Using kick starter for funding a mobility scooter

Former Member

Mine has died, it's not fixable and I am now housebound and dependent on others to take me anywhere and get me the essentials. I can't go to the pub or the park or even into town. I haven't the money to even hire one on a short term basis. Social services won't fund one for me, as they see it as a non essential (I don't even have a wheelchair from them I have a borrowed one for a friend).

Would people likely give to a kick starter for such a thing? Am I being a bit crazy thinking my friends might give to one? Other than making things is there anything I could give to people as incentives? It's going to be around £700

I have applied to a couple of charities but its a long shot with them as I often don't fit their priorities. I'm running out of other ideas. I can't use motorbility as I am still waiting for my DLA tribunal.

Former Member

Surely, you can get a wheelchair from wheelchair services?

Former Member

Kickstarter is only for creative projects, I doubt they'd let you raise money on their site.

Indiegogo might but raising £700 is going to be a lot of work.

Former Member

Wheelchair services can give me an occasional use wheelchair but there no funding for a scooter. My mum can't push a wheelchair as she has ME, so it's back to only being able to go very few places with and only when my PAs are available.

Any other ideas guys? I'm feeling incredibly desperate here. I've been turned down for funding by 3 charities already.

Former Member

Ebay? There's one on there for £165, and one on there at £50 with two hours left. Otherwise, what about Shopmobility? They'll loan you one on the days you need it, and it's not too expensive.

Former Member

My local shopmobility place is only open for a short time - all scooters have to be back by 4 and they charge £50 a week which I can't afford. I'll have a look on eBay but I could end up getting another duff one. Plus it would need to be close or I could end up paying loads in petrol.

Former Member

I can drive 400 miles on 60 quid of petrol. based on what Melian said that's still a massive saving

Former Member

Theres no way we could do that far in our old polo! Right now i haven't the money to pay my bills so i shall hope my tribunal goes my way and if it doesn't then really get on the offensive with any charity that i might have the slightest chance with.

Former Member

My point was not distance it was cost.

Former Member

You're right but I still need to did something to pay them with. I'm going to look into seeing if I can get a credit card or if there's anywhere that will do one on a credit agreement.

Former Member

You usually have to have a minimum income to get a credit card / any sort of loan.

Former Member

Yeah with my bank it's not hugely high and I'm going to see if I can get part funded if nothing else. I went and spoke to someone who runs a mobility shop and she said she sees people coming in with similar situations everyday and she's never found any charity who specialises in helping people with mobility scooters as they get see as non essential. Got to keep trying!!

Former Member

Hi there,
Sounds difficult sourcing help to fund the scooter - which is something you clearly need to get around and enjoy daily life.
Do you receive DLA? Is there an option to use the mobility component for a scooter?
Have you spoken to your GP or care coordinator about what other options are available?
I also found this page on a NHS website - http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/practicalsupport/Pages/Othersupport.aspx

Hope this helps and keep us posted.

Former Member

She's waiting for the DLA tribunal that keeps getting messed up.

Former Member

Finally got a date set for the 3rd so fingers crossed!

Former Member

Miss_Riot wrote: »

Finally got a date set for the 3rd so fingers crossed!

Fingers crossed!