Adults, Mobility
Adults, Mobility
Page last checked: January 2026
If you’re not being seen regularly by an OT or physio, contact your GP or neuromuscular consultant. Explain what’s happening to your mobility and request a referral to someone who you can ask for help and advice.
You may need walking equipment to help you with:
- your stability and balance
- maintaining an upright body posture
- walking with a more even stride and pace
- your confidence in your walking ability
- keeping up with family and friends
- weight redistribution. Some of the weight carried through your legs is transferred through the arms to the frame or stick as it’s leant on for support. This may help reduce any pain you have in your back, joints, muscles or ligaments in your legs.
Walking’s also good for keeping your bladder and bowel working well.
Your OT and / or physio can assess you and provide mobility equipment to help with your specific needs. Some people find it helpful to have lower limb splints (orthoses). These can help keep their joints in an appropriate and supported position.
Living Made Easy > – click on the Access and mobility tab, then walking aids for information on options and safe use.
Whether or not you’re able to walk, a lightweight manual wheelchair can be useful. For example it might make a difference to how far you can go on a day out. If you’re mainly a powerchair user you may need one as a ‘back-up’ chair.
Your OT and / or physio will be able to advise you if a manual chair is a suitable option. They may involve Wheelchair Services (WS) in any assessment of your posture and positioning. You’ll be advised on the most appropriate make and model and when, where and how it could be used.
You may find these information pages helpful when you’re talking to your OT / physio. Tick the boxes on the left of the pages that apply to you:
The NHS should provide you with a manual wheelchair if your OT and WS agree you need one as a main way to get around indoors. If you prefer an option that they can’t provide but they agree it is still suitable for you, they may be able to part fund it. If the manual wheelchair is to be a ‘backup’ only it’s unlikely the NHS will fund it.
If you need financial help to buy a chair that can’t be provided by the NHS, you may be eligible for our:
The Support Team > at SMA UK can also suggest other charities that may provide a grant.
For more information, see Tab 10. Funding For Equipment on the Equipment page >.
The Wheelchair Alliance Academy website > is a go-to hub for navigating life as a wheelchair user. Whether you’re looking to master how to use your chair, planning a stress-free journey, or seeking expert advice on daily challenges, they’ve gathered the best tools and resources in one place.
If you tire quickly using a manual chair, your physio or OT may suggest adding power assist. This is either a power pack or powered wheels. You can still use a supportive lightweight, foldable manual wheelchair indoors or for shorter trips, but you have the option of getting further faster. This saves energy for other activities.
If you’re considering this option, you need to check that:
- the power system is compatible with your chair and suitable for your strength
- the chair will still be light and compact enough for your partner or PAs to lift it into a car
- you can afford the cost of the batteries, running costs and annual service. Though this option is more flexible and generally lighter, it can be more expensive than a powered wheelchair.
If you already have a chair from Wheelchair Services, check they will allow you to modify their chair with your chosen power pack. If not, you may need to buy your own manual chair in addition to the power pack.
If you need financial help that can’t be provided by the NHS, Social Services or Education, you may be eligible for our:
The Support Team > at SMA UK can also suggest other charities that may provide a grant.
For more information, see Tab 10. Funding For Equipment on the Equipment page >.
Mobility scooters and buggies may be a good way to enable some people to remain independent. It’s advisable to consult an OT or physio to decide if one’s suitable and safe for you. If it is, you need to decide which scooter best suits your requirements and which retailer to buy from. These website pages may be helpful for discussions with your OT:
Generally speaking, you don’t need insurance for a mobility scooter. It is though strongly recommended given the cost and the possibilities. That’s not just for loss or damage, but also for any damage that could be caused to other people, or other people’s property. When you’re setting up your insurance, check what’s covered.
If you already have a home contents insurance policy, you may find that you can add on some mobility equipment. However, it’s not usually easy to add on a powered wheelchair.
If you plan to travel outside the UK with your mobility equipment, please speak to your insurance company to see if you need additional insurance.
There are many insurers available, but if you would like any support with finding insurance, contact our Support Team >.