UK mobility schemes, finance and funding

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.

For individuals with disabilities, mobility scooters aren’t just important; they’re a lifeline to on-the-go independence.

However, for most, the financial challenges involved in acquiring a mobility scooter can make it difficult to obtain the right equipment.

From the higher cost of living to the up-front price of the scooter, it can add up to being quite expensive to maintain your independence. For many, this cost can be out of financial reach – which is why the various disability grants for adults are available to help alleviate these costs.

In this article, we’ll share all of the available government grants, schemes, charities, and alternative ways for funding your mobility scooter currently available.

What are disability grants?

Disability grants are designed to help disabled people with their everyday lives, from financially supporting their independence to revitalising their lifestyle with the right mobility equipment, like a mobility scooter.

These mobility grants for disabled individuals make a huge difference to their quality of life and help support them in their day-to-day activities and routines.

Grants for mobility scooters: what am I entitled to?

Different mobility scooter grants often have different eligibility criteria. However, specific traits and conditions might make someone eligible for most, such as having a permanent disability and receiving disability benefits (such as PIP).

What are mobility scooter government grants?

While mobility scooters are not available on the NHS, help can be found elsewhere in the form of government grants.

Currently, in the UK, different types of government grants are available specifically for mobility scooters. Some of the key government programmes that offer these beneficial grants are the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and the Access-To-Work Scheme.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) – Government Grant

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a government-funded program in the UK that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals. These funds can go towards beneficial adaptations that can improve mobility independence within the home and mobility equipment to assist outdoors also. The grant is available to all disabled people who need mobility support, and the amount awarded depends on your disability needs and household income.

Access-to-Work Scheme – Government Grant

The Access-to-Work scheme is a government initiative in the UK that provides practical and financial support to disabled individuals who are employed or seeking employment. It helps cover the costs of workplace adjustments, such as assistive technology, equipment, travel expenses, and personal support services.

This support ensures that disabled employees can perform their jobs effectively and maintain their employment with a strong quality of life. This scheme is specifically available to those over 16 and can significantly improve access to jobs and career prospects.

Mobility grant application process: What to expect

What should you expect when applying for a government mobility scooter grant? Here are some steps you’ll need to consider before and during your application for a mobility grant:

Research available grants and eligibility requirements
Gather necessary documentation (e.g., medical records, proof of income)
Complete the application forms
Submit the application and any required supporting documents.
Wait for approval and carry out the next steps of receiving your mobility equipment grant (such as assessments or home-visit)

Important note: For a successful application, provide accurate information at every step, and seek assistance from support organisations if needed.

Mobility scooter charities

If you are looking for support on your mobility scooter equipment, there are plenty of mobility scooter charities offering grants in the UK.

There may even be smaller charities in your local area that can help support you with the cost of a mobility scooter.

MS Society

The MS Society provides grants specifically for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or those who care for someone with MS in the UK. These grants can be used to purchase mobility scooters, helping to enhance independence and quality of life.

Phone: 0808 800 8000

The Mobility Trust

The Mobility Trust aims to assist individuals with severe disabilities who cannot obtain equipment through other means. They require an assessment with an Occupational Therapist to determine eligibility and the specific needs of the applicant.

Phone: 0118 984 2588

BLESMA

BLESMA supports current and ex-servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries. They offer financial aid for mobility scooters based on individual needs and circumstances.

Phone: 020 8590 1123

The Hospital Saturday Fund

The Hospital Saturday Fund offers grants for specialised mobility equipment to individuals in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. These grants help cover the cost of mobility scooters and other essential equipment.

Phone: 020 7202 1365

Family Fund

Family Fund provides grants for families raising disabled children or young people. They offer financial aid for purchasing mobility scooters and other aids to improve the mobility and independence of young individuals.

Phone: 01904 550055

SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Air Force Association)

The SSAFA Charity provides disability support to those who served in the armed forces, veterans, and armed forces families. This charity can additionally assist with the costs of mobility scooters to ensure ex-army, ex-RAF, and ex-Navy individuals remain independent in their everyday lives.

Phone: 0800 731 4880

Mobility scooter schemes

There are various mobility scooter schemes available in the UK, and as the UK becomes more supportive of its disabled community, we are already seeing great support systems in place for those in need of equipment.

Mobility scooters on the Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme allows those with limited mobility the opportunity to gain a mobility scooter through a government-funded mobility allowance. If eligible for this scheme, you could receive a new mobility scooter or a new powerchair every three years from Monarch Mobility.

Mobility scooters on PIP

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Scheme offers financial support to those who have a long-term disability or health condition. A benefit of this scheme for those eligible is getting a mobility scooter or piece of mobility equipment for either a reduced cost or no cost at all.

How much PIP you receive is dependent on your mobility level, which requires an application and assessment process to determine. As part of this, you may also be eligible for PIP mobility grants, which can also go towards vehicle or home adaptations to assist you with mobility in all aspects of your daily routine.

Can I get financial help to buy a mobility scooter?

Yes – you can get financial support to buy a mobility scooter from elsewhere also!

There are various avenues for financial help if you are looking to buy a mobility scooter, such as:

Local councils and social services
Charitable organisations and non-profits
Community grants and crowdfunding online

Mobility scooter financial assistance programmes and initiatives are available. Both governmental and non-governmental sources of financial aid for your mobility scooter offer you flexible ways of offsetting costs and enjoying your new routine to the fullest.

Let Monarch Mobility cover your mobility needs

Monarch Mobility is the one of the UK’s top mobility specialists for those in need of high-quality mobility equipment, including mobility scooters, powerchairs and rise and recline chairs.

Thanks to our two-decade’s worth of experience, our team has great expertise in helping individuals find and finance mobility scooters. As one of the UK’s leading mobility specialists, we have support in place to help those who are eligible for financial assistance on mobility scooters.

Grants for people with disabilities are essential, which is why it’s our company mission to assist as many people as possible with our top-of-the-line range of scooters. Everyday comfort and quality mobility equipment should be accessible to everyone, which is why we personally recommend our Motability Scheme.

Contact us at 0800 002 9633, and we’ll match the best piece of mobility equipment to your disability needs today. Browse our full range of mobility scooters and discover mobility excellence.

The PIP Mobility Scheme offers solutions and benefits to those who need support with a long-term disability or ill health condition, especially in the cost-of-living crisis, and it is one of the many ways you can receive funding for your mobility scooter. Securing PIP can open doors to a multitude of benefits for individuals eligible, including getting a mobility scooter or mobility equipment for a reduced or no cost. This payment enhances the quality of life and helps disabled people manage expenses.

Learn about the intricacies of PIP and discover if you’re eligible for this life-changing support in this article.

What is PIP Benefit?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit which can assist those with long-term mental or physical disabilities, mental health conditions and those with difficulty doing everyday tasks because of an illness. This payment is not considered as compensation for ill health but rather as financial support to offset the additional living expenses for people with long-term health conditions or cognitive/physical disabilities.

How much you receive from your PIP depends on how complex everyday tasks are and mobility. These assessed routine tasks are in two ‘parts,’ labelled ‘Daily Living’ and ‘Mobility,’ which are then evaluated by a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) professional to see how much you qualify for. Each part is paid at different rates, ultimately influencing the amount you will receive for your claim.

PIP is suitable for …

Those who need additional support and fall under the State Pension age.
Those still working, but you will need to add appropriate reasoning to your claim and why you qualify for PIP despite having a job.

Who is eligible to claim the PIP Mobility scheme?

You’ll be eligible to apply for the PIP Mobility scheme if you are awarded a higher rate for the ‘Mobility’ part of PIP with at least 12 months left.

Can you claim PIP if you have already received most other benefits?

You can additionally claim PIP even if you have already received most other benefits. If eligible, PIP can sometimes offer ‘benefit top-ups,’ such as housing benefits, job seekers’ allowance and more.

How to apply for PIP

Before you apply, double-check you are eligible for PIP and not another benefit that would suit your condition or age better.
Phone the ‘PIP new claims line’ about your claim request, and following this call, you will receive a form asking you to review your condition in an assessment.
Fill in the form honestly and return it to the address indicated.
If more details are required, you may need an assessment from a health professional for the Department for Work and Pensions. This assessment will assess your everyday activities and reflect on the two parts of PIP: ‘Daily Living’ and ‘Mobility.’ All health professionals conducting the evaluation are registered practitioners, and the assessment process investigates the claimant’s health and functional ability against the criteria of each part. The outcome of this assessment will then dictate the total PIP rates you may receive and if you are eligible for PIP.

During your claim, you can …

Ask someone else to call on your behalf, either in person or added to the call on a non-textphone. You’re still required to be present during the assessment.

How to make a PIP claim if you have 12 months or less to live

If you have 12 months or less to live, there is an alternative way to make a claim more quickly. For instance, if you are over the age of 16 and a medical professional has said you may have 12 months or less to live, you will qualify for PIP faster.

Phone the ‘PIP claims line’ about your claim request.
Ask your medical professional for an SR1 form, which they will send directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or you to send yourself.

What should you do if your PIP application is unsuccessful?

If your claim was unsuccessful and you are unhappy with the outcome, you can have your claim reconsidered. If, after the reconsideration, the results are still unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal to HM Courts Tribunals Service.

Components of PIP and payment rates

The ‘Daily living’ part of PIP

You may be entitled to the ‘Daily Living’ part of PIP if you need assistance with the following…

Preparing food
Eating and drinking
Managing your medicines or treatments
Washing and bathing
Using the toilet
Dressing and undressing
Reading
Managing your money
Socialising and being around other people
Talking, listening and understanding

The ‘Mobility’: Part of PIP

You may be entitled to the ‘Mobility’ part of PIP if you need assistance with the following…

Working out a route and following it

Do you need extra help getting around? Do you have a reliable route to access transport without hassle? This component of the mobility part is not exclusive to individuals with a physical disability. For example, if you have cognitive disability or mental health condition, such as anxiety, that is preventing your routine from being sustainable, you could qualify for this component.

Physically moving around

Is physically moving difficult and impacting your quality of life? Do you suffer from walking impairments? Is it painful to move around? You could be eligible for this component based on physical disability requiring additional everyday support.

Leaving your home

Are you able to leave your home for extended periods? Are you physically able to go outdoors for exercise or social purposes? You could qualify for this component if you are afraid to leave your home because of a condition or if it is unsafe to leave your house without supervision.

What benefits can I claim on the PIP Mobility Scheme?

PIP Mobility Grants

With the mobility grants available under the scheme, getting a mobility scooter with PIP has never been easier. These equipment grants can be for mobility aids such as mobility scooters, vehicle adaptations and even home alterations to suit your upgraded lifestyle.

PIP Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme allows individuals with PIP to lease everything from mobility equipment to a new car as part of their ‘worry-free package.’ With this scheme, you can enjoy having more freedom to get around and a new level of independence in your routine with your new transport options.

Discounted Public Transport

If you qualify for PIP and travel by public transport, you immediately qualify for a Disabled Person’s Railcard. As a result, you’ll get a third off on rail fares, which you and a friend can enjoy for more accessible travel plans. You may qualify for free local bus travel, depending on your local council. If you contact your local council, they will be able to inform you of what benefits are available to you in your local area, as these amenities vary on location.

Blue Badge for Parking

Travelling by car can now have extra advantages, allowing you to enjoy transport freedom and a guaranteed parking space. With PIP, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge for parking, which offers free or discounted parking on streets or in car parks, depending on your local council.

Increased housing benefit

As PIP is not a means-based benefit, it does not deduct any amount from the benefits you already receive. PIP increases your housing benefits if you have a child who still lives at home (aged 16-20). However, this also depends on what is available, as stated by your local council.

Road tax discount

If you are eligible for PIP, you may also be entitled to a discount on road tax through the Motability scheme. You can enjoy a 50% discount on vehicle tax with a standard PIP rate mobility, meaning more savings for your household and future travels in the car.

PIP Payments

Depending on the amount of the ‘Daily living’ or ‘Mobility’ part of PIP you are qualified for, you will be entitled to set weekly payment amounts to assist you with the costs of living that your condition or ill health impacts. Whether you have a high or lower rate of the two parts will impact the total amount of PIP payments you will receive.

Daily Living Part:	PIP amount each week:
Lower rate of ‘Mobility’ part	£26.90
Higher rate of ‘Daily living’ part	£101.75
Lower rate of ‘Daily living’ part	£68.10
Mobility Scheme:	PIP amount each week:
Higher rate of ‘Mobility’ part	£71.00

Why you should apply for the PIP Mobility Scheme?

Acquiring mobility equipment is now more accessible and affordable with the PIP mobility allowance and grants as part of the PIP mobility scheme. When you qualify for a higher rate of the ‘Mobility’ PIP part, you can automatically enhance your lifestyle with the right mobility aid. Through the impact of the PIP Mobility scheme, those in the UK who suffer from a long-term health condition or disability no longer fear the higher cost of living, which has improved the lives of many individuals dramatically.

Similarly, the Motability scheme has helped enable those who have struggled with mobility to have a new lease on life with a mobility alternative. Those on the scheme can independently manage their routine and move around more easily, with leases available for new mobility equipment and cars.

With Monarch Mobility, the UK’s leading mobility specialist, you can acquire high-quality mobility scooters and powerchairs through the Motability scheme on PIP alongside our expert Motability advice. We use our high-quality expertise to help our customers choose the right mobility aid and improve their lifestyles.

Contact us today with any enquiries about getting a mobility aid on the PIP mobility scheme, and our mobility specialists can assist you in finding equipment tailored to your requirements.

Browse our full range of mobility products today.

For those of us who are connected to the world of mobility equipment, we will have likely come across the Motability Scheme at some point.

But, for those of you who are not in the know or are new to the world of mobility may not know what ‘Motability’ means. Well hopefully this article will be of some help.

Who Are ‘Motability’?

Motability are a UK registered charity established in 1977 by Jefferey Sterling, with the aim of making high quality mobility equipment available to the masses.

Before the scheme, privately owned mobility equipment would come at a premium price. This froze out a lot of those in need of a wheelchair, walker or mobility scooter who were unable to pay the high upfront cost.

As such the Motability Scheme was created, to offer those people the chance to own premium equipment, without the upfront cost.

How Does It Work?

The scheme works as a lease system. Applicants who are accepted have a choice of over 300 products which they can lease out via the scheme, which are listed on their website.

A standard lease plan is 3 years, with leases starting at £12.50 per week which is deducted once every 4 weeks.

This is organised via the department of work and pensions meaning less stress and worry.

Sounds Interesting, What Else Does the Scheme Do?

The Mobility Scheme was created to provide accessible mobility to those who otherwise would not be able to afford it. Part of this is to ensure that the entire process of purchasing and owning your equipment is as inexpensive and worry free as possible.

As such the scheme provides an all-inclusive lease package which includes the following benefits.

• Full Servicing and Maintenance – This is included as standard on all the Motability lease plans.

• Breakdown Recovery – If you run into trouble with your scooter, the Mobility Assist team will help get you and your scooter back home safe.

• Tyre Replacement – Any punctures or damage to tires can be repaired or replaced.

• Battery Replacement – All powered scooters or wheelchairs come with batteries as standard. But should anything go wrong Motability will replace them at no extra cost.

• Complete Cover – All people on the Motability Scheme are covered in the event of accident, damage or theft of your scooter.

• Extras – All leases come with a waterproof storage cover as standard, or another extra with a value of £35.

Fantastic, Where Can I Get A Motability Scooter or Power Chair?

Motability works together with a wide range of dealers, who supply approved products. These dealers will offer professional advice helping you to find the right scooter for your needs.

Dealers such as Monarch can pay you a home visit to assess your needs and which scooter is best suited to you. Or you can pay a visit to your nearest approved supplier.

All certified dealers and their locations can be found on the Motability website.

Once you have settled on your choice of scooter, the dealer will then place the order on your behalf and deliver your product.

The world as we know it is constantly evolving, especially in today’s social climate.

This is thanks to greater knowledge and awareness of issues, that may not have been given the attention is needed in the past.

As such what would have been acceptable in the world one moment may not be the next.

For better or worse this sort of change is what keeps pushing the world forward. Be it science, technology, politics or our very social structure itself.

One area in which our society has changed for the better is in the world of mobility.

Not the developments in mobility equipment itself. Rather how we have made great efforts, to make the world as accessible as possible.

Today the sight of easy access buildings, flat floors and disability access is common.

It may be hard to think of now but turn back the clock 25 years and things were quite different.

There was very little in the way of disabled access back then. Buses and trains had small cumbersome steps to enter the vehicle and many buildings having almost no wheelchair ramps or access.

It’s almost staggering to think that such a time existed, considering how far we have come since then.

Things began to change in 1995 when the first real measures were put in place to make Britain accessible to all.

This would take the form of the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995.

This made it ‘unlawful to discriminate against people in respect of their disabilities’.

The act would span a variety of sectors including employment, the provision of goods and services, education and transport.

The first of these changes was to provide greater access to buildings and amenities, for those with disabilities.

Then 4 years later in 1999 the first amendments were made to the act. The amendment made it a mandatory requirement for businesses and public services to provide suitable mobility access.

Suddenly all buildings had wheelchair ramps, from huge banks all the way down to small local cafés.

Public areas also now had accessible amenities. From park tables being raised higher to allow for wheelchairs. We also started to see smooth walkways and pathways to make travel less bumpy for mobility equipment users.

With the passing of the Equality Rights Act 2010, all new buildings must have suitable disability access from day 1.

This includes all new buildings in the following sectors

• education
• employment
• housing
• goods and services like shops, banks, cinemas, hospitals, council offices, leisure centres
• associations and private clubs.

Yet, it is public transport where we saw the impact of the act the most. Before the act many methods of public transport were hampered by poor access. This made it difficult for those with mobility difficulties to get around without a car. Since the introduction of these acts there has been a significant change.

For instance, 99% of bus models in operation in the UK today offer excellent disability access.

Most buses that pull up now have flat floors and adjustable suspension to lower the height of the bus. They also usually have a pull-out access ramp to make it even easier for wheelchair and scooter users. Inside there are designated spaces designed to accommodate those using mobility equipment.

New developments have also permitted Mobility Scooter users to travel by bus. This can be done with a permit or through the CPT scheme.

To board a bus with a mobility scooter you must comply with the following regulations.

· Your scooter must be a class 2 registered unit

· Must be no more than 60cm wide and 100cm long

On very rare occasions will you see an old configuration of bus in active service on UK roads. Most of these units have been retired or converted to meet new transport regulations.

On the other hand, train travel has been slower in adopting to these new regulations. This is due to the time it takes to build new models, with the standards being much higher than buses.
As a result, travelling by train could be a hit or miss situation. Most train operators running on UK lines now have a fleet that abides by these regulations.

All new trains in operation today can accommodate a wheelchair that is 700mm wide and 1200mm long. Along with this they are designed with flat floors and feature dedicated spaces for wheelchairs.

But some operators still run older models and modify them to meet modern standards.

The modified units offer a more limited number of wheelchair spaces with oldest units only being able to accommodate a 550mm wide wheelchair.

Despite this all operators are required to ensure all trains are equipped with an access ramps or have a flat floor. This allows for easy wheelchair and walker access even on older units.

Yet, for scooter users’ things get a bit more complicated. This is namely due to the size and variety of scooters on the market.

This can lead to problems such as not being able to , or even boarding the train.

The main concern is that a Mobility Scooter user will not be able to manoeuvre safely inside the carriage. Whats more despite having access ramps, the scooter may exceed the weight limit. This means the passenger would not be able to board safely.

Many rail operators recommend that you do not attempt to board with a Mobility Scooter. Instead they recommend using a lightweight travel wheelchair when using their service.

The requirements can vary from operator to operator. We recommend you look at their websites for more information.

Are you a mobility scooter user still unsure of where you are able to go?

Discover our helpful guide on where you are allowed to use your mobility aid for peace of mind ahead of your travels.