Battery-powered scooters, buggies, electric or manual wheelchairsFactsheet

Adult Social Care

Battery-powered scooters,buggies, electric or manual wheelchairs

This leaflet outlines the things you should consider if you are given or are thinking of buying a:

  • battery-powered scooter or buggy
  • manual or electric wheelchair

It also explains when Southwark Council can help you.

When obtaining any of these mobility aids you will need to think about:

  • can you use it safely
  • where you will store it
  • how you will charge any batteries
  • how to access your property
  • do you need insurance

Have you considered any other transport options?

Some helpful information is given on the back page of this factsheet.

Scooters and buggies

Scooters and buggies are designed for people who have a reasonable amount of mobility and are not available from the NHS or Southwark Council.

Will I be able to use a Scooter or Buggy?

You may wish to try different vehicles before purchase to ensure you can use one safety.

The Queen Elizabeth Foundation in Carshalton, Surrey, offers advice, assessment and the opportunity to try a range of scooters and other powered mobility equipment. There is a charge for the assessment but they offer an independent and impartial service.

Where will I store my scooter / buggy?

It is important that you think carefully about where you will store the vehicle because you will be responsible for its safe keeping. The council is not responsible for providing storage for thesevehicles.

If you want to build a shed or garage to store your vehicle, you may need permission from your landlord if you are a tenant. Whether you are a home owner or tenant you must also check if you need planning permission.

How will I charge the battery?

It is important to remember that the arrangements for charging your vehicle’s batteries must meet health and safety requirements. The supplier of your vehicle should be able to give you clear advice on this.

Do I need to take the scooter / buggy indoors?

Before you choose to buy your vehicle, you should consider how you will get it in and out of your property if you are intending to store it indoors.

It is your choice whether to own a scooter or buggy and the council is not responsible for providing access ramps, driveways or pathways unless you have an assessed need for an NHS prescribed wheelchair. You must also be unable to manage steps.

Before building any ramps, pathways, driveways etc, you must get permission from the council’s Planning Department and permission from your landlord if you are a tenant.

Electric and manual wheelchairs

There are many types of wheelchair available, some can only be used indoors or outdoors and others can be used both indoors and outdoors. The NHS wheelchair service may supply you with one following an assessment of your mobility needs. Some people buy them privately.

How will I get access to my home is I use a wheelchair indoors and outdoors?

If this is a problem for you, you can ask for advice and an assessment from occupational therapy.

However, there are certain conditions you must meet before the council can make any provision, such as a ramp. Any alterations would also need to be technicallyfeasible.

If you are eligible for assistance, who pays for the work will depend on who owns the property. Installation is free of charge to Council tenants. Owner occupiers and privately renting tenants can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).This is a means tested grant and you may have to contribute towards the cost.Housing Associations will be asked to carry out the work on behalf of their tenants but some ask their tenants to apply for a DGF.

If you do not have an assessment, or you do not meet the criteria for council help,you can choose to make any changes to your access at your own expense.

Before building any ramps, pathways, driveways, etc. you should find out if you needplanning permission. You should also seek permission from your landlord if you are a tenant.

Storing your wheelchair

It is important to think about where you will store your wheelchair. The council is not responsible for providing storage for wheelchairs. If you want to build a shed or garage, check if you need planning permission. You will need permission from your landlord if you are a tenant.

Charging the battery

It is important to remember that the arrangements for charging your wheelchair’sbatteries must meet health and safety requirements. The supplier of your vehicle should be able to give you clear advice on this.

Useful Contacts

Southwark Children’s & Adults services

  • Contact Adult Social Care 020 7 525 3324
  • Email:
  • 132 Queens Road, London , SE152HP
Southwark Planning applications and enquires
  • Tel: 020 7525 5403
  • PO Box 64529, London, SE1P5LX

The Queen Elizabeth Foundation

  • Tel:0208 770 1151
  • Email:
  • 1 Metcalfe Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 4AW

Have you considered other transport options?

Dial a Ride

  • Tel: 0343 222 7777
  • Email:
  • PO Box 68799, London, SE1P 4RD

Lambeth and Southwark Community Transport (LaSCoT)

  • Tel: 020 7924 9911
  • Surrey Wharf, 30 Malt Street, London, SE1 5AY

TAXICARD

  • Tel: 020 7934 9791
  • Email:
  • London Councils, 59½ Southwark St, London, SE1 0AL

Transport for London:Mobility aid recognition scheme

  • Tel: 020 3054 4361
  • Email:

What happens if I am not happy with the advice or assessment?

If you have been assessed by occupational therapy and you don’t agree with their decision, you should talk to the person who assessed you or their line manager. Most issues are resolved this way.

The Council has a complaints procedure if youare still have concerns.

Tel: 020 7525 3977

Southwark Adult Social Care : June 2017