all existing controls with a system individually designed for you. In most cases the original controls can still be used with the adaptations in place, so nominated drivers can still use the car.

Hand controls
If you find using standard pedals for braking or acceleration difficult, you may be better off using a hand control such as a push/pull device. This popular adaptation allows you to control the speed of the car with your hands by pushing or pulling a lever to accelerate or brake.
Electronic accelerators
If you have limited mobility in your legs or find push/pull hand controls take too much effort, an electronic accelerator may help, and there are a few different types available such as: Trigger, Over ring, under ring and ghost ring.
Pedal modifications
If you have difficulty reaching the pedals when driving, you could opt to have the pedals extended. Modifying the pedals of your car could bring them closer to your driving seat, allowing you to drive more comfortably while controlling the car with ease.
Left foot accelerators
If you have limited mobility in your right leg, and cannot use the standard accelerator comfortably, you may benefit from having a left foot accelerator fitted. This will allow you to control the speed with your left foot, while the original accelerator is safely out of the way. There are a few types of left foot accelerators.
Transfer plates
A transfer plate is fitted to the side of the car seat and provides a smooth surface between the wheelchair and the car seat to help you with the transfer. Once you are in the vehicle and are comfortable, the transfer plate can simply be folded out of the way.
Car boot hoist
This is a hoist which stores your wheelchair or scooter in your car boot. Tie-downs are included as part of the hoist package to help secure your scooter or wheelchair into the boot of your car.
Remote control devices
Remote control devices help make it easier to operate some of your standard car controls, such as the indicators, windscreen wipers and headlights, using a single control panel mounted on the steering wheel. They can also incorporate a steering wheel call so steering and operating basic car functions can be done with one hand.
Stowage Adaptations
The best way to lift your wheelchair or scooter into your car is with a stowage system, such as a boot hoist or rooftop stowage unit. Both options work at the touch of a button, taking the weight of the wheelchair or scooter, helping you guide the product into either your car boot, or your rooftop stowage unit.