The most recent Motability scheme provides help and financial assistance when it comes to getting around. This scheme allows you to lease a car, powered wheelchair or mobility scooter. Motability is a charity which allows you to use a disability payment, to pay for, or contribute towards the cost of the vehicle, scooter or powered chair. The vehicle will not be yours, it will be on lease and if you lose your benefit the scheme will not be available to you, and you will have to return the scooter. There are a huge variety of chairs, cars and scooters to choose from and your dealer will be happy to show you around those on offer.
Motability is available to those on specific benefits, specifically Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA), Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC), War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
The New Vehicle Payment is designed for cars or wheelchair accessible vehicles and is a contribution towards the overall cost. This grant is a one-off payment and is available only once per customer. For mobility scooters and power assisted wheelchairs this payment is called the New Product Payment with £100 being awarded after receipt of the device. Motability have also made clear that you are only entitled to one of these benefits.
Awareness of the Scheme
Beware of fraudsters who are targeting some of those who are in receipt of an award from the Motability Scheme. Scammers may use the phone, e-mails or texts to contact you asking for banking information or even asking for payments for your leased item.
Dealers are pleased to offer a large variety of new mobility scooters, prices ascending from £1200 to £6000, the latter obviously with the higher specifications. A benefit of the cheaper product is that, as they are smaller, they have a smaller turning circle. This mobility scooter can be offered with a 12-moth warranty, free home demonstration and free home delivery by some companies. Such a product weighs in at 37.7 kg and has a top speed of 4.23 mph. If you would like the top end spec. you will be rewarded such features as bike like handlebar controls and off-road capability, having an advanced suspension system.
Mobility Scooter Perks
In general, a mobility scooter provides a comfortable seat that supports on longer journeys. They have a battery pack which charges from your electrical socket, and once you are familiar with it, it provides a steering system, brakes and speed control that aren’t difficult to use.
Powerchairs offer freedom of movement both indoors and outside and provide independence for someone suffering with a disability. They range from £3000 up to £20000. The top end spec offers a route back to mobility with robust wheels and tyres and allows for the adventurer in you to be set free. The top of the range offers you a top speed of 6mph and a range when fully charged of 16miles. Some companies provide an option to customise your chair where you will be able to suit your posture, shape, balance and physical ability.
When you lease a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair when using the Motability Scheme, you are availed of an all-inclusive package where insurance, breakdown cover, service and routine repairs are all covered.
