This information applies to England and Wales.
When you get a new wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter you need to know how to:
Find your wheelchair manual (DGT Services)
Learning wheelchair skills can build your confidence when you want to get out and about. There are free training videos online.
The Wheelchair Skills College (YouTube)
Wheelchair skills training videos (Whizz-Kidz)
Your local NHS wheelchair service or private supplier may be able to suggest courses.
The charity Whizz-Kidz offers wheelchair skills training courses for people aged 2 to 25.
Wheelchair skills training (Whizz-Kidz)
You can also look on forums and Facebook groups. Other people with the same wheelchair may share tips about how they use theirs.
If you support someone in a wheelchair, ask their GP, social worker or local wheelchair service if there’s training for carers.
When you start using a wheelchair, there can be many changes to get used to, both physically and emotionally.
Following other wheelchair users on social media is a good way to get reassurance and advice.
Some things make it harder to get around in a wheelchair. These include:
If something is blocking the pavement, the only option might be to move into the road. Take care if you do this.
You might find that moving your wheelchair on grass is difficult.
You can report most issues to your local council. For example:
Find your local council (GOV.UK)
Write to your MP about:
To help you get in and out of a car, you could try:
Car ramps and access aids (Independent Living)
Many wheelchairs fit into cars, but it can depend on the:
There are also hoists to load your wheelchair into a car.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles mean you can travel without moving out of your wheelchair. You may be able to convert some cars and vans.
Adapting your vehicle (Motability)
Find out if you are eligible to join Motability (Motability)
By law, all public transport providers must provide an accessible service.
Going by bus (Driving Mobility)
You may need support when you travel by train. If so, it is best to book assistance with the train company before you go.
If you want to take your mobility scooter on a train, the rules can vary depending on your train company.
List of mobility scooter rules for each operator (National Rail)
Tips for transporting a mobility scooter by train (Passenger Assistance)
In larger cities, licensed taxis must be wheelchair accessible. This means they have a ramp or lift for you to get in and out. They should also have space:
If you live in a rural area or away from a larger city, it is sometimes harder to find wheelchair-accessible taxis. Ask local taxi companies if they have any.
You can also contact your local council’s taxi licensing office. It must keep a list of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in your area.
Find your local council (GOV.UK)
Book your journey a few days in advance if you can. It should not cost you more to travel in a taxi or minicab as a wheelchair user.
The best place to store your wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter is in your home. This is to protect it from damp and cold weather that can cause damage.
You could also keep it in a garage or shed. If this is not possible and you need to store it outside:
If you got your chair through your local NHS wheelchair service, check if they have rules against storing it outside.
You may be eligible for home adaptations because of your wheelchair.
If your wheelchair folds up, you can use a wheelchair storage bag. These can also be useful if you are travelling and need to transport your chair. You may need to take off any footrests or footplates and store them separately.
Powerchairs and mobility scooters have batteries that need charging regularly.
There have been a few cases of batteries catching fire on charge.
To reduce the risk, charge the battery:
Ask your local NHS wheelchair service or private supplier for advice on charging your type of battery safely.
If you live in a shared building, you may not be able to store your wheelchair in a corridor or communal area. It could make it harder for other people to escape if there is a fire.
Check with your local council or housing association if there are any rules.
Find your local council (GOV.UK)
Fire safety for people with mobility difficulties (Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service)
You might want to buy accessories for your wheelchair or mobility scooter not provided by the NHS. These can make daily tasks easier and more comfortable. For example:
People on the Scope online community talk about places to buy these.
Ideas of where to buy assistive equipment
You can also search online for mobility shops.
Personal health budgets might cover accessories for your wheelchair. This is NHS money you receive to pay for your health and wellbeing needs. Ask your healthcare professional, like your OT or physio, for more information.
Clothes designed for wheelchair users can be more comfortable and make it easier to get dressed and undressed.
Adaptive clothing includes:
There is also a lot of outdoor clothing for wheelchair users. Search online for ‘wheelchair-friendly clothing’ or ‘adaptive fashion’.
Adaptive clothing (Disability Horizons)
You could also adapt other clothes to suit your needs. Or ask someone if they can do this for you.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 13/01/2025
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