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How Do Mobility Scooter Grants Work?

Getting a mobility scooter is an important investment in regaining your independence, but many aren’t aware that there is financial assistance available through mobility scooter grants and government funding for mobility scooters.

Let’s explore different funding for mobility scooters and learn about eligibility criteria, required documentation, and tips for a successful application.

Types of grants

From charity mobility scooter grants to government grants for mobility scooters, here are some of the most popular grant packages available. 

Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme lets you exchange your qualifying mobility allowance for government funded mobility scooters or wheelchairs. 

Access to Work

Access to Work is another government funded initiative that grants funding for adaptive equipment and transport, including mobility scooters,  to support those in the workplace. 

Charity Grants 

It’s also possible that you may qualify for a grant or funding for your mobility scooter from a relevant charity. Charity Choice UK is the largest directory of  UK registered charities and is a great resource to find an organisation that supports your specific condition.

Eligibility criteria

Each scheme or charity provider will have different eligibility requirements so it’s important to check their specific criteria. This can often be found on their website pages. 

As a blanket rule, you may have to demonstrate exactly how a mobility scooter is a necessary requirement to complete daily mobility activities. It may be worth getting a social care needs assessment, carried out by your local authority, to get a written report of ‘desired’ and ‘essential’ additional equipment. 

To apply for the Motability Scheme, you must receive one of the qualifying mobility allowances, with at least 12 months remaining on your award length.

  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
  • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
  • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
  • Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
  • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
  • Enhanced Rate Mobility Part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)

To be eligible and apply for Access to Work funding, you must:

  • Be over 16 years of age
  • Have a condition or impairment that affects your ability to do your job, or travel to and from your workplace
  • Be in current employment or about to start paid work (you have a confirmed job offer)

It’s important to note as well that Access to Work applies to any paid job of any length of time. Including full-time, part-time and temporary work. 

Grant application process

The application process, documentation required to present and forms to complete, will differ slightly from each provider. 

A general tip is to double check all of your documentation to ensure information is accurate and up to date. If you do notice an error, you can raise it with the appropriate organisation to amend before using it within your application.

Motability’s application process is simple and straightforward, once you’ve chosen your mobility dealer and the mobility scooter you want, you can start your application online. You can then complete your application with your chosen dealer and bring with you: 

  • A UK passport or driving licence for the appointee or customer applying
  • Know the National Insurance number (NINO) or Customer Reference Number (CRN) of the person receiving the allowance

Alternatively, you can complete your whole application with your chosen mobility dealer and bring the following documentation:

  • A UK passport or driving licence for the appointee or customer applying
  • Know the National Insurance number (NINO) or Customer Reference Number (CRN) of the person receiving the allowance
  • Driving licences for all drivers and details of any claims history
  • Your driver declaration (if the driver is not there)
  • Your grant award letter (if applicable)

Motability will then run their eligibility and insurance checks. If approved, Motability will send you a letter to confirm your order, which usually takes around two weeks. 

Similarly, Access to Work has a detailed, straightforward application process. You will be asked:

  • How your condition affects you
  • What help you are getting
  • What kind of help you think you need

Documentation and information you need to disclose:

  • The address and postcode of your workplace
  • The name of a workplace contact who can authorise your Access to Work payments
  • If you’re self-employed, you’ll need your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number.

Your application will be a priority if you are due to start work in the next 4 weeks and if you are already within work, it can take up to 12 weeks to receive your assessment.

Funding coverage

Again, each provider will provide a different level of funding coverage within their mobility scooter grant.

The Motability Scheme being one of the most comprehensive packages which can cover the entire cost of your mobility device (depending on the model), insurance and breakdown cover as well as coverage of your regular services and routine repairs. 

With Access to Work, your employer owns the equipment/mobility scooter which means they are responsible for the maintenance, insurance and disposal costs associated. 

Additional resources

Whilst your chosen provider can provide support and guidance throughout your application, it’s also good to gain impartial advice from external companies and professionals.

You can gain support from your mobility specialist who will have knowledge of available mobility scooter grants and experience with supporting customers through the process. 

Not only this, but healthcare professionals will also know of additional support and resources to help you gain the appropriate mobility aids and equipment for your needs. 

At Mobility in Motion, we are available to advise on adaptations to help you transfer from your mobility scooter into your car as well as lifting and stowing solutions within the boot of your car, contact us to find out more.

If you are currently looking for a mobility scooter we have a great buying guide which will provide you with everything to look for in your search.

We also have guides available for using a mobility scooter as well as covering the most useful mobility scooter features to get the most out of your device.