Mobility Scooters

mobility scooter You can download our full Mobility Scooter Policy here:  Mobility Scooter Policy [pdf] 253KB

Residents should not purchase a mobility scooter without seeking permission of South Essex Homes first, you can complete our online form below to do this.

Before any agreement can be given, you will need to ensure that there is suitable storage and charging facilities for the scooter and no health and safety risks. Failure to obtain this permission may affect your ability to keep the scooter and you may be required to dispose of it. 

Complete Mobility Scooter Application form

 

Before purchasing

Mobility scooters are not provided to individuals by the Council’s Social Services team and therefore there is no formal assessment of an individual’s ability to use one safely. It is strongly recommended that individuals who are considering purchasing a mobility scooter (or their family/carer) first check with South Essex Homes that the scooter will be permitted and then assess their ability to use one safely and competently.

If any individual has one of the following medical conditions, they are strongly advised to discuss with their Doctor whether they feel that it would prevent them from operating a mobility scooter without risk of harm to themselves or others before purchasing one:

  • A history of epileptic fits.
  • Other causes of loss of consciousness.
  • Impairment of memory, attention, concentration and spatial awareness.
  • Visual impairment.
  • Hearing impairment.
  • Recent history of alcohol/drug or substance misuse.
  • Severe tremor/ataxia.

 

Storage

South Essex Homes has a legal responsibility to meet the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The Order applies to shared areas of South Essex Homes managed properties e.g. hallways, corridors, stairs, lifts and landings. In order for South Essex Homes to meet these requirements, mobility/electric scooters will not be allowed in these shared areas. 

Storage and charging facilities are limited and cannot be guaranteed, therefore you may have to wait for storage space to become available. If storage is provided users must be able to transport themselves from their flat to the vehicle storage area by independent means, with or without walking aid or wheelchair. 

If the mobility scooter is going to be stored in your home you need to take into account that most front door widths are 750mm, if you live in a flat the communal door width will be approximately 800mm. A mobility scooter should be less than 700mm wide. So you need to ensure that you can ride the scooter into and out of your property.