How to get a mobility scooter through the NDIS

The NDIS is a government funded insurance initiative, helping people under 65 with a disability and their carers receive the support, services and equipment they need in order to live an ordinary life. Purchasing a mobility scooter or mobility aid through the NDIS can feel daunting at first. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve put together a guide to make the process a bit clearer. We’re also available to help you out and answer any questions you have during the process, so get in touch if you need any assistance choosing a scooter, coming up with your plan or navigating the NDIS. We’re always happy to help.

Reasons why you might want a mobility scooter

If you are under 65, have a disability and would benefit from using a mobility scooter, you may be eligible to purchase one using the NDIS. Mobility scooters are designed for people who are fairly mobile around the home but struggle to walk longer distances.

Many people who begin to use mobility scooters notice an improvement in their day-to-day life, as they’re able to independently take part in activities that they couldn’t previously. These could include being able to get groceries on their own, partake in leisure activities, and even travel long distances on public transport or on a plane.

Coming up with your NDIS plan

If you want to purchase a mobility scooter through the NDIS, you’ll need an NDIS plan. This plan will need to outline:

Why you would benefit from having a scooter
How much money you’ll need to buy your preferred scooter
How much money you’ll need to keep up service and maintenance of the scooter
Any other related expenses you’d like covered

In most cases, it’s the client’s responsibility to figure all these things out for themselves, although that doesn’t mean you need to do it alone. In some cases, carers may need to assist in creating the plan. At Scooters Australia, we’re also happy to answer any questions you have while filling out your plan. We understand that the NDIS can sometimes be hard to navigate and we have plenty of experience in helping people choose the right scooter and secure funding.

No matter whether you complete your plan yourself or with a carer, you’ll have to be able to justify your reasoning as to why you will benefit from having a scooter, and why you need the certain amount of money that you’re asking for.

Choosing a mobility scooter

You may be wondering how you decide the amount of money you should be asking for. Ultimately, this will depend on the scooter that you wish to purchase. There are many factors you could think about when choosing a scooter, and there are many models available to suit different lifestyles, including portable, medium and large scooters.

Some questions you might want to ask yourself when choosing a scooter include:

How often will I be travelling?
Does my scooter need to be portable?
What kind of terrain will I be driving my scooter on?

You’ll want to do some initial research on a website of an authorised seller that specialises in mobility scooters, such as Scooters Australia. If you’re still unsure which mobility scooter is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your preferred supplier who will be able to answer any questions you may have.

With an authorised supplier such as Scooters Australia, you’re also able to come into our store or book an in-home demonstration to try out some options before making a decision. Many of our clients find this to be a very helpful process as they’re able to see and try the scooter in person, while also being able to ask any questions they may have.

Meeting with your Occupational Therapist

Once you’ve decided you want to purchase a mobility scooter using the NDIS, you’ll need to meet with your Occupational Therapist. Getting approval from an OT is essential if you wish to purchase a scooter using NDIS funding.

When you meet with your OT, let them know which mobility scooter you would like to purchase, how much it will cost, and your reasoning for wanting to get one. If you haven’t had a chance to see the scooter in person yet, your OT will be able to set up an appointment for you to both look at it together.

Your OT will then be able to approve your choice and help you convince the NDIS assessor that the product will benefit you and help you live

What if I don’t have an occupational therapist?

If you don’t have an occupational therapist and would like some assistance, you can call us, and we’ll be able to recommend one in your area. We have a large pool of OTs that we’ve worked with across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, so can recommend one near you.

If you need further assistance

If you have any further questions about how to get a mobility scooter through the NDIS, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our team members at Scooters Australia and we’ll be able to point you in the right direction. We understand that this can be a complex and sometimes confusing process, so we’re more than happy to hold your hand and assist you wherever necessary, no matter what stage you’re at. We have extensive experience with the NDIS and OTs all over Australia and can help you find the right solution.