Overview
There are a number of things to think about when choosing a motorised mobility aid such as a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair. This guide will address some of the questions that arise.
When should I get a motorised mobility aid?
This is a very personal decision. There is a common stereotype that people who use wheelchairs (electric or otherwise) or mobility scooters are completely unable to walk and there are often stigmatised representations of using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. A wheelchair or mobility scooter is simply a tool to enable you to live a more independent life. Nina Tame is a disabled influencer on Instagram who puts it very simply and clearly. She says “If you think you need a mobility aid then you need a mobility aid”. You may be assessed by your local wheelchair services or occupational services or you may simply find that your ability to get out and about is far more limited than you would like. It is important to continue to exercise to your best ability if have some walking ability but you can make more choices about where you exercise if you are more mobile.
What are the factors in considering what I need?
Where do I want to use it?
Will I use it indoors, outdoors or both? How far do I want to travel on it? Electric wheelchairs or powerchairs can usually be used indoors and outdoors where mobility scooters tend to be for the outdoors and the larger mobility scooters are actually road vehicles.
What are my personal physical requirements?
These include things like
- Your weight.
- Your manual dexterity. Physical considerations in control of the chair/scooter such as if you are able to use only one hand then you need to factor that into your choice of design. Or for a portable scooter/chair – does it fold easily or can I easily take it to pieces?
- Will I need to lift or move the chair or scooter myself? Does the design and weight of the chair or scooter allow me to do that?
- How much strength or balance do I need? Generally you will need more core strength, balance and manual dexterity for a mobility scooter than a powerchair or electric wheelchair.
- Do I want to walk sometimes like you might do using a scooter to go to shops or will I stay on it all the time? Do I need to carry a stick/s or crutches?
- What do I need to be comfortable? Do I need a fully ergonomic seat with arm rests or am I ok with something more basic?
Characteristics of the scooter or chair
- Portable or not? If portable is it to put it in a car or to take on public transport?
- Storage space? How much space is needed to store it?
- Charging? What space is needed to charge your scooter or wheelchair? Can you remove the battery and charge it out of the scooter or chair? This is an important consideration as some places have begun to stop people charging mobility scooters in shared spaces so if you have a removable battery then you can still charge it indoors if rules change where you are.
- Will you be transporting it independently and can you manage every part of that process?
Mobility scooters only – will you using it as a road vehicle or only on pavements?
More information on mobility scooters.
Mobility scooters come in two classes. Legally they are called Class 2 and Class 3. Class 2 mobility scooters can go at speeds up to 4 miles per hour in the UK and are legal for travel on pavements only except where there is no pavement and you can use them on the road. Class 3 mobility scooters can legally travel on the road and on the pavement. It is only legal to travel up to 4 miles per hour on pavement but these scooters can go up to 8 miles per hour on the road.
Class 2 mobility scooters do not need to be registered but Class 3 mobility scooter do. You can read more about the rules and registration here:
I know what my requirements are. What do I do now?
Research
If you have access to the internet then a good look around to see what models may fit your requirements can be really helpful. If you don’t have access yourself but a friend, relative or carer can help then do ask them. Ideally you want to know what each machine weighs if you will need to lift it, where you can find one to try and also what the reviews say about it. Read both positive and negative reviews if you can and check on any reviews of the company supplying it. You can find reviews of companies and their customer service here:
Test Drive
Do see if you can find a mobility store near you or that you can access to try out the models of scooters you are interested in. It is only by test driving your mobility scooter or wheelchair that you can truly know if it will meet your needs. Even if you are buying a second-hand wheelchair or scooter then do try out the same model in a shop if you can.
Funding
Motability
If you are in receipt of a disability benefit with a mobility component then you may be able to use this to rent a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair from Motability. The scheme allows eligible people to lease either a car or a mobility scooter. You can find out more here:
NHS
If your mobility is severely impaired you may be eligible for an electric wheelchair through NHS wheelchair services. You can find out about the kind of criteria they use for eligibility by reading this patient guide produced by Southeast Scotland Wheelchair Services:
https://www.smart.scot.nhs.uk/patient-information
You will not need to do the same research if you are being assessed for one by the NHS as they will determine your requirements and choose the model for you.
Information last updated on 11 April 2022. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Aids, Equipment & Adaptations, Equipment & Adaptations, Mobility, Travel & Transport:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How can I get an adaptation made to my house?
Housing adaptations can increase your independence and reduce the risk of an accident at home
If you or someone in your home are disabled you may qualify for help with adaptations such as:
- replacing a bath with a level access shower.
- making it easier to get into and out of the house by widening doors or making a ramp.
- fitting lower worktops in a kitchen.
Smaller adaptions can also be made, such as:
- fitting a grab rail
- provision of a shower chair
In most cases, as a starting point you should contact your local Social Work Department (or NHS Highland in Highland) and ask for an Assessment of Needs, which is usually done by an Occupational Therapist (O.T.).
For further information see our Disabled Home Adaptations Information Guide.
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption on vehicle tax if you meet the government criteria. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a named driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment standard rate mobility component or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
How do I get a bus pass entitlement card?
Many people in Scotland are entitled to free bus travel, including some disabled people, younger people and people aged 60 or over. Other concessions can apply to trains and ferries.
You can find out how to apply for your card locally here How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card | Transport Scotland
You will need to complete an application form and have
- a recent photograph
- proof of age or disability
- proof of your current address
For further information contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
How can I get a disabled parking space outside my house?
If you need a disabled parking space outside your house, contact your council. They will assess your circumstances and may charge for this.
To qualify, you must
- have a current blue badge
- either be the driver of the vehicle or be assisted by a carer who is the driver if they live where the space is needed
- keep the vehicle at the address you give on the application form
- normally have difficulty getting a perking space on the public road.
A disabled parking space can be used by anyone with a blue badge, not just the person who applied for it.
For further information or help searching for your local council’s contact number then please contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
For more information on getting a blue badge, check out our Blue Badges Information Guide.
Am I eligible for VAT relief on disability equipment?
In general, disabled people do not have to pay VAT on goods and services that are designed or adapted solely for use by disabled people. These goods and services are often called zero-rated or eligible for VAT relief.
Most suppliers will know if their product has been specifically designed to help disabled people. They will offer their products free of VAT as you buy them.
You’ll need to confirm in writing that you meet the conditions for zero rating. Your supplier may give you a form for this.
Most suppliers will use the Notice 701/7 VAT relief for disabled people form.
For further information see our VAT Exemption for Disabled Goods Information Guide or call our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
How to I get a Blue Badge for parking?
The quickest way to apply for a blue badge is on-line here Apply for a blue badge online
If you do not have access to the internet some local authorities can support you to apply on a paper application form.
For further information or help searching for your local council’s contact number then please contact our helpline on: 0300 323 9961 or check out our Blue Badges Information Guide.
I am going on holiday, how do I hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair?
Shopmobility have members throughout the UK who rent out wheelchairs and scooters to help people access shopping centres and leisure activities. You can find a list of their members here Find a ShopMobility Centre | ShopMobility UK
In Wales, Northern Ireland and England you may be able to rent a wheelchair from the Red Cross Rent or hire a wheelchair | British Red Cross
The website Mobility Equipment Hire Direct connects you to commercial suppliers in the UK and across the world.
You can search for local providers in Scotland using our Scottish Disability Directory or contact us and one of our information workers can help you search.
Helpline: 0300 323 9961
For further information on hiring equipment away from home check out our Accessible Holidays Information Guide
I’m struggling getting in and out of my bath, is there any support that I can get?
People often call us because they are struggling with getting in and out of the bath. The first step would be to contact your local social work department (or NHS Highland in Highland) to arrange a care needs assessment. You might qualify for an adaptation such as a walk in shower in your bathroom. For more information see our Assessment of Needs Information Guide.
Aids, Equipment & Adaptations, Equipment & Adaptations, Mobility, Travel & Transport:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.