Scooters must not be stored or charged in communal hallways or stairwells at any time, as this could increase the risk of fire or obstruct a fire escape route.
You must get written permission to keep an electric mobility scooter. This is because we need to make sure that your property is suitable, and that it can be stored and charged safely.
What you need to do
To request permission, please contact your local housing office.
What happens next
We will arrange an inspection and risk assessment at your property.
We will take your needs and the suitability of your property into account when deciding whether or not to grant permission for a mobility scooter.
We will write to you with our decision within 28 days of receiving your application.
If permission is granted
If permission is granted, we will write to you to let you know the size and type of scooter you can keep.
You are responsible for:
- getting appropriate insurance cover against accidents or other injury, to third parties and yourself, as well as any damage to the internal or external parts of the building
- making sure that you scooter will fit through external doors, lifts, and internal doors, if you haven’t purchased it yet
- servicing and maintaining your scooter regularly
- having your charging equipment Annual Portable Appliance (PAT) tested every year – if it fails, you are responsible for repairing or replacing it before using it
- requesting permission for alterations to accommodate your scooter (for example ramps or storage facilities)
If you don’t follow the conditions we set out when we give you permission, we may remove the scooter and charge you for any removal costs.
Permission will be refused if:
- there is no safe storage or charging space in your property, and no suitable alternatives outside the property
- the scooter is too large to fit through internal or external doors
- a major change to the property is needed to accommodate the scooter, which we consider to be unreasonably expensive or disruptive
- you ask to keep more than one scooter
If permission is refused
If permission is refused, we will write to you to let you know why.
If it’s not possible to find a safe and secure place to store a mobility scooter, we will consider alternative options with you, including assisting with a move.
You must not store or charge a mobility scooter on council property without permission. If you do, we may remove the scooter and charge you for any removal costs.
Related policies
Detailed rules are set out in our mobility scooter policy.
