The following information is to provide you with examples of what the NDIS may fund. It’s important to note that this is only a guide to assist you make an informed decision. Only your My NDIS Contact, an NDIS Delegate, or the explicit written information in a current NDIS plan serves as the source of truth. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.
Personal Mobility Equipment refers to assistive products that support or replace a person’s ability to move independently both indoors and outdoors. This equipment is vital for many participants in maintaining mobility, independence, and safety in daily life.
This article provides information on what Personal Mobility Equipment may be considered under the NDIS, what requires approval, and what is not typically funded.
What is Personal Mobility Equipment?
Personal Mobility Equipment includes:
- Assistive products for walking, such as, walking frames, rollators
- Transfer devices, such as, slide boards, transfer benches
- Wheelchairs, such as, manual or powered
- Motorised mobility devices, such as, scooters
- Hoists, such as, portable or fixed
- Associated services for assessment, prescription, training in use, and maintenance of mobility equipment
This equipment is designed to assist participants in moving safely within their environment, increasing independence and community participation.
NDIS Funded Supports - Requires NDIS Approval
The following supports may be considered by the NDIS, however requires formal approval from the NDIS through written inclusion in the participant’s plan, approval from their My NDIS Contact or NDIS Delegate to ensure the safety of a participant.
- ⚠️ Wheelchairs: Manual or powered wheelchairs specifically required due to disability needs.
- ⚠️ Mobility scooters: For participants unable to mobilise independently without powered assistance.
- ⚠️ Transfer aids: Including hoists, sliding boards, and transfer benches.
- ⚠️ Walking aids: Such as walkers, crutches, or specialised walking frames.
- ⚠️ Wheelchair modifications: To ensure safety, comfort, and functional use for the participant.
- ⚠️ Assessment and Training: Services to assess, prescribe, deliver, and train the participant in safe use of equipment.
- ⚠️ Maintenance, Repairs, and Consumables: Specific to approved mobility devices to ensure ongoing safe use.
NDIS Operational Guideline:
NDIS Assistive Technology Explained
What is Not Funded by the NDIS?
The NDIS does not fund:
| Not Funded Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| ❌ Personal mobility devices not related to disability (e.g., e-scooters, electric bikes, skateboards) | Considered recreational or general transport not linked to functional impairment. |
| ❌ Equipment issued as part of clinical care unrelated to disability (e.g., knee brace after sports injury) | Not related to the participant’s permanent disability. |
| ❌ Modifications or equipment for general school accessibility (e.g., school ramps, lifts) | These fall under the responsibility of educational settings as reasonable adjustments. |
Additional Reference:
Supports Not Funded by NDIS
Practical Considerations
- All mobility equipment requests typically require input from an Allied Health professional, such as, an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist with an Assistive Technology assessment.
- Repairs and replacements must align with the original approval and be disability-related.
- Trial or rental equipment may be considered to ensure suitability before full funding.
Additional Resources
If you are supporting an NDIS participant with queries about Personal Mobility Equipment, ensure you:
- Check the participant’s current NDIS plan for inclusion of Assistive Technology funding.
- Obtain supporting assessments where required.
- Use NDIS-approved providers for assessments and equipment supply.
For specific case advice, please contact your My NDIS Contact or refer to the NDIS Operational Guidelines.