Mobility scooter and powered wheelchair safety

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs help many people stay independent and get out and about.

We want to support residents who use them while helping to keep your home and building safe for everyone. Mobility scooters contain batteries and charging equipment, so it’s important that they’re stored and charged safely.

Person standing beside a red mobility scooter in a garage while checking equipment and accessories.

Thinking about getting a mobility scooter?

If you’re considering getting a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, get in touch with us as early as possible.

Every home and building is different. By talking to us before bringing a scooter into the property, we can work together to understand your needs, look at the space available and identify any safety considerations.

Sometimes it helps for us to visit your home so we can look at the available options together.

Can I keep my scooter in a communal hallway?

No.

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs must not be stored or charged in:

Communal hallways

Corridors

Lobbies

Building entrances

Stairwells

Fire escape routes

This includes leaving a scooter outside your flat door, even for a short period of time.

Why is this important?

Communal areas need to remain clear so that people can leave the building safely in an emergency.

Mobility scooters can:

Obstruct escape routes

Make access more difficult for emergency services

Create trip hazards

Increase fire risks if batteries or charging equipment fail

Keeping these areas clear helps protect everyone who lives in, works in or visits the building.

Several powered wheelchairs displayed indoors, showing mobility equipment used for accessible and independent travel.

Where can I keep my scooter?

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs should normally be stored:

Inside your home, where it is safe and practical to do so

In a designated storage area that has been assessed and approved for use

Not every building has suitable storage facilities, which is why it’s important to contact us before bringing a scooter into one of our properties.

We’ll work with you to understand your needs and explore the safest storage options available.

How to charge your scooter safely

Charging a mobility scooter safely helps reduce the risk of fire.

We recommend that you:

Use the charger supplied or recommended by the manufacturer

Charge your scooter in a suitable, well ventilated space

Avoid leaving it charging unattended

Avoid charging it overnight

If you’re unsure about charging your scooter safely, please contact us and we’ll help point you towards the right information.

Charging point with cables in a designated charging area for electric mobility equipment.

Insurance and maintenance

To help keep you and others safe, you’ll need to:

Have insurance for your scooter or powered wheelchair

Keep it in a safe and well maintained condition

Follow any agreed storage and charging arrangements

If there are concerns about safety, we may ask you for information about servicing or maintenance.

If you need extra support

We understand that mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can be essential for maintaining independence and wellbeing.

If you have a disability, health condition or other support needs, please speak to us. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and work with you to explore options that support both your independence and safety.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my scooter outside my flat door?

No. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs must not be stored in communal hallways, corridors, lobbies, stairwells, entrances or fire escape routes.

Can I charge my scooter in a communal hallway?

No. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs must not be charged in communal hallways, corridors, lobbies, stairwells or fire escape routes.

Can I charge my scooter overnight?

No. Scooters should not be left charging overnight.

What if I don't have enough space in my home?

Please contact us before getting a scooter. We’ll work with you to understand what options may be available in your building.

Do I need to contact Calico before getting a scooter?

Yes. Getting in touch early gives us the best opportunity to work with you on safe storage and charging arrangements.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. You’ll need appropriate insurance cover for your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair.

Mobility vehicle policy

If you’d like to read the full Mobility Vehicles Policy and Procedure, you can download it below:

Download the Mobility Vehicles Policy and Procedure

Contact us

If you already use a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, or you’re thinking about getting one, please get in touch.

We’ll work with you to understand your needs, explore the options available and find a safe solution wherever possible.

Report a safety concern: Safety Hub