New Motability rules arriving from September 2026 will change mileage allowances, tyre replacement limits and excess mileage charges for new leases in Scotland.
Thousands of Motability users in Scotland are set to see changes to their lease agreements from September, with new rules affecting mileage limits, tyre replacements and excess mileage charges.
The Motability Scheme is used by more than 900,000 people across the UK, helping disabled motorists access vehicles through their mobility allowance.
From 1 September 2026, new rules will apply to Motability customers in Scotland who receive their allowance through Social Security Scotland.
The changes follow reforms announced by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the 2025 Autumn Budget, which included changes to tax arrangements linked to Motability and similar schemes. The Government said the measures were expected to raise more than £1 billion over five years.
The updated rules were introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 1 July 2026, but Scotland’s changes have been delayed because the Motability Scheme operates under a separate agreement north of the border.
In Scotland, the scheme is managed through the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme (AVES), which required separate discussions between Motability and the Scottish Government before the changes could be confirmed.
Customers who receive their allowance through Social Security Scotland were contacted last month to explain that the national changes would not immediately apply to them.
Following discussions between Motability and the Scottish Government, the new rules have now been confirmed and will come into effect on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
The changes will only apply to new lease agreements placed on or after this date. Existing Motability leases will not be affected.
Motability has highlighted that the biggest change for many drivers will be the reduction in mileage allowances.
New three-year lease rules from 1 September 2026
For customers placing a new three-year lease order from 1 September 2026, the updated rules will include:
- A 30,000-mile allowance
- Up to six tyre replacements, including up to four replacements caused by damage
- A 25p per mile excess mileage charge, including standard-rate VAT
- A £22 VE103 administration fee for taking a vehicle abroad to the EU
New five-year Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) lease rules
Customers ordering a new five-year WAV lease from 1 September 2026 will receive:
- A 50,000-mile allowance
- Up to 10 tyre replacements, including up to six replacements caused by damage
- A 25p per mile excess mileage charge, including standard-rate VAT unless VAT relief applies
- A £22 VE103 administration fee for taking a WAV abroad to the EU
Current Motability lease rules for existing customers
Drivers who placed their lease orders before 1 September 2026 will remain on the current rules until their agreement ends.
Current three-year lease terms include:
- A 60,000-mile allowance
- Up to eight tyre replacements
- A 5p per mile excess mileage charge, plus standard-rate VAT
- No VE103 administration fee for taking a vehicle abroad
Current five-year WAV lease terms include:
- A 100,000-mile allowance
- Up to 10 tyre replacements
- A 5p per mile excess mileage charge, plus standard-rate VAT
- No VE103 administration fee for taking a vehicle abroad
What Motability drivers should know
Motability users in Scotland who are considering a new lease should review how the updated rules may affect their driving needs.
Drivers who regularly travel long distances, require frequent tyre replacements or plan to take their vehicle overseas may need to consider the new limits and potential extra costs before choosing their next vehicle.
The changes will not impact existing leases, but all new agreements starting from September 2026 will follow the updated rules.