A mobility scooter can make a huge difference to someone’s independence, but it can also be a significant expense.
There are still some funding pathways available in New Zealand, although funding is limited and approval is never guaranteed. Most options involve eligibility criteria, an assessment and a bit of paperwork, so it pays to understand the process before choosing or purchasing a scooter.
Lottery funding for mobility equipment
The previous Lottery Individuals with Disabilities Fund closed in May 2026. Mobility scooters may now be considered through the newer Lottery Funding for Equipment for People with a Disability.
This funding is for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents with a permanent disability who face significant barriers to participating in community life.
The emphasis on community participation is important. It isn’t enough to show that a scooter would be personally useful—the application needs to explain how it would help you take part in social, recreational, cultural, civic, voluntary or wider community activities.
Applications generally require:
- An independent and current equipment-needs assessment
- Evidence of how the scooter would support community participation
- Evidence of any other funding you have applied for
- Two current quotes for the equipment, where applicable
The assessment must use the Department of Internal Affairs template and confirm that the scooter is suitable for your needs.
Funding is offered in rounds rather than being continuously available, so check the current opening and closing dates before beginning an application.
Read the current criteria and application requirements
Check the current funding calendar
It’s also important not to purchase the scooter before a decision is made, as equipment already purchased will not normally be funded.
Government-funded disability equipment
Disability Support Services can fund mobility and other equipment for eligible disabled people. This isn’t a general grant that someone applies for directly through a scooter retailer.
The process usually begins with an assessment by an approved Equipment and Modification Services—or EMS—assessor. This may be an occupational therapist or another appropriately qualified health professional.
The assessor looks at your disability-related needs, your everyday environment and the most appropriate cost-effective solution. If funding is approved, the equipment may be supplied through Enable New Zealand or Accessable, which administer equipment services on behalf of the government.
The funded solution won’t necessarily be a particular scooter or a new retail model. Existing or refurbished equipment may be considered, and eligibility and prioritisation rules apply.
A good starting point is to speak with your GP, occupational therapist, needs-assessment service or another health professional involved in your care.
Learn more about government-funded equipment
ACC support
If your mobility needs result from an injury covered by ACC, ACC may be able to provide aids or equipment to support your recovery and everyday activities.
You can discuss this with your ACC recovery team or ask your doctor or health provider to make a recommendation. ACC may arrange an assessment before deciding what equipment it will provide.
Read about ACC-funded aids and equipment
Work and Income
Work and Income support is more limited than many people expect.
The Disability Allowance is primarily a weekly payment towards regular, ongoing disability-related costs. It isn’t generally intended to pay the full purchase price of a mobility scooter.
Work and Income also has one-off assistance for essential or emergency costs. Depending on your circumstances, this could include a Special Needs Grant, an Advance Payment of Benefit or a Recoverable Assistance Payment. Income and asset limits apply, some assistance must be repaid, and a mobility scooter will not automatically qualify.
It’s still worth asking Work and Income about your individual circumstances, but we wouldn’t recommend relying on this pathway until funding has been confirmed.
Read about the Disability Allowance
Read about one-off help with essential costs
Community trusts and local support
Some community trusts, charitable organisations, service clubs and local grant-makers may consider helping with disability equipment.
What is available varies considerably between regions, and some organisations only accept applications at particular times of the year. Others may consider contributing part of the cost rather than funding the full amount.
Local disability-information services, Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern and community organisations may know which funds are active in your area.
How EV East can help
EV East is registered as a supplier with MSD and Enable New Zealand. We can provide written quotes, product specifications and other information requested by a funder or assessor.
For Lottery applications, the rules require the assessment to be independent, and a supplier with a financial interest cannot prepare or submit the application on your behalf. We can still explain our products and provide the required quote, but the application needs to be completed by you or an independent person authorised to assist you.
It’s best to talk with the funder or assessor before purchasing anything. Most funding providers will not reimburse equipment bought before approval.
Other ways to spread the cost
When grant funding isn’t available, we offer a layby option with no fees or interest. A deposit is paid first, followed by regular payments, with the scooter supplied once the balance has been completed.
Finance options may also be available through independent finance providers, subject to their lending criteria and approval.
A realistic place to start
Funding a mobility scooter has become more challenging, but it’s still worth checking what support may be available.
A sensible first step is to work out what scooter will genuinely suit your needs and obtain a written quote. From there, speak with an assessor or the relevant funder before committing to a purchase.
If you need a quote or want to talk through the type of scooter that may suit you, feel free to get in touch with EV East. We’ll give you straightforward product advice and provide the information needed for your application.
