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Mobility Scooter Hire UK: Costs and Where to Rent

Man sitting on a hired mobility scooter outdoors

Quick answer: Hiring a mobility scooter in the UK typically costs £10 to £20 a day, £30 to £60 a week or £80 to £160 a month, with a refundable deposit of £50 to £100. Your local Shopmobility scheme is usually the cheapest option for town-centre use, sometimes free, while mobility shops and holiday hire companies cover longer periods. If you will need a scooter for more than about six months, buying (from around £500 for a basic Class 2 model) usually works out cheaper than hiring.

How mobility scooter hire works

Scooter hire is straightforward: you book, pay a deposit, show ID, and get a short handover covering the controls and battery. Most hire companies supply Class 2 pavement scooters (4 mph), as these suit the widest range of users and need no DVLA paperwork. You charge the battery overnight like a phone, and the hire company handles servicing and breakdowns. Delivery and collection is common for weekly and monthly hire, expect £10 to £30 each way if it is not included.

What mobility scooter hire costs

Hire typeTypical costBest for
Shopmobility (per session/day)Free to £10Shopping trips, trying before you buy
Daily hire£10 to £20Days out, events, appointments
Weekly hire£30 to £60Holidays, visiting family
Monthly hire£80 to £160Recovery from surgery or injury
Holiday resort/airport hire£30 to £70 per weekUK coastal resorts, cruise terminals, airports

Prices vary by area and scooter size; heavy-duty and 8 mph road scooters cost more to hire where available. Most companies take a refundable deposit of £50 to £100 and ask for two forms of ID.

Where to hire a mobility scooter

Shopmobility schemes operate in over 150 UK town and city centres, lending scooters and powered wheelchairs for shopping and errands; many are free or charge a small fee, and annual membership (where required) is usually under £20. Local mobility shops are the main option for daily to monthly hire, and many deliver. You can find rated mobility shops near you in our directory. Holiday hire companies serve seaside resorts, theme parks and cruise terminals, and most UK airports offer assistance plus scooter hire partners for arrivals.

Hire or buy? The break-even point

At around £120 a month, six months of hire costs roughly £720, about the price of a decent new Class 2 scooter, and a year of hire (£1,000 to £1,900) overlaps with good mid-range models. Hire when the need is short-term (post-operative recovery, a holiday, trying scooter life before committing) and buy when it is permanent. If you are weighing this up, see our mobility scooter cost guide and best mobility scooters rankings.

What to check before you hire

Confirm what the price includes: insurance (some hirers include damage cover, others sell it for £2 to £5 a day), breakdown support, delivery and collection, and battery range, ask for a realistic range figure, not the brochure number, and make sure the scooter suits your weight and the terrain. If you plan to use an 8 mph scooter on the road it must be a Class 3 model; see our guide to UK mobility scooter rules.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire a mobility scooter for a week?

Typically £30 to £60 from a local mobility shop, or £30 to £70 at holiday resorts. Deposits of £50 to £100 are standard and refunded on return.

Can I hire a mobility scooter for free?

Sometimes. Many Shopmobility schemes lend scooters free for town-centre use, though some charge a small daily fee or annual membership. British Red Cross branches also offer short-term wheelchair loans in some areas.

Do I need insurance to hire a mobility scooter?

Insurance is not a legal requirement, but many hire companies include damage cover or offer it for a few pounds a day. Check what you are liable for before signing.

Can I hire a mobility scooter while on holiday in the UK?

Yes. Coastal resorts, larger attractions and cruise terminals commonly have hire operators, and many local mobility shops deliver to hotels and holiday parks. Book ahead in summer.

Is it cheaper to hire or buy a mobility scooter?

Hiring is cheaper for under about six months. Beyond that, buying wins: basic new Class 2 scooters start around £500, and monthly hire at £80 to £160 overtakes that quickly.

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Written byReview Mobility Editorial Team

We research, test and compare mobility equipment and the companies behind it, so you can choose with confidence. Our reviews are independent and never paid for.

Please Note: This is not medical advice, and you should seek the advice of a doctor or a qualified medical professional.

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