Kent Shopmobility

Overview

ShopMobility UK is a nationwide network of centres which hire out mobility equipment to the public. Equipment is mainly manual wheelchairs, powerchairs and mobility scooters so people with restricted mobility can enjoy independence. Hire services are low cost or sometimes free to all ages of people looking to access shops and leisure facilities. 

ShopMobility centres loan appropriate mobility equipment to people with temporary injury, illness or restricted mobility. Hire costs should be checked in advance.

When you arrive at a ShopMobility centre for the first time, a member of staff will record your details and then familiarise you with the equipment you wish to use. Once you are satisfied with the instruction and feel confident, you are free to shop or explore at your leisure.

Not all centres will loan equipment outside of their local shopping precinct or mall – please check with each individual service. It is recommended that you book in advance to ensure equipment will be available.

Centres

Official members of ShopMobility UK

Ashford

Address: Management Suite Second Floor, County Square, Ashford, Kent. TN23 1Y
Contact: 01233634001

Cantebury

Address: Canterbury ShopMobility, Level 2, White Friars Multi Storey Carpark, 14 Gravel Walk, Canterbury, Kent. CT1 2TF

Contact: 01227 459889
Open: Monday – Saturday, 10.00am to 16.00pm. Closed Sundays.

Folkestone

Address: Folkstone ShopMobility, Shop 21, 2nd Floor, Bouverie Place Shopping Centre, Alexandra Gardens, Folkstone. CT20 1AU

Contact: 01303 226500 or email wchairuser@aol.com
Open: Monday – Saturday, 10.00am to 15.00pm.

Further ShopMobility centres. (Not affiliated to ShopMobility UK.) 

Bromley

Address: The Glades Bromley, High Street, Bromley. BR1 1DN
Contact: 0208 313 9292
Open: Monday – Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 09:00am 19:00pm.
Thursday, 09:00am – 21:00pm.
Sunday, 11:00am – 17:00pm.

ShopMobility Bromley ensures six wheelchairs and six scooters are available to the general public each day. Pre-book in advance by calling the centre on 0208 290 5938 or 0208 466 8899.

There is a £5 daily charge, payable by card. Two forms of identification are required (photo ID and proof of address).

ShopMobility Chatham

ShopMobility Chatham website

Address: The Brook Multi Storey Car Park, Solomans Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4HP.
Contact: 01634 830555

ShopMobility Chatham provides free use of manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and powered scooters.

To register for the service, you need to provide evidence of your address; for example, a bill. The centre will also take your car registration details. Once registered, you can simply phone or turn up and collect. Equipment hire is free of charge.

ShopMobility Tunbridge Wells

Address: ShopMobility, 125a Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN1 2SR
Contact: 01892 544355
Open: Monday – Saturday, 9.00am – 1.00pm and 1.30pm – 5.00pm.

Bluewater ShopMobility

Address: Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent. DA9 9ST
Contact: 01322 475 475

Ability Plus provides the hire of mobility scooters, powerchairs and manual wheelchairs for guests with disabilities and long-term health conditions. The store also has for sale scooters, wheelchairs, powerchairs, stairlifts and an extensive number of daily living aids. 

Booking is essential; it is recommended to book at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. Equipment hire is organised in 4 hourly slots. Customers are able to book multiple daily sessions if needed. Prices range from £3.50 to £9.00 for a four-hour slot.

Formal identification is not required unless booking an out-of-centre hire, which would require a driving licence. Call 01322 476 550 to make a booking.

Open:
Monday – Wednesday, 10.00am – 17.30pm.
Thursday, Friday, 10.00am – 20.00pm.
Saturday, 9.00am – 17.30pm.
Sunday, 11.00am – 17.00pm.

Thamesgate Shopping Centre

Address: New Road, Gravesend, Kent. DA11 0AU
Contact: 01474 350 553

For membership, you will need to complete an application form and have two forms of identity.  Once registered you will receive a membership card. Call 01474 3376 00 to arrange.

This service is free to join and use.

Open:  
Monday to Saturday: 8:00am – 6:30pm
Sunday: 9:00am – 4:30pm

Costs

Hire costs vary at each local ShopMobility centre; however, typically they are very low or sometimes free.

The option to simply leave a discretionary donation is also a choice at some centres.

Most centres are flexible with the length of time you need to hire a product for – each team member will help you as much as they can. For details on pricing and services offered, it is always best to speak to your local centre.