Mobility Equipment Finance: Other Ways to Pay

Mobility Equipment Finance: Other Ways to Pay
While not a mobility equipment user myself, my time spent dealing with feedback from users on the mobility aid purchase process has given me an insight into the problems users face when purchasing a new piece of equipment.

Recent reductions in things like Disability Living Allowance, coupled with a generally inhospitable economic climate, has made money tighter than ever for people with mobility impairments.

Fortunately, there is more than one way to acquire a piece of mobility equipment that could change your life. I’ve briefly outlined a few below.

Buying outright is the most common way to purchase a piece of mobility equipment. However, such pieces of equipment are more often than not bank-breakingly expensive.

The advantage of this method is that the equipment is yours as soon as you have paid for it, with no potentially awkward monthly bills or payment agreements.

The downside is that you can expect your savings to diminish substantially when you purchase your piece of kit.

Another way of purchasing is to go for a second hand or reconditioned mobility aid. The advantage of this is that it gives you the opportunity to secure a good quality piece of mobility equipment at a reduced price.

There is no disadvantage to this method as long as you are careful. Always request a demonstration of the mobility aid, and insist on an extensive warranty to cover you in case anything goes wrong.

A third option is to purchase a piece of mobility equipment using a finance agreement. The advantage of a finance agreement is that it enables you to acquire a great piece of mobility equipment that perfectly suits your needs without having to save the requisite money or compromise with a cheaper machine.

The main disadvantage is that such agreements are effectively loans, and so should be approached with caution.

Always carry out a full assessment of your finances to ensure you can afford the monthly payments as defaulting on payments can make your credit score suffer.

If handled correctly and cautiously, a payment agreement can be an ideal way of landing you a life-changing piece of equipment.