It becomes necessary to use a mobility scooter to get around at some point in many people’s lives. The first question that often springs to mind is whether you should buy or hire one to meet your needs.
Mobility scooters come in different types, styles, and price brackets, so making the right decision about buying or hiring a vehicle can be a big decision, especially if this is your first time using one.
Should I hire or buy?
There are advantages to both options. The first step is to arrange for a test drive before making your final decision. You may like the look of a particular model, and the features it includes may come in handy, but what if you find it difficult to drive?
It is best to have a test drive to see how you get on with operating your chosen model and even try out different models that you may have dismissed for whatever reason. You don’t know how good each different style or model of mobility scooter is without trying them out.
If you lead a hectic and active life, you may find it easier to have two different mobility scooters. You may need a lightweight one that can be easily folded down and carried in the boot of your car to use at work or for days out.
But you may also need a more sturdy model that can carry more weight and be used for shopping etc. If this is the case, you may find it more cost-effective to hire two different models to meet your needs rather than the more considerable expense of buying two mobility scooters outright.
Mobility scooter purchase vs hire
Some people want to stick to a strict budget, and once they find the mobility scooter make and model they want, they will feel better about buying it outright. Hence, they know it will belong to them and won’t be tied into any ongoing financial commitments with the seller.
On the other hand, hiring your mobility scooter can be a desirable option because the responsibility of ownership and maintenance doesn’t weigh heavy on their shoulders. It can be a more stress-free option for those who don’t want the extra burden of vehicle ownership.
One of the significant benefits of leasing a mobility scooter from a company is that you can upgrade to a newer model any time you like. Just like a car or any other vehicle, the value of the scooter will depreciate over time.
By hiring your mobility scooter, you can simply switch to a newer model as they come onto the market. You will be able to take advantage of all the extra benefits newer models come with, such as more advanced technology, energy efficiency, and extended range.
Long term hire
Hiring a mobility scooter on a long-term basis can bring you all the benefits of owning a scooter without the pressure of paying out for any repair and maintenance costs.
You will have the ability to get around easily using a top of the range mobility scooter without having to compromise on quality or the added extras that come with it.
If you would struggle to afford to buy a mobility scooter outright and may have your choice limited to a more basic model, or going for a second-hand reconditioned scooter, then hiring one on a long term basis will make for a better option.
With trains, busses, shopping centres, and town high streets making disabled access easier, mobility scooter users can now venture further than ever before. But to be able to do this, you may need to use a top of the range model with excellent range on a full battery charge.
Newer models of scooters come with improved capacity for carrying shopping, and some have second seats that mean you can take a child or grandchild with you on your trips. But these tend to be more expensive to buy outright, and if you are on a limited budget, they may be out of reach.
However, choosing to hire long term can allow you to reap the benefits of higher-priced mobility scooter models without it impacting your savings.
Short term hire
Many people mistakenly think that you cannot hire a mobility scooter for short term use. If you are recuperating from an accident, operation or illness, you may find that your mobility will be limited for a short while.
Using a mobility scooter isn’t just for making the lives of the disabled and frail elderly easier. They can also make your recovery much easier by allowing you the freedom and independence you need.
Short term hire can also be hassle-free and quick with your new scooter delivered to your door, ready assembled and ready to use. This makes it very convenient for you to gain the benefits of a mobility scooter without having to go out of your way to access one.
Motability scheme and leasing a scooter
The Motability Scheme is set up to help provide eligible people with all the support equipment they need to help keep them mobile and independent as much as possible.
Qualifying people will get a mobility allowance to exchange to make leasing mobility equipment more affordable. The scheme includes adapted cars, wheelchair accessible vehicles, mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs. The scheme has become a significant source of practical help for disabled people in the UK.
Mobility scooters leased through the Motability Scheme come with an ongoing support package that includes all repairs, maintenance and insurance cover. This can be very reassuring to those who would struggle with the responsibility of owning their own mobility vehicle.
Eligibility criteria
The Motability Scheme is eligible for people in receipt of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – Higher Rate Mobility Component
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Enhanced Rate Mobility Component
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
You can lease a mobility scooter through an approved dealer for the Motability Scheme. The scheme works as a long-term lease over the years where the payment comes from your disability benefit.
The scheme aims to take the worry away from looking after your mobility scooter. Everything from insurance cover, breakdown assistance to servicing and maintenance is included in the price, so you don’t need to sort out and pay for these things separately.