Helpful Info
Wheelchair Grants & Funding in the UK: Every Option Explained (2026)
19 March 2026 · 7 min read
You Have More Options Than You Think
The average electric wheelchair costs between £1,000 and £5,000. For many people, that's a significant amount — especially if you're living on a fixed income or disability benefits.
But there are multiple funding routes available in the UK, and many people qualify for more than one. Here's every option, explained clearly.
1. VAT Exemption (Immediate 20% Saving)
Who qualifies: Anyone with a chronic illness or disability.
This is the easiest and most immediate saving. Under UK law (VAT Act 1994), you can buy mobility aids VAT free — saving 20% instantly.
On the Eezy Split, this reduces the price from £954 to £795. No paperwork, no GP letter, no PIP required — just a self-declaration at checkout.
2. NHS Wheelchair Services
Who qualifies: Anyone with a long-term mobility need, referred by a GP or healthcare professional.
The NHS can provide a powered wheelchair free of charge. However:
- Waiting times are typically 6–18 months
- Model choice is limited to approved suppliers
- The chair remains NHS property (you don't own it)
- Reviews may be infrequent
For many people, buying privately and using VAT exemption is faster and gives more choice — while still saving significantly.
3. Motability Scheme
Who qualifies: People receiving the higher rate mobility component of PIP (Personal Independence Payment) or DLA (Disability Living Allowance).
The Motability Scheme is best known for cars, but it also covers powered wheelchairs and scooters. You lease the chair using your mobility benefit — meaning no upfront cost.
- Covers insurance, servicing, and repairs
- Three-year lease terms
- Your mobility benefit goes directly to Motability
Contact Motability to check eligibility.
4. Charitable Grants
Several UK charities provide grants specifically for mobility equipment:
National Charities
- Disability Grants — directory of available grants
- Turn2us — grants search tool based on your circumstances
- Family Fund — for families with disabled children under 18
- Independence at Home — grants for people in London
Condition-Specific Charities
- MS Society — grants for people with multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's UK — equipment grants
- Stroke Association — post-stroke mobility funding
- SSAFA — for armed forces veterans and families
- Royal British Legion — mobility equipment for veterans
Local Charities
Many local community foundations and Rotary Clubs fund mobility equipment. Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for area-specific options.
5. Access to Work
Who qualifies: Employed, self-employed, or about to start work, with a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work.
If you need a powered wheelchair to get to work or perform your job, Access to Work can fund part or all of the cost. This is a government scheme — apply through the GOV.UK Access to Work page.
6. Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
While PIP doesn't directly buy equipment, the daily living and mobility components provide regular income that can be saved toward a purchase. Many people use PIP to fund the difference between what other funding covers and the total cost.
7. Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
Who qualifies: People who need home adaptations due to disability.
DFGs are primarily for home modifications (ramps, stairlifts), but in some cases local councils have used them to fund mobility equipment that enables access in and around the home. Worth asking your council's occupational therapy team.
8. Interest-Free Credit or Payment Plans
Some retailers offer interest-free payment plans through providers like Klarna or PayPal Pay in 3. This spreads the cost without adding interest — making a £795 chair cost around £66/month over 12 months.
Combining Multiple Funding Sources
You can often combine sources. For example:
- VAT exemption (saves £159) + charitable grant (covers part of the cost) + PIP savings (covers the remainder)
- Access to Work (covers full cost for employment-related need)
- Motability (covers full cost via benefit redirection)
How Much Does the Eezy Split Cost After Funding?
| Funding Route | Your Cost |
|---|---|
| VAT exempt (self-funded) | £795 |
| Motability Scheme | £0 (funded by mobility benefit) |
| Full charitable grant | £0 |
| Partial grant (£500) + VAT exempt | £295 |
| Access to Work (full) | £0 |
| Interest-free credit (12 months) | ~£66/month |
Next Steps
- Check VAT exemption — if you qualify, the price drops to £795 immediately
- Search Turn2us for grants matching your circumstances
- Contact your NHS wheelchair service to understand waiting times
- Call us on +44 20 8050 4849 — we can help you understand your options
Order the Eezy Split from £795 →