UK Company Empowers the Elderly and Disabled with Affordable Mobility Aids

Dec 28, 2023

LANCASHIRE, UK - (NewMediaWire) - May 25, 2023 - Mobility Smart, a provider of mobility scooters and equipment, is working on new and innovative ways to bring affordable mobility aids to those who need them.

Founded by entrepreneur Andrew Atkinson in 2004 on a budget of just 1,000, Mobility Smart was established to bring accessibility and affordability to the mobility aid market. Having noted a major gap in the market for genuinely cost-effective devices and equipment, Andrew set about establishing one of the UK's first specialist online retailers.

In doing so, he laid the groundwork for a company that would improve the lives of many thousands of people over the next two decades.

"I remember looking at how the existing mobility aids market was confined to a local retail setting and severely limited in its reach. At the same time, I could see how the rapid growth of the internet was going to create a great opportunity to get essential daily living aids and mobility gear out to a much larger audience on a national basis." - Andrew Atkinson, Mobility Smart CEO

For many people in the UK, the cost of mobility aids can be a significant barrier. People who live on a fixed income or have limited access to healthcare or insurance coverage may struggle to afford these devices. According to research by Scope, a disability charity, one in three disabled people in the UK lives in poverty, and many struggle to afford basic living expenses, including mobility aids.

Coupled with the escalating cost of living crisis, more UK households than ever before are finding it difficult to afford the mobility aids and equipment they need to maintain their independence.

The consequences of not having access to affordable mobility aids can be severe. People who can't afford these devices may be forced to rely on family members or caregivers for assistance with daily tasks, limiting their ability to engage in social activities, education, and employment. In some cases, people may even be confined to their homes, leading to social isolation and depression.

Over the years, the UK government has taken steps to address the issue of affordability of mobility aids. For example, people who are eligible for the National Health Service (NHS) can receive certain mobility aids, such as electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs, free of charge. However, not all devices are covered by the NHS, and some people may not meet the eligibility criteria.

With a strong focus on streamlining processes and cutting overheads, Andrew can offer high-end mobility aids at prices lower than those of any standard retailer. By operating primarily online and providing local delivery service, his company offers a lifeline for those who can't make it to conventional showrooms, or afford the latest hardware.

By stocking a broad range of new and approved used mobility aids, Mobility Smart quickly attracted a broad and diverse clientele from across its locality and beyond. Concerned more with the often-limited incomes of pensioners and people with disabilities (as opposed to maximising profits), Andrew quickly found himself inundated with queries and requests from those who had previously been unable to afford the mobility aids they needed.

As demand grew, the decision was made to further enhance the affordability of the products Andrew stocked, with the introduction of flexible finance options. With no interest payable, buyers have the option of spreading the costs of their equipment purchases over several monthly installments.

Today, Andrew and his team continue to invest heavily in the latest technology and AI, improving efficiency and customer service quality while minimising overheads. This, combined with further flexible finance options, enables Mobility Smart to serve the broadest possible demographic of buyers, including those who simply cannot afford to shop for mobility aids through conventional channels.

"I'm proudest of all at how we have made a significant difference in the lives of so many customers over the last two decades. It's, of course, rewarding to reach our business objectives, but on a personal level, I feel we have definitely contributed to making life more comfortable, less stressful and safer for so many by bringing essential daily living aids to a much wider audience. It's still a thrill for me to read how a product has really helped somebody out, knowing that we've played a small part in that process for them." - Andrew Atkinson

Campaigners continue to push for further efforts on a national basis to increase access to affordable and high-quality mobility aids, especially for those who aren't eligible for NHS support.

Having weathered the perfect storms of Brexit, COVID-19 and the escalating crisis in Ukraine, Mobility Smart continues to maintain impressive year-on-year growth and profitability. Now the largest online company specialising in mobility and daily living aids in the UK, Mobility Smart's role in supporting the elderly and disabled is only likely to grow as the cost of living crisis tightens its grip on all UK households.

About Mobility Smart

Established in 2004, Mobility Smart is a leading UK supplier of disability and mobility equipment.

For further information contact:

Mobility Smart

[email protected]

01995 638086