Wheelchairs and scooters
One of the major worries people have when diagnosed with MS is that they will become reliant on a wheelchair or scooter to get around. In fact, the majority of people with MS will not become severely disabled.
Many people with MS choose to use wheelchairs or scooters from time to time or to do certain things, perhaps because of symptoms like fatigue or weakness, or to conserve energy. People often find wheelchairs and scooters can give them more freedom rather than less.
If you are finding it hard to get around and need to get access to a wheelchair or scooter there are a number of things you'll need to consider and organisations that can help.
This page takes you through:
Getting a wheelchair or scooter
The first step is deciding which mobility aid is right for you.
The Introduction to wheelchairs section of the Direct Gov website is a good place to start. The site covers:
- Types of equipment
- Voucher schemes for wheelchairs
- Hiring or buying a wheelchair
- Mobility scooters for road use
- Using a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair
Once you've done some research and you're ready to start looking, there are a number of services that can help:
The NHS Wheelchair Service includes an assessment to make sure your needs are met. Speak to your doctor or MS Nurse about getting a referral.
Ricability is an independent consumer research charity providing free, practical and advice and unbiased reports on things like:
- Wheelchair accessible vehicle converters
- Wheelchair accessories
- Getting a wheelchair into a car
- Powered wheelchairs, scooters and buggies
- Techniques for getting in and out of a car
The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to exchange either their Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance or their War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement to obtain a new car, powered wheelchair or scooter. They can help you to find a dealer who covers your area and give you an idea of prices and Products available
Registration and tax
Electric Scooters/Wheelchairs that have a maximum speed of 4mph are for pavement use only and thereby cannot be used on the road, and do not need taxing.
Electric Scooters/Wheelchairs that travel up to 8mph can be used on the road and must be registered with the DVLA and taxed. Whilst electrically propelled vehicles are exempt from paying vehicle tax it is still necessary to obtain and display a 'nil' or free tax disc annually.
If your Electric Scooter/Wheelchair is not registered or taxed, you can do this by completing either a V55/4 or V55/5 form, and taking it to your local DVLA office. You will also require personal identification and evidence of vehicle age which you can get from the supplier.
You will be issued with a 'nil' or free tax disc.
What about insurance?
Although not required, insurance is a good idea. Like cyclists and road users, anyone will be liable if they hit and injure anyone while using a wheelchair or scooter.
The MS Society offers specialist insurance for people with MS. Have a look at our MS Insurance pages for more information.
Electric scooters and wheelchairs provided on the Motability scheme will be automatically insured whilst still on their Hire Purchase Agreement. If you are unsure, contact Motability direct.
