How to Get a Wheelchair in the UK: Free, Funded & Private Options | Whatever your reasons for needing a wheelchair, whether you need a wheelchair temporarily or for long-term use, there are several ways to obtain one in the UK. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a free wheelchair through the NHS, find charity support, lease one via the Motability Scheme, or purchase one outright.
Before purchasing a wheelchair, there are some things you should consider first:
- Will you need a manual or electric wheelchair?
- Are you going to be pushing yourself or pushed by someone else?
- Whether you need to use it indoors or outdoors, or both?
- Do you need to take your wheelchair in your car, if so, is your car going to be big enough?
- Will you be using it at home? Again, make sure you get a wheelchair that will fit around your home.
- How often will you be using your chair?
- Whether it needs to go into a care home – Some homes will not allow electric wheelchairs.
- How comfortable is it? Will you need any alterations made?
- How much will it cost to maintain and repair?
Don’t be afraid to visit wheelchair showrooms and try different makes/models. This will give you an idea of what may suit you best. Warning: Don’t let the salesman talk you into anything you are not ready for!
NHS Wheelchair
If you have a long-term mobility need or need a made-to-measure wheelchair, the NHS Wheelchair Service may be your best route. They may provide you with a wheelchair free of charge. However, this depends on your eligibility and an assessment by NHS Wheelchair Services.
How to Apply:
Typically, you would be referred by either:
- Your GP,
- Physiotherapist,
- Occupational therapist
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Some wheelchair services accept self-referrals from patients who already have equipment with the wheelchair service
If accepted, you will need an assessment, during which the NHS wheelchair service will decide which wheelchair is best for your needs.
Pros: Free if eligible.
Cons: Waiting times can be long, and the selection is limited to what the NHS deems necessary for you
Motability
The Motability Scheme allows you to lease a powered wheelchair using your mobility benefit rather than receiving it as cash.
Eligibility:
You must be in receipt of either:
- Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP,
- Higher Rate DLA
- or equivalent benefits.
How It Works:
Use your qualifying mobility allowance to lease a brand-new vehicle. We’ll cover your insurance and servicing, and support you with charging. Simply check you’re eligible, then apply when you’re ready.
- Instead of getting payments directly, your benefit is used to lease a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter.
- The lease includes insurance, servicing, and repairs.
- Pros: It includes maintenance and insurance, which is good for those needing powered mobility.
- Cons: Not free – it uses your mobility allowance.
Charities and Grants
If you don’t qualify for NHS or Motability support, charities can help fund or provide wheelchairs.
Key Charities Offering Assistance:
- Whizz-Kidz – Supports children and young adults (up to 25) with mobility aids.
- The Mobility Trust – Provides powered wheelchairs and scooters for people who can’t get them elsewhere.
- The British Red Cross – Offers short-term free wheelchair loans.
- Turn2Us – Helps find grants for mobility equipment.
- Newlife Charity – Supports disabled children needing specialist mobility aids.
- How to Apply:
- Each charity has different criteria, so check their websites or apply through a professional referral (GP, social worker, etc.).
- Pros: Free or subsidised equipment.
- Cons: Application processes can take time and may have restrictions.
Local Council
Your local council may offer financial support for a wheelchair if your mobility needs affect daily life.
- Apply via Adult Social Services for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) or a personal budget.
- Pros: Potential full funding for those eligible.
- Cons: Lengthy assessment process and eligibility restrictions.
Buying Privately
Buying from Mobility Shops (New or Used)
If you don’t qualify for free options, you can purchase a wheelchair from mobility retailers. They are a good place to try different wheelchairs to see what best suits your needs. Just be prepared; some of them can be quite pushy, while others are great.
- Cost Guide:
- Manual wheelchairs: £100 – £1,000+
- Lightweight & active user models: £500 – £3,000+
- Powered wheelchairs: £1,000 – £10,000+
- Where to Buy:
- High Street & Online Mobility Stores: Ability Superstore, CareCo, Mobility Giant, Wheelfreedom.
- Second-Hand Options: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree (ensure quality and safety before purchasing). Some charities and mobility shops sell refurbished models.
- Pros: Immediate availability, more choices.
- Cons: Expensive, no automatic repair coverage.
Wheelchair Hire
If you need a wheelchair temporarily or don’t want to commit to buying one:
- British Red Cross – Free short-term loans.
- Local mobility shops – Daily, weekly, or monthly rental options.
- Wheelfreedom & Mobility Hire Companies – Rent manual and powered wheelchairs. – I’ve been to Wheel Freedom and found them to be very helpful and knowledgeable. They did not come across as pushy at all. However, a home demonstration was at an exta cost.
- Pros: Flexible and cost-effective for short-term needs.
- Cons: Long-term rental can become expensive.
So, What Is Best For You?
- Need a long-term wheelchair & qualify for support? → NHS, Motability, charities, or council funding.
- Need it temporarily? → British Red Cross or rental services.
- Want a specific model quickly? → Buy from a mobility retailer (new or used).
There’s no single best route—your choice depends on your situation, budget, and eligibility.
If you like my blogs and want to work with me, please contact me.
