Getting around shouldn't be a daily struggle. If you're an allied health professional helping clients access mobility equipment, or a family member supporting a loved one through the NDIS, you've probably got questions about how funding works for mobility motor scooters and power wheelchairs.

Here's what you need to know.

• Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs can be funded through your NDIS plan under Assistive Technology (Capital Supports).

• You'll need an assessment from an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist for equipment over $1,500.

• Equipment must link to your NDIS goals – particularly around mobility, independence, and community participation.

• Trials are available – you can test equipment before purchasing to ensure it's the right fit.

• Both hiring and buying options can be funded, depending on your needs and circumstances.

Understanding NDIS Funding for Mobility Equipment

The NDIS covers mobility aids and equipment under the Assistive Technology category, which sits in your Capital Supports budget. According to recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 38% of NDIS participants in Victoria receive assistive technology support.

Mobility equipment is funded when it's deemed "reasonable and necessary" to help you achieve your goals. This means the equipment needs to:

• Be directly related to your disability

• Help you live more independently

• Support you to participate in community activities

• Represent value for money

• Not be available through other funding sources (like hospital discharge programs)

Mobility Scooter vs Electric Wheelchair – Which One?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer depends entirely on your needs, lifestyle, and how you'll use the equipment.

Mobility scooters are designed for people who:

• Can walk short distances but struggle with longer trips

• Have good upper body strength and hand function (needed to operate handlebars)

• Need equipment primarily for outdoor use and community access

• Want to travel longer distances – most scooters can cover 25km or more on a single charge

Electric wheelchairs are better suited for people who:

• Need support for both indoor and outdoor mobility

• Have limited upper body strength or dexterity (operated with a joystick)

• Require equipment they can sit in comfortably for extended periods

• Need a tighter turning circle for navigating narrow spaces at home

Some NDIS participants end up with both – a wheelchair in Melbourne for indoor use and daily activities, and a scooter for community outings. If you're unsure which option suits you best, our article on mobility scooter vs electric wheelchair breaks down the differences in more detail.

The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Include Mobility in Your NDIS Goals

Before your planning meeting, think about how mobility equipment will help you achieve your goals. Be specific. Instead of saying "I want to move around better," try:

• "I want to travel independently to medical appointments"

• "I want to participate in community activities and see friends without relying on others"

• "I want to access shops and public spaces safely"

The clearer you are about how mobility equipment supports your independence, the easier it is for your planner to understand your needs.

Step 2: Get an Assessment

For mobility equipment over $1,500 (which includes most scooters and electric wheelchairs), you'll need an assessment from an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physiotherapist. This is a requirement, not a recommendation.

Your OT will:

• Assess your mobility, strength, and functional limitations

• Evaluate your home and community environment

• Determine which type of equipment is most appropriate

• Provide recommendations on features you need (like suspension, turning radius, weight capacity)

• Complete a written report and risk assessment for the NDIA

If you're not sure whether you need a wheelchair or scooter, an OT assessment is the perfect time to discuss both options.

Step 3: Trial Equipment Before You Buy

This step is often overlooked, but it's crucial. The NDIS expects you to trial equipment valued over $15,000 to ensure it's the right fit. Even for equipment under $15,000, it’s strongly recommended that you trial options before making a decision.

Your OT can arrange trials with equipment suppliers, where you'll:

• Test different models in your home to check doorway access and manoeuvrability

• Try the equipment at locations you visit regularly (shops, medical centres, parks)

• Check vehicle compatibility if you need to transport the equipment

• Ensure you're comfortable operating the equipment safely

The NDIS provides minor trial funding in your plan. Short trials (like testing equipment at a clinic for an hour) are covered under your Core – Consumables budget. Longer trials or rental of specialised equipment over $15,000 requires a quote from your equipment supplier.

Step 4: Get Quotes and Submit Your Request

Once you've identified the right equipment, your OT will:

• Obtain quotes from registered NDIS suppliers

• Complete the assistive technology application with all supporting evidence

• Submit the application to the NDIA through your support coordinator, plan manager, or directly if you're self-managed

You no longer need three quotes. If you know what you want and it's within NDIS reasonable pricing, one quote from your chosen supplier is sufficient.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Approval timeframes vary significantly – anywhere from 2 weeks to 12 months, depending on the complexity of your request and NDIA workload. High-cost or complex equipment (like custom electric wheelchairs) generally takes longer.

Step 6: Purchase and Set Up

Once approved, you can purchase the equipment from your chosen supplier. Registered NDIS providers will:

• Deliver and set up the equipment at your home

• Provide training on safe operation and maintenance

• Complete a handover assessment with your OT to ensure everything works correctly

• Provide warranty information and service schedules

Should You Hire or Buy?

Both options can be funded through your NDIS plan, and the decision depends on your situation.

Consider hiring if:

• Your needs may change in the next 12-24 months (progressive conditions, recovery from injury)

• You're trialling equipment for the first time and want to test long-term suitability

• You need equipment temporarily while yours is being repaired

• You're waiting for a custom wheelchair to be built

Consider buying if:

• You have stable, long-term mobility needs

• You want to customise the equipment specifically for your requirements

• You need reliable, consistent access to your equipment

• Long-term ownership provides better value for money

Rental rates for mobility equipment typically range from $100 to $150 per week, depending on the model and features. Your NDIS plan can include rental funding if you provide evidence from your OT explaining why rental is more appropriate than purchasing.

What About Maintenance and Repairs?

This is a question that often gets missed during planning meetings. Your mobility equipment will need regular servicing and occasional repairs – and yes, these costs can be included in your NDIS plan.

Speak with your planner about including a maintenance allocation in your Assistive Technology budget. It's much easier to have this funding available from the start than to request it later when equipment breaks down.

Your Next Steps

If you're someone (or are working or living with someone) who needs mobility equipment, we're here to help.

At Back To Sleep, we're registered NDIS providers with experience in both mobility equipment and NDIS sleeping solutions, so we understand that navigating NDIS funding can feel overwhelming – especially when you're dealing with mobility challenges that affect daily life. 

Our team has worked with hundreds of NDIS participants and their support teams to access the right mobility equipment, from mobility scooters to electric wheelchairs, and we can guide you through every step of the process.

Visit our Melbourne showroom to trial equipment, or get in touch to discuss your specific needs. We'll provide detailed quotes, work directly with your OT or support coordinator, and make sure you have everything you need for a successful NDIS application.

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