Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs

Permissions

You need to seek landlord permission from us to keep a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair. It is also important for you to ask for permission if you are planning to install:

If you live in a house:
Please also apply for Landlord Permission before installing a:

·     storage unit

·     hardstanding; or

·     electric charging point

You can contact your local occupational therapist service to request an assessment of your needs. On receipt of their referral, we will arrange for the necessary work to be carried out.

If you live in a flat:
You can only keep a scooter or wheelchair where dedicated storage and charging facilities have been provided.

Ask for permission

Alternatively, contact your local occupational therapist service to request an assessment of your needs. On receipt of their referral we will arrange for the necessary work to be carried out.

Scooters and wheelchairs must not be stored, parked or charged in: 

·     Hallways 

·     Corridors 

·     Stairwells 

·     Entrance doors

·     Landings 

·     Any designated escape route 

These areas must remain clear at all times to allow safe evacuation during an emergency. 

Outdoor storage:

·     Store scooters or wheelchairs must be at least 2 metres from buildings wherever possible

·     Use a secure, suitably fire-resistant storage unit

·     Obtain Landlord Permission before installing any storage structure

Wooden sheds are generally not considered suitable.

If a battery has been removed, the fire risk is significantly reduced and the scooter may be stored in a suitable external building, subject to landlord approval.

To reduce fire risks:

·     Maintain equipment in line with the manufacturer’s usage and charging recommendations.

·     Ensure your scooter or wheelchair has a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) carried out by a qualified electrician annually. Some councils offer this service.

When charging your scooter or wheelchair: 

·     Only charge when someone is at home

·     Never charge batteries overnight or whilst asleep.

·     Charge in a room protected by a working smoke alarm.

·     Keep charging away from entrance doors and escape routes.

·     Use only the manufacturer's approved charger.

·     Keep chargers free from clutter and combustible materials.

·     Ensure the room is well ventilated during charging.

·     Regularly check batteries for signs of damage, swelling or overheating.

·     Consider storing batteries in an approved fire-resistant battery bag or case.

Insurance

There is no legal requirement to insure a scooter or wheelchair although we strongly advise that you take out insurance cover to protect both yourself and your scooter or wheelchair.