Are You Disabled? Here’s What You Should Know About Mobility Scooters

Are you currently or permanently disabled? Do you struggle to maneuver a wheelchair? If so, you might consider a brand new mobility scooter.

Powered by electricity, mobility scooters make it easy for disabled individuals to move from place to place. If you’re disabled, and you want to make your life as simple as possible, a disability scooter would be well worth the investment.

Interested in learning more about disability scooters? Then keep on reading. All the information you need will be reviewed below. 

Mobility Scooter Laws in the UK

In the United Kingdom, there is no license needed to operate a mobility scooter. However, this doesn’t mean that just anyone is allowed to use one. In order to use a mobility scooter in public, you must have trouble walking as a result of a physical injury, a disability, or a long-term medical condition.

It’s also important to note that a mobility scooter is seen by the law as a car or other type of vehicle. This means that in order to operate one on the road, users must follow standard motor vehicle guidelines.

This means that they must be sober, that they must have full control of the scooter at all times, and that they must be able to see where they’re going. If you don’t meet these guidelines, you are not legally allowed to operate such a vehicle on the road. 

Where to Buy a Brand New Mobility Scooter

If you meet the guidelines reviewed above, you can start looking for your scooter. Disability scooters can be found in a variety of places, including shops and online retail sites. Each scooter you come across will include its own individual price and its own individual characteristics. Read our buying guide here.

Types of Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are placed into one of two classes: Class 2 and Class 3. While Class 2 scooters are designed for pavement travel, Class 3 scooters are designed for road travel.

Class 3 scooters are generally heavier and faster than Class 2 scooters. In addition to this, they also possess stronger batteries, allowing them to travel distances of up to 25 miles.

Another difference between Class 2 and Class 3 scooters is that Class 3 scooters are equipped with tail lights, headlights, blinkers, hazard lights, brakes, horns, and rear-view mirrors. This makes them more appropriate for on-road use.

The Cost of a Disability Scooter 

The costs of disability scooters can differ between models. Whereas a lightweight, Class 2 scooter might be available for £400, a heavy, Class 3 scooter might cost up to £5,000.

In order to find one which fits your budget, you’re probably going to have to do some intensive shopping, that or come to the Brook Miller superstore in Elland. However, if you look long enough, and if you make use of the proper price reduction techniques, you should be able to afford a disability scooter which meets your needs.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of a New Mobility Scooter

If you’re having trouble coming up with the money for a mobility scooter, you have a number of different price reduction avenues that you can pursue. The most commonly pursued of these avenues include the following.

Utilise VAT Relief

If you’re disabled, you have the opportunity to claim VAT relief on certain products, specifically products which aid you in your disability. What this means is that you can buy a mobility scooter tax-free.

Considering that VAT tax is 20% of each purchase, you would be saving a fairly large portion of the total cost. For instance, if you buy a scooter that’s £3,000 you will save £600 in VAT.

Note that this relief is only allowed for those who have long-term disabilities. If you break your leg and are wheelchair bound for a few months, you will not be eligible for VAT relief. 

Use the Motability Scheme  

If you’re given a mobility allowance for your disability, you have the opportunity to take advantage of the Motability scheme. This is a government scheme which allows you to lease a scooter, a powered wheelchair, or a car with your allowance funds. 

There are a number of allowances which will allow you to pursue the Motability scheme. These include the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement, and the Armed Forces Independence Payment. 

Get an Access to Work Grant  

If you’re disabled and continuing to work, you are likely eligible for an Access to Work grant. This grant could potentially be used to pay for a disability scooter.

To apply for an Access to Work grant, you can simply get onto the UK government website. 

Make an Inquiry to a Charity 

Another option you have for reducing the price of your mobility scooter is to ask for assistance from a charity. Many charities will offer grants to individuals in order to relieve their overall financial burden.

Your best bet it to make inquiries to charities which cater toward your specific disability. For instance, if you suffer from ALS, you might want to ask for assistance from the ALS Association.

Can You Get Mobility Scooters Through the NHS?  

As a disabled individual, you can get a wide variety of transportation assistance entities through the NHS. These entities include everything from walkers to wheelchairs to canes and more. 

Unfortunately, however, in most cases, mobility scooters are not available through the NHS. While there are exceptions, they are few and far between.

If you’re interested in attempting to get a new mobility scooter through the NHS, you should speak with your doctor or physical therapist. He or she can help you to obtain a proper assessment.

If you’re looking for a mobility scooter store you can also come to the Brook Miller Superstore in Elland.

In Need of a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?

If you’re looking for mobility scooters, you might also be looking for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. If so, you needn’t look much further. Brook Miller Mobility Limited is the UK’s go-to spot for wheelchair accessible vehicles and vehicle supplies.

Whether you’re looking for a car, a motor home, or a vehicle adaptation entity, we can help you. We have everything necessary to make disabled transportation easy.

Browse our wheelchair accessible vehicles now!