Mobility scooters give a new lease of life to many groups of people, with the most common being the elderly and those with disabilities that restrict their ability to get around.
While you might be looking to dispose of a mobility scooter, a better option is for it to be repaired or used for parts. There are a lot of companies with specialist experience in used mobility scooters, so they are likely to collect in your area.
Mobility vehicles are expensive investments, and while some are provided for those who cannot afford to buy their own, lots of wealthier individuals choose to buy their own. Regardless of ownership, and regardless of the reason why they’re no longer required, they can almost certainly continue to be useful.
Can I Take My Mobility Scooter To The Tip?
Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) across the country accept mobility scooters in most cases, however they’ll typically have a way to either dismantle and recycle them, or more likely (and better) have an arrangement to allow them to be re-used, be repaired, or be donated for parts to repair other scooters.
Is There A Market For Second Hand Mobility Scooters?
Due to their expensive nature, there is always a re-sale value associated with mobility scooters. They’re often available at a significant discount compared to new models – much like the used car market. Even if they’re only a few months old, they can often be bought and sold to give a new lease of life to a new owner with mobility issues.
There is a huge second hand market for mobility scooters, so regardless of your reason for no longer needing a scooter it will likely to be in demand from buyers looking for a second hand purchase.
How Do I Get Rid Of A Motability Scooter?
Motability is a scheme across the UK to allow vehicles to be leased that are often modified for use by those with disabilities. As a result, they are not owned by the individual that uses them.
A motability scooter must be returned at the end of the contract period. It will usually need to be returned to the dealer, so get in touch with them to discuss options. You will often be able to start a new contract if required.
How To Dispose Of A Mobility Scooter Battery
You can get years more out of your scooter by replacing the battery. Generally, if you buy a new battery from the manufacturer or an approved dealer or retailer, you’ll be able to return the old one for disposal. That will usually mean it’s recycled responsibly, in particular separating out potentially harmful components and chemicals.
You can take household and vehicle batteries to the tip for recycling. Check your local authority website for details of which sites accept car and other vehicle batteries. If you’re replacing the battery, see if the new battery supplier will take the old one for you.
Can I Sell A Mobility Scooter Myself?
Just like any other belonging, you might choose to sell the scooter yourself. There are a number of ways to sell them, but there are a few which are common, meaning prospective buyers will likely to be looking in the right place.
You can sell a used mobility scooter online on sites like Facebook Marketplace and eBay, or use a more traditional advert such as the local newspaper. Alternatively, search Google for companies that will buy second hand mobility scooters near you.
There’s a really good guide for buyers on the Which website that’s worth a read, not least the section about buyer’s rights on private sales. The key takeaway is making sure you describe the scooter accurately, and avoid the temptation to oversell it to attract buyers. As they’re such an expensive purchase new, it should be easy enough to find a buyer if you’re not over optimistic with pricing.
Can I Donate An Unwanted Mobility Scooter?
If you’ve got a working scooter that you no longer need, donation is a really worthwhile route if you’re wanting to help someone who may otherwise find that one is financially out of reach.
You can donate mobility scooters to organisations that would typically work with the elderly, or charities associated with disabilities. Search online for care homes and nearby good causes and give them a call. You’ll probably quickly find a grateful recipient!
How Much Is A Second Hand Mobility Scooter Worth?
The value of a used mobility scooter varies by age, condition, make and model. As with houses and cars, it ultimately comes down to being worth what someone will pay for it.
As a rule of thumb, mobility scooters lose around 30% of their value over the first two years from new. The exact value will depend on the condition of the vehicle, how popular the make and model is, and it will continue to devalue with time.
How Do You Get A Mobility Scooter To The Tip?
Most people have a means of transporting a mobility scooter if they’re travelling out of its normal operating range. This might be putting it into the boot of the car, or for larger models or people with smaller cars there are trailers on the market to tow them.
If you’ve got no means of transporting it, you have got the option of driving it to the tip. It’s a good idea to phone ahead if you’re planning to drive it in, as you may be considered to be a pedestrian and need to book an arrival slot. In fact, dropping off something like a scooter is worth phoning ahead for regardless to make sure it will be accepted, as they probably don’t see them arrive very often!
As a final note, if you are getting help from someone with a trailer, make sure you speak to the council HWRC team first, as many tips don’t allow trailers or need advanced notice and/or issue a permit. They may be able to make an exception due to disability guidelines.
Failing that, there’s always the option of unloading the scooter from the trailer outside and driving it in.
In summary, even if you take a scooter to the tip it will almost certainly be recycled, so that’s a great final option if you’re unable to sell it, donate it or find someone that will take it off your hands for parts.
