Frequently asked questions

• Do I have to join to use your equipment?▲
  Yes. You can register when you first visit, please ensure you bring TWO forms of ID with your address. For more information on joining our scheme please see here for details.
• Do I have to be disabled to use the scheme?▲
  No. Anybody with any mobility difficulty whether temporary or permanent can use the scheme.
• How much does it cost?▲
  There is no charge for daily hire of our equipment or to register – as a small charity we rely on your support and donations to help keep our service running. Overnight and long-term hire of our manual wheelchairs is offered at a charge of £2 per day. At the moment we can only accept cash or cheque.
• Where can I use the equipment?▲
  If you are using a scooter or wheelchair on short term (daily use) loan then you can use it in Watford Town centre (from Tesco Extra to Watford Town Hall). This includes intu watford shopping centre.
• Can I take a scooter to a hospital appointment?▲
  No, Watford General Hospital is outside of the permitted area.
• Is there any limit to how long I can borrow the equipment?▲
  Wheelchairs and scooters loaned on short term (daily use) loan must be returned by 4.00pm (16:00). There is no maximum length of time for long term loan of a wheelchair but it must be paid for in advance.
• Can I hire wheelchairs and scooters on a long term basis?▲
  We only offer manual wheelchairs (not electrical equipment) on a long term basis, please see here for details.
• Can my child sit on my lap?▲
  Children must not be carried on the vehicles, electrical equipment must only be used by the member registered with Shopmobility Watford.
• Can I drive on the road?▲
  Our vehicles cannot be used on the public highway.
• Where’s the nearest toilet?▲
  Due to the corona virus situation our toilet is for staff only.
  Toilets are available in the Intu Centre and under the pedestrian underpass at the top end of Watford High Street by the Town Hall.
  We are reviewing this restriction on a regular basis and hope to remove it soon, sorry for the inconvenience.
• Do you sell equipment?▲
  We occasionally have donated scooters, rollators, walking frames and crutches for sale, so it is always worth asking if we have anything suitable for your needs.
• Once I join Shopmobility Watford can I use other schemes?▲
  At the moment all the schemes are run independently from each other, so membership of this scheme does not entitle you to use other schemes, although you may join other schemes as well if you wish.
• How do I join the scheme?▲
  Due to the coronavirus situation we are not currently accepting new registrations. We are reviewing this restriction on a regular basis and hope to remove it soon, sorry for the inconvenience.

  1. Call personally at the office
  2. Bring two forms of identification which MUST have your name and address on. This could include but is not limited to:

  1. Driving licence.
  2. Utility bill.
  3. Bank statement.
  4. Benefit book.
  5. A letter from a company / service.

  3. Complete a simple registration form.
  4. A member of staff will help you choose the most suitable vehicle and show you how to use it. Our volunteers are all fully trained
  5. For scooters and power chairs - you will need to complete an insurance assessment and safety check to ensure you can use the equipment appropriately.

  
  Please allow 15 minutes for registration and for us to show you how to use the equipment.