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The Motability Scheme is a great way of enabling people to get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powerchair. Here at Oakley Healthcare & Mobility, we can help you find the right Mobility Scooter or Powerchair for the scheme.
Using the Motability Scheme means all your finance for your Scooter or Powerchair is taken care off. Most models of the scooters and powered wheelchairs cost less to lease per week than your mobility allowance so the remainder of your allowance continues to be paid directly to you. The lease also takes care of all the maintenance of your product too.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible to join the Motability Scheme, you need to receive one of the following mobility allowances and you must have at least 12 months’ award length remaining.
o Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)
o Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)
o War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
o Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
What products are available?
Travel Scooters
Travel scooters are light and easy to transport. They usually dismantle into a few parts or fold, to fit in a car boot. We will help ensure that any travel scooter that you lease with the Motability Scheme can fit easily into your car, and that you, or your carer, are physically able to lift it into the boot easily. Travel scooters are often made with lighter materials to make them easier to transport, but this does mean that there will be a limit to the user weight and the distance they can travel before the battery needs to be recharged.
Considerations:
o Not suitable for use on the road
o Small, compact and lightweight
o Fold or dismantle for storage and/or transportation
o Can be used around an adapted home
o Generally have a lower maximum weight capacity, usually up to 135kg or 21 stone
o Have a lower battery range, usually up to a maximum of around 10 miles.
Pavement Scooters
Pavement scooters are generally a little larger, sturdier and have a greater user weight limit than the travel scooters. Some pavement scooters can travel at speeds of up to 6mph. They are not as easy to dismantle so may be more difficult to transport in a vehicle, however there are always new models being introduced so our Motability specialist will be able to help you with all the differences. A Class 3 pavement scooter can be used on the road if they are registered.
Considerations
o Most models will have a greater travel range than out travel scooters, with ranges up to 25miles per charge.
o Some have a greater user weight capacity, ranging from around 135kg to 150kg (21 to 25 stone)
o Many have a wider turning circle than smaller models.
6-8 mph Scooters
6-8 mph scooters are suitable for longer distances and rougher surfaces. These scooters have a greater user weight capacity up to 30 stone (up to a maximum of 250kg) on some models. 6-8mph scooters are usually a lot larger in size so you’ll need to have space to store it in a secure, locked area. All Motability 6-8 mph scooters are classified as Class 3 products by the Department for Transport so they must be registered with the DVLA; this can be arranged for you by our specialists here at Oakley Healthcare & mobility. They can travel up to 8mph on the road (4mph limit on footpaths).
Considerations
o Can be used on roads if registered with DVLA
o Maximum speed of 8mph
o Generally have larger, comfort seats and can carry more weight
o Generally have a greater battery range, of up to 25 or 30 miles
o Require more storage space in a secure, locked area
o Include lights, indicators and horn
o Not easily transportable.
Standard Powered Wheelchairs
These powered wheelchairs (powerchairs) 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
o Some adaptations cannot be added to these powerchairs
o Easily transportable
Complex Powered Wheelchairs
These are standard powered wheelchairs (powerchairs) that have had several 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, here at Oakley Healthcare & Mobility we 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 get in touch to discuss your requirements.
What else is included in the scheme?
o Insurance cover
o Breakdown assistance and cover
o Servicing, damage and repair
What's next?
Give us a call! We will ask some questions, explain the scheme and arrange a demonstration once we’ve figured out what products may be suitable for you. We will come to you and carry out an initial assessment of your home and ask questions to ensure we find the best product for you.
Call us on 01604 602000 or pop into store in Northampton to discuss further.
You can also visit Motability’s website for more information – motability.co.uk
