Can I get a mobility scooter on the NHS?
Mobility scooters are battery-powered vehicles that help people who have difficulty walking due to age or disability regain their independence.
They can travel up to 50km (30 miles) at a time, enabling users to visit shops, family and friends in lieu of walking or driving.
Whilst there are mobility scooters available for all needs and budgets, many users want to know if they can get a mobility scooter on the NHS. In this article, we’ll help explain how to get a mobility scooter for free or at a reduced cost.
Availability of mobility scooters on the NHS
Mobility scooters are generally not available on the NHS; however, they may be available to you if you meet certain criteria, such as having a permanent or long-term mobility issue that significantly affects your ability to walk.
To check your eligibility, you should contact your GP or local NHS mobility service.
Alternative options for obtaining a mobility scooter
Whilst you may not be able to get free mobility scooters on the NHS, there is funding support available through local councils, charities, schemes and grants. We’ll outline a few of these options below.
Mobility Scooter Schemes
There are several mobility scooter schemes available in the UK, including the Motability Scheme and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people and those with limited mobility to gain access to mobility scooters at a reduced cost. You can use your government-funded mobility allowance to lease a new electric mobility scooter every three years.
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Scheme offers financial support to those who have a long-term disability or health condition, which means you could be eligible to get a mobility scooter for either a reduced cost or no cost at all.
Disability Grants
There are various government disability grants available for mobility scooters, which include the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and Access-to-Work Scheme. Each has their own eligibility criteria.
Charity Support
Many UK charities support the elderly or disabled in purchasing a mobility scooter. Eligibility criteria will depend on the charity.
While mobility scooters are generally not available on the NHS, Monarch Mobility is on hand to provide advice on how you can gain financial support to help regain your independence and choose the best mobility scooter for your needs. If you are not eligible for any grants or funding, we also have a range of mobility scooter finance options to make your mobility more affordable.
We’re one of only a few Motability mobility scooter partners across the UK, and our specialist advisors can help find you the perfect mobility scooter for your needs and budget. Contact our friendly team today, or enquire about a free home demonstration, where one of our specialists will come and talk to you about your options, as well as bringing a selection of mobility scooters that you can try before you buy.
