How to Claim VAT Relief When Buying a Wheelchair

If you or a loved one is planning to buy a wheelchair, you could be eligible to purchase one without paying VAT, saving 20% on what can often be a significant investment. Many people miss out on this valuable saving simply because they are unaware of the eligibility criteria or how straightforward the process is. Understanding how VAT relief works can help make essential mobility equipment more affordable.

Whether you are buying your first wheelchair or replacing an existing one, this wheelchair buying guide explains everything you need to know, from who qualifies and which products are eligible to the simple steps involved in claiming VAT relief on wheelchairs.

What is VAT Relief and Why Does It Matter?

VAT (Value Added Tax) is a 20% tax applied to most goods and services sold in the UK. When you buy an electric wheelchair or other mobility equipment, that tax is normally included in the price you pay.

However, the UK government allows people who are chronically sick or disabled to purchase certain goods at zero VAT. This is not a discount or a voucher scheme. It is a legal tax relief that removes the 20% charge entirely at the point of sale. For a wheelchair priced at £500, that means paying £500 rather than £600. For higher-value powered chairs, the savings can be considerably larger.

Do Wheelchairs Qualify for VAT Relief?

Wheelchairs are among the mobility products recognised by HMRC as eligible for wheelchair VAT exemption. This includes manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, folding wheelchairs, and specialist or custom-adapted models.

The key requirement is that the wheelchair must be specifically designed or adapted for use by a disabled person and purchased for personal or domestic use rather than for business purposes.

Who is Eligible for Wheelchair VAT Exemption?

To qualify, you need to be classed as chronically sick or disabled under HMRC guidelines. 

You are likely to qualify if you have:

• A physical or mental impairment with a long-term, substantial effect on your ability to carry out everyday activities
• A chronic condition treated by the medical profession, such as diabetes, COPD, or severe asthma
• Conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, or heart failure
• Experienced a stroke or have permanent limb loss
• A terminal illness

You do not need to be registered as disabled or receive disability benefits to qualify. Eligibility is based on your medical condition rather than benefit status. 

You do not qualify if:

• You have a temporary injury, such as a broken leg
• You are elderly but otherwise in good health with no underlying long-term condition

It is also worth knowing that a carer, family member, or partner can purchase on your behalf. The relief applies to the person the wheelchair is intended for, not necessarily the person completing the transaction.

How to Claim VAT Relief When Buying a Wheelchair from Etech Mobility

Claiming VAT relief on wheelchairs is straightforward, and you will not need a doctor's letter or formal documentation in most cases. Here is how it works when ordering from Etech Mobility.

Step 1: Choose your wheelchair

Browse the Etech Mobility range and select the wheelchair that best suits your needs. The prices displayed on the website are exclusive of VAT for customers who qualify for VAT relief. 

Step 2: Complete the VAT declaration at checkout

During checkout, you will be asked to complete a VAT declaration form.

Simply:

• Select the option to purchase without VAT.
• Confirm whether the wheelchair is for yourself or someone else.
• Choose your qualifying medical condition from the list.
• If your condition is not listed, select "Other" and enter the details.

The declaration replaces the need for complicated paperwork in most cases.

Step 3: Pay the VAT-free price

Once you've completed the VAT declaration, you can proceed with your order using the VAT-exclusive price displayed on the website. If you'd prefer to order by phone, the Etech Mobility team can complete the VAT declaration with you during the call. 

Ready to Find the Right Wheelchair?

VAT relief on wheelchairs is one of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of essential mobility equipment. If you have a long-term illness or disability, there is a good chance you qualify, and claiming the relief takes just a few moments during checkout.

Browse the full range of wheelchairs at Etech Mobility, with VAT relief already applied where eligible. If you are unsure whether you qualify or need help choosing the right wheelchair, our team is here to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I claim VAT relief when buying a wheelchair?

During checkout, simply complete the VAT declaration with your details and qualifying condition. This confirms your eligibility for the VAT-exclusive price displayed on the Etech Mobility website. 

What types of wheelchairs qualify for VAT relief?

Most wheelchairs that are specifically designed or adapted for use by a disabled person qualify for VAT relief. This includes manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, folding models, and specialist or custom-configured chairs. To be eligible, the wheelchair must be purchased for personal or domestic use rather than for commercial or institutional purposes.

Do I get VAT relief automatically when buying a wheelchair?

You need to complete a short self-declaration at checkout confirming that you or the person you are purchasing for qualifies for VAT relief. Once submitted, the declaration confirms your eligibility for the VAT-free price already displayed on the Etech Mobility website. relief is not applied automatically. 

Do I need to be registered disabled to qualify?

No. You do not need to be officially registered as disabled, and you do not need to be receiving disability benefits such as PIP or DLA. Eligibility is based on your medical condition. If you have a long-term illness or impairment that substantially affects your daily activities, you are likely to qualify.

Can someone buy a wheelchair on my behalf and still claim VAT relief?

Yes. A carer, family member, spouse, or partner can purchase a wheelchair on your behalf and claim VAT relief, as long as the wheelchair is intended for the use of someone who qualifies. The declaration should reference the condition of the person the wheelchair is for, not the person making the purchase.