Mobility scooters are vital for helping many people maintain their independence, despite physical disabilities or issues with their mobility. Unfortunately, they can be expensive pieces of equipment, and not everyone can afford one.
This article gives you some options for free scooters, and alternative cost-saving ideas where this is not possible. Plus, we cover where you may be able to get assistance covering the cost of your scooter.
Can you get a free mobility scooter from the NHS?
Unfortunately, while the NHS might provide a free walking aid- or even a manual wheelchair- you won’t be able to get a free mobility scooter. It depends entirely upon your financial situation and overall circumstances.
Charity Shops
So, the NHS is not an option, but could you be able to receive a mobility scooter from a charity shop? That depends. Charity shops have them, on rare occasions, but they are often older models, suffering from wear and tear.
Motability Scheme
Some people in the UK are eligile for the motability scheme, which enables you to use your mobility allowance for a scooter or powered wheelchair for more freedom and independence. You may be eligible if you receive on of the following:
- Higher rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment
- Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allownce
You can find out more about the Motability scheme and if you might be eligible here.
Hiring Mobility Scooters
If you only need a scooter for a limited time or only need them for specific events, then you can even consider simply hiring wheelchairs and scooters to help you out through the day. Then your age and circumstances do not matter. You will only require identification and registration with the companies that offer these services.
So, if you are lucky enough, you may be able to get a mobility scooter for free in the UK. If not, we have given you a few useful alternative options here, whether help from charities, spreading the cost or hiring.
Whatever you choose, remember our mobility scooter coverage, which covers accidental damage, vandalism, or theft, and starts at just £3.85 per month.
Alternative Options in the UK
There are a number of charities that can help subsidise, or even provide you with a free mobility scooter, in the UK (subject to availability and meeting their criteria).
· The Nihal Armstrong Trust – funding up to 1k
· Variety Children’s Charity – funding up to 15k
· Handicapped Children’s Action Group – funding up to 2k
· Elifar Foundation – funding up to 5k
· Dusk till Dawn– funding up to 2k
· Comedians Golfing Society– funding up to 2.5k
· Caudwell Children – funding up to 5k
It’s important to note that many of these are targeted at younger people with mobility issues. However, the Mobility Trust can help people of any age; as can Independence at Home, who can provide grants of up to £500.