Updated October 2024
A mobility scooter is a great way to maintain your independence and freedom. It can also help to reduce strain on your back, hips, knees and other joints. With online stores popping up everywhere and showrooms offering dozens of models, many people wonder: is getting a mobility vehicle as easy as buying a pint of milk? It’s a bit more expensive, for sure, but it’s not that difficult. So, if you were wondering how to get a mobility scooter, below you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions.
Who can drive a Mobility Scooter?
You don’t need a licence, or a blue badge, to drive a mobility scooter, but government guidelines state that you need to “have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition” to use an electric mobility scooter or powered wheelchair.
Common sense also applies and you do need to meet certain requirements to be safe: you need to be in full control of your vehicle, know how to operate it, be sober and be able to see where you’re going. Mobility scooters that are used on roads can only be operated by people over the age of 14. You must follow the Highway Code if you drive on the road.
For more details about Mobility Scooter and Powered Wheelchair Rules, visit the UK Gov website.
Can you get an NHS Mobility Scooter?
The NHS provides a wide range of mobility equipment, including wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. If you think you need one, speak to your GP, consultant or physio who can refer you for review. It’s worth researching the options available ahead of time so you know what will or won’t work for you and your lifestyle (e.g. if you need to be able to use public transport or have narrow doorways that will limit your choice of equipment).
The Cost of Mobility Scooters
Prices typically start at £500. Prices vary depending on which features you need, you may need to spend more – if you have very particular needs, you may want to budget double or triple that amount.
You should also budget for any extras you might need, such as a spare battery, mobility scooter insurance, and of course, ongoing maintenance and repairs. There is also the option to rent a Mobility Vehicle, there are several firms that rent them out for a monthly fee so that you don’t have to worry about large upfront costs to purchase one.
Ways to get an affordable mobility scooter
If you need a mobility vehicle but will struggle with the cost, there are a number of options to consider.
- VAT relief – eligible people don’t need to pay VAT on mobility equipment, saving 20%.
- Motability – this scheme helps eligible benefit recipients to access mobility equipment, including scooters, cars and wheelchairs.
- Access to Work – if you need a mobility scooter to do your job, this government scheme may help.
- NHS support – as mentioned above. Talk to your GP regarding a free mobility scooter.
- Charity support – contact charities working with your condition directly to ask if they can help.
- Leasing – rather than buy a mobility scooter outright, consider renting or leasing one as you need it.
- Mobility scooter Finance – there are many ways to spread the payment costs, from financing deals offered by vendors to a loan from your bank.
For more information on this topic, we have a helpful blog on mobility scooter financial support and grants.
If you decide to purchase a Mobility Vehicle, there are several things to consider including storage, maintenance and care of your new vehicle. You might also want to look into getting a blue badge if you are still using a car, that way you can park in disabled parking spots without any issues.
Mobility Scooter Insurance from Blue Badge
At Blue Badge we are Mobility Scooter insurance experts, we also offer a range of mobility scooter-related services such as wheelchair insurance for electric wheelchairs and manual chairs, carers insurance and OAP travel mobility scooter insurance.
Our friendly team are always on hand to offer advice and help about our mobility scooter policies or your vehicle, including do Mobility Scooters need tax and insurance. We’re leading providers of Mobility Scooter Insurance so if you have any questions, please feel free to let our team know.
We hope this blog on how to get a mobility scooter was helpful, click here to find out if your mobility scooter needs tax and insurance.
