If you or someone in your home finds it hard to walk and might need a scooter to get around, this guide will help you understand what to do.

We’ve used the term ‘scooter’, but it covers mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

You can read the frequently asked questions below to help you with your request.

How do I ask for permission to have a scooter?

You need to write to us and ask for permission. You can do this by simply filling out the form below.

If we need more information, we will let you know what this is. We will usually do this in writing (including email, if you prefer).

When we receive your request, we’ll look at:

where you live – is there a safe place to store the scooter?
advice from occupational therapists
how our decision might affect other people
any other information that we believe is relevant.

We’ll let you know if we agree or disagree with your request. We will always try to agree, but sometimes this isn’t possible. If we disagree with your request, we’ll explain why.

Request for a mobility scooter

Frequently asked questions

If we agree to your request, there are responsibilities you’ll need to keep to, including:

keeping the scooter in good condition and have it serviced in line with manufacturer’s instructions
checking the plugs, wires and batteries to make sure they aren’t broken before every charge. If they look worn or damaged, you mustn’t use them
getting the scooter Portable Appliance Testing [PAT test] for safety. In some schemes, we may offer to carry this out for a reasonable charge
having the right insurance and show us proof every year
paying for any damage it causes
only using it the right way: store as agreed, no passengers, only ridden by the intended user, no carrying bulky items especially if they make it difficult to see

You must have insurance that:

covers accidents and damage to buildings or people
is renewed every year

Liability cover, to protect you if you cause an accident or damage while using your mobility scooter, coverage is usually up to £2million.

Not having suitable insurance cover can result in Hafod removing consent for you to keep your scooter on the premises. We need a copy of your current insurance certificate every year.

If we agree with your request for a class 3 scooter that can be used on roads, you will also need to register it with the DVLA.

If you’ve been asked to use a specific storage area, you must use it. If no space is available to allocate to you, you will be put on a waiting list. You shouldn’t purchase a scooter until a space becomes available.

You might be able to purchase a folding scooter that can be stored in your home.

If there isn’t a designated area for storage, we can help you find the right storage solution. This could be inside, or outside your home, depending on space and access. Not all scooters are suitable to be stored or used within your home.

We will never agree to scooters being stored in communal areas (that are not designated storage areas). This is a fire risk.

If no suitable storage area is available, we will not be able to agree to your request.

We will see if a ramp or changes to the entrance can help and if it is possible to adapt your home this way.

If changes cannot be made, it may not be possible to agree to your request.

You should fill in the request form as soon as possible. If everything is safe and okay, we can agree to your request. You must get insurance if you haven’t already got it.

If it is not possible to agree to your request, we’ll try to help in other ways, like:

giving advice
helping you apply to move somewhere that better meets your needs
referring you to support services

You can complain to us if you disagree with our decision.

Yes, if you do not keep to the things we asked you to when we agreed to your request.

We will try to help resolve any issues first, but if the scooter, or its use, causes or could cause a serious fire or health and safety risk, we will act straight away.

If you disagree with our decision, you can complain to us using this form and we will investigate. You should tell us the reason(s) why you disagree with our decision.

Your neighbourhood coach or scheme manager can talk to you about what you want from your home and help you find ways to make it happen. If you want, they can ask other agencies to help you make the most of living independently.

If you ask for a scooter, we might also check how safe your home is in case there’s ever a fire. This helps us understand how you can stay safe if there was a fire in or near your home. These checks are always carried out in Extra Care schemes and age-designated schemes.

Even if we agree to your request, we can still help you learn about other homes or choices you have.

We always want to listen to what you need, and work with you to reach your goals.

We want to help you live well and safely. You can talk to us, and we can connect you with other services.

Your GP can suggest ways and services to help in relation to your mobility.

You could also contact Age Cymru for more support:

Age Cymru Advice Line: 0300 303 4498
Website: https://www.agecymru.wales

Request for a mobility scooter

Name(Required)

First Last

Name (joint contracts)

First Last

Only complete this if you are joint tenants

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City Postcode

How would you like us to contact you?

Who will be using the scooter?(Required)

If this is not you, what is their relationship to you?(Required)

Where do you plan to store the mobility scooter?(Required)

If there is a specific store where you live, please note this down. You will be expected to use this.

Make, model and classification of scooter(Required)

Charging type(Required)

E.g. built in or removable battery

Where to you plan to charge your scooter?(Required)

Charging scooters should only be done behind a fire-resistant door and never on a stairwell or any escape route as it is particularly high risk.

Do you have public liability insurance?

Yes

If we agree to your request, you will need to have this in place straight away and provide us with a copy of the insurance certificate.

How will you make sure your scooter is maintained / serviced or PAT tested?(Required)

You must make sure the mobility scooter is in good working order when you get it, that it is serviced and maintained in a safe condition and charging adaptors are PAT tested.

Has an occupational therapist assessed the need for a mobility scooter?(Required)

Yes

Please provide a copy of the occupational therapist's recommendations and their name and contact details.

Name(Required)

First Last

Phone

File

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 64 MB.

Have you decided yourself that a scooter is needed and for what reason?(Required)

This can help us make sure you have the support you need to be safe in your home

Things to consider regarding a mobility scooter

It is your responsibility to keep the scooter serviced and maintained in line with manufacturer’s instructions. You must have insurance that enables you to rectify any damage that you may cause with the scooter, whether to another person or your home/communal areas. Mobility scooters cannot be stored in communal areas (unless a designated scooter storage area is available). Your use and storage of the scooter must not cause a nuisance to others or breach your contract in any other way.

Conditions: I (the owner and user) agree that:

Only the person whom the scooter is for will use it in the home and community/scheme. I will not cause damage to my/our home or communal areas through use or neglect of the mobility scooter. I am liable to pay for any damage caused due to use and/or improper storage of any part of the mobility scooter. Insurance to cover damage to property and third-party injury will be in place when the scooter is purchased. The scooter will be stored appropriately, and I/we agree to follow any specific instructions Hafod give regarding this. The scooter will be charged appropriately, in line with manufacturer’s instructions and any specific instructions Hafod give regarding this. I may be charged for costs Hafod incur, such as scooter charging or testing in designated storage/charging areas. I will ensure it does not cause a nuisance to others or breach any other part of my/our contract responsibilities. I understand that if consent is given but these conditions are not met, consent to keep a scooter may be withdrawn. In consenting to this request, Hafod may require any other reasonable conditions in relation to my/our request. I will update Hafod if I change the scooter and may be asked to make a new request to ensure the details above are kept up to date.

Name (tenant 1)(Required)

Date(Required)

Name (tenant 2)

Date

Using and storing a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair

How do I ask for permission to have a scooter?

Frequently asked questions

Request for a mobility scooter

Things to consider regarding a mobility scooter

Conditions: I (the owner and user) agree that: