Mobility equipment

Before you are provided with equipment, or you buy it, it’s worth getting independent advice to make sure that the type of equipment you’re getting is the best to meet your needs. If buying yourself, you may be eligible for VAT relief on devices and services you buy specifically to help you cope with your longterm condition or disability. Your retailer will advise you if this is the case.

Useful contacts

Disabled Living Foundation

Impartial advice about aids and equipment. Tel: 0300 999 0004 Web: https://livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Research Institute for Disabled Consumers

Provides independent reports including several mobility and motoring guides. Tel: 0207 427 2460 Web: www.ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/out-

and-about

Walking aids

For information on what’s available and where to get it, you can speak to your GP or practice nurse, local pharmacist or social care staff.

If you prefer to buy your own walking aid, there are numerous outlets selling mobility equipment. You can search for ‘mobility equipment and services’ on the Trading Standards approved Buy With Confidence directory. Visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk for a free directory. Call 01392 383430 (Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 3.30pm).

An aid is only useful if you know how to use it properly and safely. Whenever you get new (or replacement) equipment, ask to be shown how it works. Over time, all aids need checking to see they still work. Make sure you know where to find new parts for an aid, or who to talk to about getting an aid repaired or replaced.

Manual wheelchairs

Permanent or regular use wheelchairs are available from the NHS Wheelchair Service. You will need to be referred by your GP for this service. Short-term loan wheelchairs are available from the British Red Cross, usually for a loan period of six weeks. This may be helpful while waiting for a permanent wheelchair to be issued.

Useful contacts

British Red Cross

Tel: 0344 871 1111 Web: www.redcross.org.uk/get-help

NHS Wheelchair Service

Web: www.nhs.uk (search ‘walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters’).

Which?

Offers guidance if you are thinking about buying your own wheelchair. Web: www.which.co.uk (search ‘choosing a wheelchair’).

Disabled Living Foundation can also offer advice if you are considering purchasing a wheelchair privately. Call the helpline on 0300 999 0004.

Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters

The Motability scheme allows some disabled people getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS) to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. Call 0300 456 4566.

You can rent or buy equipment from some commercial companies, but it’s important to take independent advice to ensure you make the best choice.

The number of people using powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters has increased in recent years. Before taking one of these vehicles out on to the road or pavement make sure that you have a good understanding of the rules concerning their use and that you undertake training.

Useful contacts

GOV.UK

Guide to registering powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Web: www.gov.uk (search ‘mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: the rules’).