Mobility aids How to buy

• Whether contacting your local council, a mobility centre or a private company, you should have a good assessment of your needs to help you find the right product.
• Test the product as thoroughly as you can in the environment where it will be used. Ask to take it home for a trial period and invite a friend. Think about having someone with you for support.
• Check what day-to-day maintenance and servicing is recommended.
• If your mobility is likely to deteriorate, buy an aid with the long term in mind.
• When equipment is delivered, don’t let the company leave until you’re sure you know how to use it. Read the user manual.
• Shop around for prices, but remember that cheaper internet sales won’t include a trial and may not include aftercare.
• Paying by credit card for items for yourself between £100 and £30,000 can make the credit card company liable for any breach of contract.
• Certain aids and equipment designed for use by disabled people are zero-rated. This means they are not subject to VAT.
• Check what guarantees cover, and the speed of response to callouts – however, you still have normal rights under the Sales of Goods Act. Budget for when your guarantee runs out and for insurance. Mechanical items need servicing, and insurers may require you to maintain them regularly.

Always try adjustable beds before buying

Adjustable beds

• Make sure that any bed is the right height for you to get in and out of, and that it’s possible for someone to assist you, if needed. Check the use of controls and that the bed can be plugged in and used safely and that there are no tripping hazards, such as cables.
• Always try beds before buying. Consider advice from a health professional such as an OT. Some extras, such as a massage unit, may help a condition such as arthritis, but they could also aggravate it.
• Check that you have enough room to manoeuvre round the bed, and that old beds will be taken away.

Mobility centres can advise on the best scooter for your needs

• Scooters can have three or four wheels and can range from very small, portable models up to large vehicles that can handle rough terrain. Ask how long the scooter can run before the battery needs charging, but remember that factors such as heavy loads or gradients reduce this time.
• There are two types: Class 2 or ‘pavement’ vehicles, with a maximum speed of 4mph, and larger or Class 3 vehicles, which can go up to 8mph. The latter need to be DVLA-registered and have a nil-duty tax disk.
• The BHTA says that your choice will depend on factors like ‘your weight, size and height, weight of chair for lifting and quality of roads in your area.’
• Scooters are not substitutes for wheelchairs, and they do not offer the same back support or seating and cushions. You need to be sure you can use the steering mechanism easily and without aggravating any disability. Mobility centres can advise.
• Scooters need to be charged and stored between uses.

Make sure stairlifts are fitted by professionals

Stairlifts

• Stairlifts need to be suitable for you and your home. You will have less choice if you have a curved or unusually shaped staircase. Very steep stairs, ones which turn at the top, and doorways close to stairs, can cause problems. 
• Make sure that stairlifts are fitted by professionals.
• Stairlifts can be expensive to remove. Check whether the company has a solid buy-back policy and get this in writing.

Bath lifts

• There’s a range of lifting equipment on offer, including chair lifts, belts across the bath and inflatable cushions. Try products to see which one best suits your needs.
• The design of your bath and bathroom is important. The wrong equipment may damage your bath.
• If there’s more than one person using the bath, consider whether someone can move the bath lift in or out of the tub.