Mobility scooters (or powerchairs) present individuals struggling to get about with a transformative solution for maintaining their independence. There are several ways for people to get help with the not insignificant cost of a mobility scooter. This article will explore these options and offer ideas for accessing the benefits the vehicles provide if affordability is very tight.
Are there ways to get a free mobility scooter?
Acquiring a brand-new mobility scooter without any cost is not usually possible, unless a friend or family member happens to hand one over ahead of upgrading their own vehicle. Some charities and schemes can help with portions of the cost but are unlikely to be able to justify shouldering the entire bill themselves. Fortunately, there are several ways to get help with minimizing the costs, though.
Help with the costs
Government grants, tax discounts and assistance from charities are all available to help you finance your mobility scooter. The main options are below:
- VAT relief – If you are disabled or have a long-term illness, you may be eligible for VAT relief, which removes VAT from the cost of your scooter and makes it cheaper to buy. Most mobility retailers offer VAT relief prices if you provide a completed self-declaration form from gov.uk.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – If you have difficulty getting about or find doing everyday activities challenging, you can get a scooter on PIP payments from the government. You will receive a monthly benefit that can be put towards buying a mobility scooter. The PIP page on gov.uk has all the information on how much you might be entitled to and how to apply.
- Charities – In the UK, charities such as the Mobility Trust will try to help you by making at least a contribution to the cost if you are struggling to pay.
- Second-hand mobility scooters – Used or reconditioned mobility scooters can be purchased at a discount from many mobility retailers. It is common for people to sell mobility scooters on marketplaces such as Ebay, Preloved and Gumtree, but it is advisable to go via a retailer that can vouch for the quality of the scooter and assist you in getting up and running with it.
Can the NHS pay for a mobility scooter?
The NHS is known to provide wheelchairs to those in need, but it usually doesn’t stock or provide mobility scooters. If you need help with financing a mobility scooter, the best place to look is the Motability Scheme, which gives access to hiring options.
Hiring a mobility scooter
Renting a scooter is a cheaper short-term alternative if funds are tight. Many mobility retailers provide mobility scooter hire schemes that will lease you a scooter for a day, a week or a month. Your local disability living centre should be able to give you information on other rental options in your area too.
A few big supermarkets, DIY shops, tourist attractions and National Trust properties also have mobility scooters available to use within their grounds. Some holiday operators can also arrange for scooters to be delivered to destinations in the UK and abroad.
Key things to think about when hiring a mobility scooter include:
- Check whether the company can deliver the vehicle to your home and whether you need to pay a deposit.
- Make sure you find out who has responsibility for maintaining the scooter and whether you will need to pay for repairs if something goes wrong.
- It is important that you receive proper guidance and instruction on how to use the scooter before embarking on a journey alone.
