What Is a Mobility Scooter Assessment?

A mobility scooter assessment is a comprehensive Occupational Therapy evaluation that determines whether a scooter is appropriate, safe and functionally beneficial for the individual. The assessment considers physical capacity, cognitive function, environmental factors and the person’s ability to safely operate and manage a scooter in everyday settings.
For funded supports such as the NDIS or Support at Home, the assessment must also demonstrate clear functional benefit, risk mitigation and alignment with program guidelines.

The Role of Occupational Therapy in Mobility Scooter Prescription

Occupational Therapists assess mobility in the context of daily life rather than focusing solely on physical impairment. This ensures the recommended scooter supports meaningful participation while minimising risks.
Key areas assessed include:

• Balance, coordination and postural control
• Upper limb strength, endurance and steering ability
• Transfers on and off the scooter
• Vision, perception and reaction time
• Cognitive capacity, judgement and hazard awareness
• Fatigue, pain and energy conservation
• Home access, storage and charging requirements
• Community environments such as footpaths, kerbs and shopping centres

This holistic approach ensures the scooter is both functional and safe.

Mobility Scooter Assessments for NDIS Participants

For NDIS participants, mobility scooter assessments focus on how reduced mobility impacts community participation, independence and access to essential activities. Occupational Therapists link recommendations directly to NDIS goals and functional limitations.

Capacoty supports NDIS participants by:

• Assessing whether a mobility scooter is the most appropriate assistive technology option
• Trialling suitable scooter models and configurations
• Evaluating safety risks and identifying strategies to mitigate these
• Assessing compatibility with home and community environments
• Providing detailed Assistive Technology (AT) reports and clinical justification
• Supporting NDIS funding applications with evidence-based reasoning

Clear documentation and clinical reasoning improve the likelihood of funding approval while ensuring the scooter meets long-term needs.

Mobility Scooter Assessments for Support at Home (My Aged Care) Clients

For Support at Home (My Aged Care) clients, mobility scooter assessments focus on maintaining independence, reducing falls risk and supporting continued engagement in the community.

Capacoty assists Support at Home clients by:

• Assessing current and anticipated mobility needs
• Determining whether a scooter is appropriate compared to other mobility aids
• Evaluating home access, storage and charging safety
• Considering transport, public access and local community use
• Providing practical recommendations that align with Support at Home funding guidelines

This approach supports ageing in place while reducing reliance on higher levels of care.

Why a Professional Mobility Scooter Assessment Matters

Without a thorough assessment, mobility scooters can pose significant risks, including falls, collisions and reduced functional independence. An Occupational Therapy assessment ensures the scooter is prescribed for the right reasons and used in the right way.

Benefits of an OT-led mobility scooter assessment include:

• Improved safety and confidence when mobilising
• Enhanced community access and participation
• Reduced risk of accidents and injury
• Appropriate equipment selection and configuration
• Strong, compliant documentation for funding bodies

Mobility Scooter Assessments in Adelaide and Regional South Australia

Capacoty provides mobility scooter assessments across Adelaide metropolitan and regional areas, with assessments completed in the home and community environments where the scooter will be used. This ensures recommendations are practical, realistic and tailored to real-world conditions.

Supporting Safe Mobility Through Evidence-Based Practice

Mobility scooters can be life-changing when prescribed appropriately. Occupational Therapy assessments ensure that scooter use enhances independence rather than introducing new risks. By focusing on functional capacity, safety and participation, Capacoty supports NDIS and Support at Home clients to achieve sustainable mobility outcomes.

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