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Can I get a rollator funded in the UK? NHS, council, Motability and other options
The NHS and your local council can provide a rollator free of charge after an assessment, but they normally supply a standard model from their own equipment stock rather than a specific brand such as Trionic. The Motability Scheme does not cover rollators or walking frames. Most UK customers therefore buy a Trionic rollator themselves, often without VAT if they qualify for VAT relief.
Can I get a rollator through the Motability Scheme?
No. The Motability Scheme lets people use a qualifying mobility allowance to lease a car, a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), a scooter or a powered wheelchair. Rollators and walking frames are not part of the Scheme, and the Motability Foundation's grants do not currently cover them either. If you receive a mobility allowance such as the mobility component of PIP, you are of course free to put that money towards buying a rollator yourself.
Can the NHS provide a rollator?
Yes. The NHS lends walking frames, including rollators. Speak to your GP, a physiotherapist or hospital staff, who will assess which walking aid suits you. You may be asked to pay a small deposit. The equipment comes from the local NHS equipment service, so you will usually receive one of their standard models and cannot choose a particular make.
Can my local council provide one?
In England you can ask your council's adult social care team for a needs assessment. If the assessment shows you need a walking aid, the council must provide community equipment such as walking frames free of charge under the Care Act 2014. As with the NHS, this is normally a standard model from the council's equipment service.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements. Ask your GP, a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist; in Northern Ireland, walking aids are provided on loan by your Health and Social Care Trust.
What if I mainly want to walk outdoors?
Standard NHS and council rollators are mostly designed for indoor use and smooth pavements. If you want to walk on gravel, grass, woodland paths or uneven ground, mention this at your assessment so your outdoor needs are taken into account. Even so, the service may not be able to supply a specific brand. You can keep a standard walking aid from the NHS or council for use at home and buy an outdoor rollator such as the Trionic Walker or Veloped yourself.
Can I get help through my job?
If you need a rollator because of a disability or health condition to get to work or do your job, the government's Access to Work scheme may contribute towards specialist equipment. It only covers work-related needs, and if the rollator will also be used outside work you may be asked to contribute. Apply through GOV.UK.
Are there charities that can help?
Some charities and benevolent funds give grants towards mobility equipment, often depending on your age, health condition, former occupation or armed forces background. The free grants search at Turn2us is a good place to start. Most grant providers ask for a quotation, which we are happy to provide.
Buying it yourself: VAT relief
If you have a long-term illness or disability and the rollator is for your own personal use, you can usually buy it without VAT. Simply complete the VAT relief declaration at checkout – there is nothing to claim back from HMRC afterwards. Every order also comes with a 14-day home trial and free returns, so you can try the rollator on the paths you actually walk.
Can Trionic help with a funding application?
Yes. On request we can issue a quotation and product information (dimensions, weight, wheel size and features) to support an application to an employer, Access to Work or a charity. Contact our customer service and let us know which model you are interested in.
The information above is general and applies to the United Kingdom only; rules and local procedures can change and vary between areas. For your own situation, ask your GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or local council.
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