The process of finding a powered wheelchair or scooter can feel daunting, especially if travelling to a showroom is difficult, or if it is hard to tell what may work at home.
That is where home assessments come in. They allow you to explore options where it matters most: in your own home.
We speak to Evette Hodson, Motability Manager at Seacroft Mobility, to find out how a home assessment works in practice. She supports customers across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas, helping them find a product that is right for their everyday lives.
What is involved
Every home assessment starts with a pre-assessment call. "We talk through the customer's needs, how their disability affects them, and what they want to use the product for," says Evette. That helps the team arrive with suitable options. Once there, the focus is practical. Door widths, turning space, ramps, gates, storage and charging are all looked at.
"A lot of shops are designed to be disabled friendly," says Evette. "But customers do not necessarily have that at home. There might be a tight turn or a slope that they need to manage every day."
Why test drives matter
Trying a powered wheelchair or scooter is a crucial step. Looking at a product is one thing, but using it tells you so much more. "Some people get on a scooter and find the ride too firm," she explains. "Others realise they are not sitting comfortably, or cannot reach the controls easily."
When test drives happen near home, you can try the routes you use, whether that is the pavement outside, a bus stop or the local shops.
Dreams versus reality
You may have a clear idea of what you want. But part of the home assessment is about making sure that choice is also safe and suitable. There can also be a balance between features and cost. "Sometimes people want everything in one product, but it does not match their budget," she says. The solution is focusing on what the customer truly needs, and building from there.
Delivery day and aftercare
Delivery day is an exciting moment, but Evette knows that information can easily be forgotten. That is why the team goes through everything again: charging, controls, speed settings and safe use. Customers are given time to try the product at home and any adjustments are made. Support does not stop there. "We usually call a few days later to check everything is comfortable," says Evette. Servicing can be done at home, too. "We service on site, so customers are not without their equipment for the day," she says. And if something does not feel right, Evette encourages customers to get in touch. "We would always rather someone call us straight away. Often it is something we can help with quickly."
Simple tips to remember
- From years of experience, Evette highlights a few habits to bear in mind:
- Turn the product off when stopping
- Take the keys out and lock it securely
- Lower the speed setting when you stop
- Store it somewhere safe, dry and secure
- Charge it daily, even after short trips
- Support that fits around you
Home assessments help you make confident choices based on how you really live. "Being able to do everything at home makes a massive difference for some customers," says Evette. For many, that difference is what turns an option into reality.
Ready to find your next scooter or powered wheelchair? Visit the Motability Scheme website to browse the options available.
