If you receive higher rate mobility allowance or P.I.P. then you could ride away on a brand new mobility scooter from as little as £17.50 or a power chair from £23.74 per week.
There are five main categories of products available to lease through the Motability Scheme. Powered wheelchairs and scooters come in 2 different Classes - Class 2 and Class 3 (Class 1 refers to manual wheelchairs). The Class of a product determines where it can be used.
Types of scooters
A mobility scooter is probably the right choice for you if you can travel relatively independently, get on and off the scooter on your own, and are able to use a bicycle-style steering column or tiller. Disability scooters usually come in three different sizes – small, medium and large, to make sure that you choose the mobility scooter most appropriate to your needs and lifestyle.
Small scooters:
Light and easy to transport, these scooters usually dismantle into a few parts, to allow you to store it in you car boot. You’ll need to make sure that any small scooter you lease, can fit easily into your car, and that you, or your carer, are physically able to lift it into the boot easily. These scooters are often made with a lighter frame to make them easier to transport, but this means there is a limit to the amount of passenger weight they can carry and the distance they can travel before the battery needs to be recharged.
Considerations
- Not suitable for use on the road
- Small, compact and lightweight
- Fold or dismantle for storage and/or transportation
- Can be used around the home
- Generally have a lower maximum weight capacity, usually up to 135kg or 21 stone
- Have a smaller average range that can be travelled without requiring the battery to be recharged, usually up to a maximum of around 10 miles
Medium scooters (Class 2 and Class 3)
Generally sturdier and able to transport more weight than small scooters. Medium scooters can travel at speeds of up to 6mph. They are not as easy to fold or dismantle so may be more difficult to transport in your car. Speak to your dealer to find out which models you can dismantle. A Class 3 medium scooter can be used on the road if they are taxed.
Considerations
- Most models will have a greater travel range than small scooters, generally a maximum of around 20 miles
- Some have a greater weight capacity, ranging from around 135kg to 150kg (21 to 25 stone), depending on the model
- Many have a wider turning circle than smaller models
Large road-legal scooters
Suitable for longer distances and rougher surfaces, these scooters can carry between 20 to 30 stone (up to a maximum of 250kg) in passenger weight. Due to the size of these scooters, you’ll need to have space to store them in a secure, locked area. All Motability large scooters are classified as Class 3 products by the Department for Transport so must have road tax (provided free of charge by the DVLA); this can be arranged for you by your dealer. They can travel up to 8mph on the road (4mph limit on pavements). For more detailed information about road rules for Class 3 scooters, visit our Scooter Highway Code page .
Considerations
- Can be used on roads if taxed
- Maximum speed of 8mph
- Generally have larger seats and can carry more weight
- Generally have a greater battery range, meaning they can travel further between charging, usually up to 25 or 30 miles
- Require more storage space in a secure, locked area
- Include lights, indicators and horn
- Not easily transportable
Department for Transport classifications
All scooters and powered wheelchairs are given a classification by the Department for Transport:
- Class 2 products can only be used on the pavement and have a maximum speed of 4mph. Recipients aged under 14 are restricted to Class 2 products only.
- Class 3 products must be registered with the DVLA and require road tax - your Motability dealer will take care of this for you. They can travel up to 8mph, although must only be driven at 4mph on pavements.
Types of powered wheelchairs
A powered wheelchair, rather than a scooter, may be a more suitable product for you if you need to stay in your wheelchair throughout the day, have restricted mobility in one or both hands, require mobility assistance around the home or are unable to transfer on and off a seat easily.
Standard powered wheelchairs
These powered wheelchairs come fitted with standard seats and controls, although they will vary between individual models. Many models will fold or dismantle to allow you to transport them in a car.
Considerations:
- Some adaptations cannot be added to these wheelchairs
- These wheelchairs are available through all of the Motability powered wheelchair dealer network
Standard Plus powered wheelchairs
These are standard powered wheelchairs that have had a number of adaptations or accessories fitted to them to better meet your needs and to make mobility easier for your specific disability.
Custom-built powered wheelchairs
Whatever your requirements and wherever you live in the UK, we have specialist dealers who can tailor a powered wheelchair to suit your specific needs. Custom-built powered wheelchairs are built with various adaptations and modifications. They use advanced technology so even if you have very limited movement it is likely that you’ll find a suitable product. If you believe you need a custom solution, please contact us 01482 476400.
