Switching to an EV has a lot of benefits, but it’s important to understand what the specific benefits are if you’re disabled.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, so it’s important that it’s easy for everyone to make the switch to this form of low carbon transport.
You can find out more below about the benefits of switching to an EV if you’re disabled, along with information on vehicle allowances, charging and chargepoints.
The benefits of switching to an EV for disabled people
Motability has an electric car suitability tool which can help you find out if an electric car is right for you, based on your needs and lifestyle.
Electric vehicle allowances if you’re disabled
Motability is a UK charity that lets you exchange your mobility allowance to lease a new car. This gives you access to an electric vehicle, including cars, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs.
Londoners receiving certain low-income or disability benefits can apply to the Mayor of London’s £110 million scrappage scheme. The programme will give businesses, charities, and sole traders up to £9,500 to replace or retrofit vehicles that do not comply with the capital’s extended Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). The scheme will also provide cash grants of up to £2,000 for Londoners on lower incomes and with disabilities to scrap their non-compliant cars and motorcycles and replace them with cleaner models. For disabled people who want to scrap or retrofit a non-compliant wheelchair accessible vehicle, they’ll could get grants of £5,000.
Motor vehicle modifications and adaptations companies
As a disabled driver or passenger, you may be looking to adjust your vehicle to make sure that it’s adapted to your needs.
For more information, head to the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Convertors Association and the Association of Vehicle Adaptation Manufacturers.
Chargepoint and charging information
Find more information on:
- Accessible charge points, along with charging times and a route planner.
- Bringing costs down with smart charging.
- Mobile electric car charging services.
- Community charge point providers. These offer more spaces for people, have no heavy cables and are bookable.
New public charge points
Only local authorities can apply to the on-street residential charge point scheme (ORCS) or the local electric vehicle infrastructure (LEVI) fund for funding to install new public charge points.
If you want a charge point installed near you, we encourage you to check your local authority website to see if you can register your interest online.