If you're considering purchasing a new automobile and need a vehicle lift or carrier for your electric scooter or power wheelchair, many automobile manufacturers offer rebates for qualifying mobility-impaired individuals to cover the cost of mobility equipment installation. Here is a quick reference guide to such rebates, with links where applicable. Also, at the end of this section, you'll find resource links to government and community-based agencies which offer support and information regarding special financing for seniors and disabled individuals who need to purchase mobility equipment.
Automobile Manufacturers
Acura - Acura's Mobility Program provides a cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 when you purchase or lease an Acura vehicle. The money is to reduce the cost of after-market adaptive equipment that is installed on any eligible Acura vehicle.
Audi - No mobility program is offered at this time. If you have any information, please contact us.
BMW - No mobility program is offered at this time. If you have any information, please contact us.
Chrysler - The Chrysler Automobility Program provides a cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 when you buy or lease any new 2008, 2009, or 2010 Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler vehicle from a participating dealer. The money is to reduce the cost of installing adaptive driver or passenger equipment on your Chrysler vehicle.
Ford - The Ford Mobility Motoring Program provides up to $1,200 when you buy or lease any new Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle. The money covers the cost of installing adaptive equipment on your Ford vehicle.
General Motors - The GM Mobility Program offers up to $1,000 in reimbursements when you buy or lease a new 2009-2010 GM vehicle. This includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands. The money is to reduce the cost of installing eligible adaptive mobility equipment on your GM vehicle. In addition, you will qualify for two additional years of OnStar service at no additional cost.
Honda - The Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program offers up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer. The money is to cover expenses incurred to purchase and install qualifying adaptive equipment on your eligible purchased or leased Honda vehicle.
Hyundai - Hyundai's Mobility Program provides up to $1,000 toward the cost of installing adaptive equipment on your new Hyundai. New, unused Hyundai vehicles, whether sold or leased, are eligible for reimbursement under this program.
Jaguar - Jaguar's Mobility Program provides up to $1,000 in financial assistance towards the installation of adaptive equipment.
Kia - No mobility program is offered at this time. If you have any information, please contact us.
Lexus - The Lexus Mobility Program reimburses the vehicle owner up to $1,000 for vehicles purchases or leased new, from model years 2001 and on. The money is to cover after-market adaptive equipment for drivers and/or passengers.
Mazda - No mobility program is offered at this time. If you have any information, please contact us.
Mercedes - No mobility program is offered at this time. If you have any information, please contact us.
Mitsubishi - No mobility program is offered at this time. If you have any information, please contact us.
Nissan - No mobility program is offered at this time. If you have any information, please contact us.
Subaru - The Subaru Mobile-It Ease Program provides up to $500 for vehicle modifications on new Subaru vehicles.
Suzuki - No mobility program is offered at this time. If you have any information, please contact us.
Toyota - Toyota's Mobility Program provides a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer who has purchased or leased new models from 2001 and on. The money it cover the exact cost to purchase and install qualifying adaptive driving or passenger equipment.
Volvo - Mobility by Volvo provides up to $1,000 in financial assistance for eligible new Volvo's. The money is to cover the cost of adding adaptive equipment to your vehicle including carriers, lifts, driving aids, and hand controls.
Volkswagen - Volkswagen offered a mobility program on cars purchased between January 3rd, 2009 and January 4th, 2010. If they continue the program for the 2010 year, we will provide a link here.
Government and Community Resources
Veteran’s Administration
The Veteran's Administration can help US veterans pay for certain medical equipment. Call 1-877-222-VETS to find out if you qualify.
Area Agency on Aging
Your local Area Agency on Aging may use funds from the Older Americans Act Title III to help local seniors obtain medical supplies. Find your local Area Agency on Aging by calling (800) 677-1116.
Federal Housing Administration
The FHA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), can help you secure a loan to pay for your medical equipment through a mortgage insurance program. Call your regional HUD office for more information. To find your local HUD office, visit www.dtinational.org/training/hudinfo/hudoffices.asp or call (202) 708-1112.
Internal Revenue Service
Some medical equipment may actually qualify as a tax-deductible expense. Read IRS Publication 502 or call the IRS at (800) 829-3676 to find out if you qualify for such a tax deduction.