Types of car
Learn about the different types of cars on the Motability Scheme, to help you make the right choice for you. You’ll see these categories when you search for a car. Some cars have multiple categories and these images are only examples.
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Hatchbacks
These have a boot that’s part of the rear window. This opens upwards, to make it easier to get mobility equipment in and out.
Two-to-three door models generally have wide doors with large opening angles, which makes them harder to park in tight spaces.
Five-door models have rear doors, which are useful if you often have more than one passenger.
Many of the small and medium hatchbacks are suitable for drivers under 25 years old. They also tend to have lower Advance Payments, running costs and CO2 emissions.
SUVs
We have a large range of small, medium and large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and you can search by size to help you find the right one for you.
They have the a high driving position and off-road style, but many come with two-wheel drive instead.
Estates
These are long cars with a large, hatchback-style boot with lots of space for mobility equipment.
If you’re considering one, check you have enough room to park the car and that it’s suitable for the routes you regularly drive.
It's worth taking a few test drives before you decide.
MPVs
Sometimes called ‘people carriers’, multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) have more room for more passengers. Most let you to fold or remove the back seats to make extra storage space.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles)
You can drive or ride in these, or store your wheelchair. They’re ideal for most people who use a wheelchair and we have a range of types and models.
Learn more about WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles