Folding disability scooters and VAT question

Spoonie_Turtle

born_again said:

greyteam1959 said:

Folding scooters or boot scooters as they are sometimes know can be bought brand new for well under £1000 depending on the spec.
https://www.ableworld.co.uk/8786-boot-scooters.aspx#
Not a recommendation just an example

Boot scooter is usually one that comes into 4 or 5 parts and can be placed in a car boot, Taking one of these on a bus would be a major undertaking due to their weight. 
I think the OP would be looking a a suitcase scooter such as this
https://www.careco.co.uk/item-s-ms01030/careco-scootcase-travel-mobility-scooter

But stability can be a bit of a issue with them. As well as the weight of having to carry it on to & off the bus.

Maybe a powerchair would be better as on a bus they could still sit in it, so long as it has a dedicated wheelchair space.
https://www.careco.co.uk/item-s-wc09903/fenix-powerchair

A small enough scooter with a small enough turning circle (1.2m) should be able to drive onto the bus. OP should check with the local bus company/ies that service their area if they are unsure.

Cyclamen

Check with your local bus company.. they all have slightly different rules regarding scooter use on buses.. even with one small enough for rules it can be quite a challenge to position one in some of the parking spaces. I dont know how busy buses are now but whilst most people will make space there are some who cant or dont.  Your bus company may also know if there is a regular who already uses the accessible space on your route so may be able to suggest a different bus time. 


I suggest looking at a power wheelchair.. far easier to position on a bus with turning circles.. easier to move in shops, leaves a hand free etc.. have a look at something like a reno11 or shoprider vienna.. they often come up used on ebay, preloved etc (facebook tend to delete the wheelchair adverts). Do factor in the cost of new batteries just in case.  Scooters that fold (rather than come apart) can be quite pricey. 

Long covid is unknown.. we dont know if it will be long term.. i hope not but for now you have had it 9mnths and duration is unknown so i would say you qualify for tax free but check with the shop if buying new. 

Have a look at ME/CFS sites eg ME assocaition.. there is a huge overlap between long covid symptoms and the symptoms of that diagnosis, many of us become ill after a virus.. it often starts out as a 'post viral fatigue syndrome' diagnosis.  You may find some ideas and advice there to help you save your energy and stabilise a bit too. 

I hope you recover fully soon. 

50Twuncle

Cyclamen said:

Check with your local bus company.. they all have slightly different rules regarding scooter use on buses.. even with one small enough for rules it can be quite a challenge to position one in some of the parking spaces. I dont know how busy buses are now but whilst most people will make space there are some who cant or dont.  Your bus company may also know if there is a regular who already uses the accessible space on your route so may be able to suggest a different bus time.

Also - check that your bus can "kneel" - ie Lower it's suspension to allow wheelchair access (or provide a ramp)

Most where I live, don't - they are 90s design and are too old !