FAQs

Shopmobility Market Harborough is an Independent Locally Run Charity that is affiliated as a Full Member Scheme and abides by the Best Practice Standards as set out by The National Federation of Shopmobility UK.

The Scheme’s objects are to promote the welfare and independence of people with impaired mobility in the town of Market Harborough – to cover the Town boundaries.

a)  Promoting ease of access to local facilities through provision of direct services, and through working with other groups and organisations to improve the local built and attitudinal environment;

b)   Providing loaned electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters to enable access to the shops, businesses and places of interest in Market Harborough and its surrounding environs;

c)   Providing electric and manual wheelchairs and scooters for use outside of the scheme’s opening hours, which can be hired for use within boundaries set at the discretion of the Management Committee;

d)  Providing accompanied support for people who use the equipment and require support.

Shopmobility is for anyone, young or old, whether their disability is temporary or permanent.

No you don’t have to be registered disabled to join our Scheme.  If you are recovering from an illness or operation, struggling with day to day mobility or have family visiting who need help. You will be assessed for using a scooter before you hire one to ensure your safety.

All equipment for loan during our opening hours is available without charge but a minimum donation of £2 per hour is suggested to cover our costs.

All powered equipment can be hired for £25 per week for up to four weeks inclusive, reducing to £20 per week thereafter.  Short term hire from Friday to Tuesday is available for just £20.00.

Manual wheelchairs can be hired for £10 per week.

Hiring of equipment is subject to membership of £15 per year to cover insurance costs.

Residential Loan Scheme

We have mobility scooters available in some local residential homes. These are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to use at your leisure.  To use one of these scooters there is an annual membership of £40 per year.  Residents use a booking system to ensure the equipment is available when required.

It is always advisable to book as we cannot guarantee that equipment you require will  be available.

Booking can be made by telephone and you can leave a message on our answering machine out of opening hours.

We are based in Roman Way Community Centre, 36 Roman Way, Market Harborough LE16 7PQ. 

Parking spaces (including Blue Badge) are available in Roman Way Community Centre car park. Additional parking spaces are available in the Council owned Doddridge Road public car park.

Anyone who wishes to use equipment either on a long or short term basis must register to become a member of the Scheme.  This helps meet the mandatory cost of insuring you for £5 million public liability.

When you call in to the office to register you will be asked for two items of identification, such as a driving licence or a utilities bill.   Members who wish to use mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs must register in person.   A third party may register a new member for manual wheelchair use.

After a short assessment to familiarise yourself with the controls you will be free to take the equipment anywhere in the UK, mainland Europe and the Channel Isles.

Membership for the Residential Loan scheme is £40 and this enables you to use a scooter shared with other residents in your residential home.