Plain-English definitions of the mobility equipment terms you will meet in catalogues, assessments and quotes. Compiled by the Review Mobility team. For prices and market data, see our UK mobility aid statistics.
A
Attendant-propelled wheelchair. A wheelchair with small rear wheels, designed to be pushed by a carer rather than self-propelled by the user.
B
Bariatric equipment. Mobility equipment rated for heavier users, usually above 25 stone (160kg). Bariatric versions exist for most aids, from wheelchairs to profiling beds.
Blue Badge. The UK parking permit for people with severe mobility problems. It allows parking closer to destinations, including on yellow lines for up to three hours in most of the UK.
C
Class 2 mobility scooter. A scooter limited to 4mph for pavement use. It does not need to be registered with the DVLA and cannot legally be driven on the road except to cross it.
Class 3 mobility scooter. A larger scooter capable of 8mph on the road and 4mph on pavements. It must be registered with the DVLA, but you do not need a driving licence or insurance.
Curved stairlift. A stairlift with a rail built to follow a staircase with bends, turns or intermediate landings. The custom rail is why curved models cost more than straight ones.
D
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). A means-tested council grant for home adaptations such as stairlifts, ramps and accessible bathrooms. It covers up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland.
E
Elbow crutch. A crutch with a cuff that grips the forearm, giving more support than a walking stick without taking weight through the armpit.
G
Grab rail. A fixed rail, usually in a bathroom or beside steps, that gives a secure handhold for balance and transfers.
H
Hoist. Equipment that lifts a person who cannot bear their own weight, either from a mobile wheeled frame or a ceiling track. Used with a fabric sling sized to the user.
K
Kerb climber. An attachment for wheelchairs that helps the front wheels mount kerbs and small steps.
Knee walker. A wheeled frame that supports the shin of an injured leg while the other leg pushes, used as a crutch alternative after foot or ankle injury.
L
Level-access shower. A shower with a floor-level tray you can walk or wheel straight into, with no step. A common Disabled Facilities Grant adaptation.
M
Motability Scheme. The UK scheme that lets people exchange a qualifying mobility benefit for a lease on a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. It had 860,000 customers as of March 2025.
O
Occupational therapist (OT). A healthcare professional who assesses how illness or disability affects daily life and recommends equipment and adaptations. Council OT assessments are free and are the usual route to a Disabled Facilities Grant.
P
Perch stool. A high, angled stool that lets you half-sit while working at a kitchen counter or sink, for people who struggle to stand for long.
Personal alarm. A pendant or wristband that calls for help at the press of a button, either to a 24-hour monitoring centre or directly to family.
Powerchair. An electric wheelchair driven with a joystick. Unlike a mobility scooter, it is designed for full-time indoor and outdoor use and suits people who cannot walk short distances.
Pressure cushion. A wheelchair cushion designed to prevent pressure sores in people who sit for long periods. Foam, gel and air versions offer increasing levels of protection.
Profiling bed. An electric bed with sections that raise and lower independently, so the user can adjust back and leg positions or raise the whole bed for care.
R
Reconditioned stairlift. A used stairlift that has been refurbished and resold with a warranty, typically 25% to 40% cheaper than new. Only practical for straight staircases.
Riser recliner. An armchair with a motor that tilts the whole chair forward to help the user stand, as well as reclining for comfort.
Rollator. A wheeled walking frame with three or four wheels, brakes and usually a seat, for people who can walk but need support and rest stops.
Rotunda. A turning aid the user holds while standing on a rotating platform, letting a carer pivot them between bed, chair and commode without lifting.
S
Self-propelled wheelchair. A wheelchair with large rear wheels and push rims that the user propels themselves.
Straight stairlift. A stairlift for a staircase with no bends or landings. Rails are cut from standard stock, which keeps prices down and installation to a few hours.
T
Threshold ramp. A small ramp that bridges a door threshold or single step, usually rubber or aluminium.
Through-floor lift. A home lift that travels through a hole cut in the ceiling between floors, an alternative to a stairlift for wheelchair users.
Toilet frame. A free-standing frame around the toilet giving armrests to push up from. A raised toilet seat adds height instead.
Transfer board. A smooth board the user slides along to move between two seated surfaces, such as wheelchair and bed, without standing.
Tri-walker. A three-wheeled rollator, lighter and easier to steer in tight spaces than a four-wheeled model but with no seat.
V
VAT relief. If you are chronically ill or disabled, you pay no VAT on equipment designed for disability, including stairlifts, scooters and wheelchairs. You self-declare on a simple form at purchase, saving 20%.
W
Walking frame. A rigid four-legged frame, lifted and moved with each step. Often called a Zimmer frame after the manufacturer.
Wet room. A fully waterproofed bathroom with an open, level-access shower area and no enclosure to step over.
Wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV). A car or van converted so a wheelchair user can travel seated in their wheelchair, via a ramp or lift.
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