This page looks at the options for getting a wheelchair or walking aid on a short or longer-term basis.
Short term wheelchair loan
You can find wheelchair loans from:
- the British Red Cross loan wheelchairs for a fee, on a weekly basis
- mobility equipment providers offering equipment loans on Connect to Support Surrey
ShopMobility UK - mobility scooters and wheelchairs
You can hire out mobility scooters, powerchairs and manual wheelchairs from ShopMobility UK. Loans are for people of any age who have difficulty walking. This could be because you:
- have a permanent or temporary disability
- are ill or frail
- have had an accident or operation
You don't have to be registered disabled. The loans are usually low cost or free. Wheelchairs are for use around a town centre or in a shopping centre. Some centres will let you to hire for several days or a week.
See Find a ShopMobility Centre.
Longer term wheelchair loan
Ross Care run the Surrey Wheelchair Service for the NHS. They loan wheelchairs, pressure cushions or postural support, if you meet their criteria. The loans are not for short term use.
Contact:
- Telephone: 0330 124 8210
- SMS: 07471 038 629
- Email: surreywcs@rosscare.co.uk
To be apply you must:
- have a long term mobility problem (6 months or more) and always need a wheelchair because you can't walk
- use the wheelchair more than 4 days a week and 4 hours a day
- live in Surrey
- be registered with a GP in Surrey
- meet other criteria
To use this service you will need a referral from a healthcare professional for example:
- nurse
- occupational therapist
- physiotherapist
For more information see Referrals to Surrey Wheelchair Service.
Getting your wheelchair repaired or maintained
If you have an NHS wheelchair from Ross Care you can use their wheelchair repair and maintenance service.
If you have your own wheelchair, you can find agencies that offer repair or maintenance on Connect to Support Surrey.
Custom made and mobility equipment adaptations
REMAP a national charity that provides custom-made equipment and adaptations for people with a disability. They make bespoke, custom-made equipment to help you with your mobility.
See REMAP Surrey to find out more.
Buying wheelchairs or walking aids
If you would prefer to buy a wheelchair or walking aid, you can try:
- equipment providers on Connect to Support Surrey
- sell or buy second hand equipment at Disability Equipment Service
- some local pharmacies have walking aids you can buy