Havering Shopmobility Mobility Hire Charity

Havering Shopmobility is a registered charity in Romford that lends and hires mobility scooters and wheelchairs to people with limited mobility, so they can get around Romford town centre and reach the shops and facilities. Run largely by a team of volunteers, it operates from two convenient town-centre locations and is part of the wider Shopmobility movement that supports independent shopping for disabled and older people.

The service is simple and low-cost. People can hire an electric mobility scooter or a manual or electric wheelchair for a session for a small fee, with an introductory lesson on using the equipment for those who need it. Longer-term hire is available for holidays, and the charity also sells some disability and mobility aids. A fleet of around 50 items, including specialist, children’s and heavy-duty models, means most needs can be met.

Because it is a charity run by volunteers, the fees are kept deliberately low and user membership is free or nominal to join. The two pick-up points inside Romford’s main shopping centres make it easy to collect and return equipment, and the service is open six days a week, Monday to Saturday.

Havering Shopmobility serves Romford town centre and the London Borough of Havering. For older or disabled people who want to shop and get around the town centre independently but cannot walk far, it offers an affordable, welcoming hire service. People can check current fees, membership and opening hours through the charity directly, and the charity always welcomes volunteers and support.

At a glance

• Type: registered charity (no. 1051614), volunteer-run Shopmobility scheme
• Service: mobility scooter and wheelchair hire for shoppers, plus holiday hire
• Fees: low session fees, with free or nominal membership
• Fleet: around 50 items including specialist, children’s and heavy-duty models
• Open: Monday to Saturday, from two town-centre locations
• Covers: Romford town centre, London Borough of Havering

Frequently asked questions

What does Havering Shopmobility offer?

It hires mobility scooters and wheelchairs to people with limited mobility so they can get around Romford town centre, with an introductory lesson for those who need it and longer-term hire for holidays.

Where is it based?

It operates from two town-centre locations in Romford, including The Brewery, in the London Borough of Havering.

How much does it cost?

Session fees are kept low because it is a volunteer-run charity, and user membership is free or nominal to join. It is worth checking current fees with the charity directly.

Do I need to book?

It is best to contact the charity on 01708 722570 to check availability, membership and opening hours before visiting, especially for busy periods or holiday hire.

Is it open all week?

It is open Monday to Saturday from its town-centre locations.