Funding a Mobility Scooter or Powerchair
A complete guide to financial support, charitable grants, benefits and other funding options.
Buying a mobility scooter or powerchair is an investment in your independence, but for many people it can also be a significant financial commitment.
The good news is that there are several ways you may be able to reduce the cost. Depending on your circumstances, financial help may be available through government benefits, charitable grants, local organisations or VAT Relief.
At First Choice Mobility, one of the questions we are asked most often is:
“Is there any financial help available?”
The answer is often yes, although the right option will depend on your individual circumstances. This guide explains the main funding routes available and where you can find further information.
Quick Summary
You may be able to reduce the cost of mobility equipment through:
- VAT Relief
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Charitable grants
- Local authority support
- Veterans’ organisations
- Community fundraising
- Personal saving and budgeting
Many people may qualify for more than one type of support.
In This Guide
Where Should I Start?
The first step is to understand which funding options may apply to your circumstances.
If You Are Under State Pension Age
You may wish to explore:
- Personal Independence Payment
- Charitable grants
- Local authority support
- VAT Relief
If You Are Over State Pension Age
You may wish to explore:
- Attendance Allowance
- Charitable grants
- Local authority support
- VAT Relief
Many charities consider applications from people of all ages who have a disability, long-term health condition or are experiencing financial hardship.
First Choice Mobility Insight
Many customers assume they will not qualify for financial help. In reality, it is often worth exploring every option before purchasing. Even when a grant does not cover the full cost, it may make the equipment you need much more affordable.
VAT Relief
One of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of qualifying mobility equipment is through VAT Relief.
If you have a qualifying long-term illness or disability, and the equipment is being purchased for your own personal or domestic use, many mobility products may be supplied without VAT.
Both the product and your circumstances must meet the relevant eligibility requirements. You will normally be asked to complete a simple VAT Relief declaration when placing your order.
Government Benefits
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment, commonly known as PIP, can help with the extra living costs associated with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
PIP is not specifically a mobility equipment grant. However, some people choose to use part of their payments towards the purchase or running costs of a mobility scooter, powerchair or other equipment.
Please note: Scotland has replaced PIP for many applicants with Adult Disability Payment. Different benefit arrangements may also apply in Northern Ireland.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance can help with extra costs if you have reached State Pension age and have a disability or health condition that means you need help or supervision.
Attendance Allowance is not specifically intended for purchasing mobility equipment, but some recipients choose to use it to help meet disability or mobility-related costs.
Learn More About Attendance Allowance
Charitable Grants
A number of charities may be able to help fund mobility equipment, depending on your circumstances and the availability of funds.
Eligibility varies, but support may be available for:
- Older people
- People with disabilities or long-term illnesses
- Former members of the Armed Forces
- Families caring for a disabled child
- People experiencing financial hardship
- People who previously worked in a particular occupation or industry
Organisations Worth Exploring
Always check the organisation’s current eligibility criteria before applying. Some charities only accept applications through a recognised professional, such as an occupational therapist, social worker, healthcare professional or advice organisation.
Local Authority and Social Care Support
Some local councils and social care services may provide equipment or contribute towards the cost where there is an assessed eligible need.
Contact your local council’s Adult Social Care team and ask whether you can have a needs assessment. An occupational therapist may be able to assess how your mobility affects your daily life and recommend suitable equipment or adaptations.
The type of equipment and level of support available can vary between local authorities. Mobility scooters are not routinely supplied by every council, but it is still worth asking what assistance may be available.
Veterans’ Organisations
If you have served in the Armed Forces, you may be eligible for additional practical or financial support.
The support available will depend on your service history, financial circumstances, health and individual needs.
Did You Know?
Many grant providers will ask whether you have explored other funding options first. Checking your benefit entitlement and applying for VAT Relief before submitting a grant application may help demonstrate that you have considered every available option.
Community Fundraising
Family, friends, local community groups and online fundraising platforms may also be able to help raise money towards mobility equipment.
Some people receive support from:
- Local Rotary clubs
- Lions Clubs
- Churches and faith groups
- Local community organisations
- Workplace or industry benevolent funds
- Online fundraising campaigns
When organising a fundraiser, clearly explain what equipment is needed, how it will improve daily life and how much needs to be raised. A written quotation can help provide transparency and reassure potential supporters.
Before You Apply
Application Checklist
- ✓ Check the organisation’s eligibility criteria.
- ✓ Gather supporting medical or financial documents.
- ✓ Obtain a written equipment quotation if required.
- ✓ Check whether you qualify for VAT Relief.
- ✓ Complete a benefits entitlement check.
- ✓ Explain how the equipment will improve your independence.
- ✓ Apply to more than one organisation where appropriate.
- ✓ Keep copies of applications and supporting documents.
Some organisations may ask for a supporting letter from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker, GP or another professional familiar with your needs.
Applications are generally stronger when they clearly explain why the equipment is needed, what difficulties you currently experience and how the equipment will improve your safety or independence.
Questions We Are Often Asked
Can I receive grant funding and claim VAT Relief?
In many cases, yes. VAT Relief and grant funding are separate forms of support and may both apply, provided the equipment and purchaser meet the relevant requirements.
Can I use PIP or Attendance Allowance to buy mobility equipment?
These benefits are intended to help with the extra costs associated with a disability or health condition. They are not restricted to purchasing mobility equipment, but some recipients choose to use their payments towards suitable equipment.
How long do grant applications take?
Timescales vary considerably. Some organisations may respond within a few weeks, while others can take several months. Avoid ordering equipment until the funding organisation confirms whether an application has been approved.
Can First Choice Mobility apply on my behalf?
We cannot usually submit grant or benefit applications for you. However, we are happy to provide written quotations, product information and other details that may support your application.
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
Do not be discouraged. Another charity or funding route may have different eligibility criteria. Ask whether the organisation can explain its decision and use the Turn2us Grants Search to look for alternatives.
Can I obtain a quotation before choosing the final product?
Yes. Our team can discuss your requirements and provide a quotation for suitable equipment. Where possible, it is important to make sure the product is appropriate for your needs before submitting the quotation.
Further Information and Support
The following organisations provide reliable information about benefits, charitable grants and financial support:
- GOV.UK – Financial Help if You Are Disabled
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Turn2us Grants Search
- Citizens Advice – Benefits
- Entitledto Benefits Calculator
Continue Reading in Our Advice Centre
You may also find these guides useful:
Explore Our Mobility Equipment
Browse our range of mobility products or contact us for help choosing equipment suitable for your needs.
Our Advice
Do not assume financial support is unavailable.
Spend a little time exploring the available options before making your purchase. You may discover that a charitable grant, benefit or VAT Relief makes the equipment you need much more affordable.
Need More Help?
If you are considering purchasing a mobility scooter or powerchair, our experienced team can explain the different equipment options and provide a written quotation to support a funding application.
We cannot make decisions on behalf of funding organisations, but we can provide honest advice, practical product information and guidance about suitable mobility equipment.
Freedom, with Confidence
At First Choice Mobility, we believe everyone should have access to equipment that helps them live safely and independently. Our goal is to provide honest advice, practical guidance and ongoing support so that you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Information you can trust: Funding schemes, charitable grant criteria, government benefits and VAT rules can change. Always check the latest eligibility requirements directly with the relevant organisation before applying or committing to a purchase. The information in this guide is general guidance and does not constitute financial, benefits or legal advice.
