• Battery Powered Mobility Aids are more commonly known as mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs. If you are unsure whether your mobility aid is covered, please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer on 01329 824435 or emailing housing@fareham.gov.uk. 
• For simplicity, the term 'mobility aid' will be used in this document.

• The policy states that no permission will be given for electric scooters that are not specifically designed for mobility. This includes two wheeled electric scooters.

• Yes, all tenants need to ask for permission to own and store a mobility aid. This is to make sure there is enough room to charge and store it safely.
• It's really important that fire escapes are not blocked, and mobility aids can be charged safely. Therefore, we have to check that this is the case before giving permission.

• You can ask for permission in the following ways:
  • Speak to your Later Living Officer
  • Speak to your Neighbourhood Housing Officer 01329 824435 or email housing@fareham.gov.uk.
  • Contacting the Council on 01329 236100 or visiting the Council offices at:

    Fareham Borough Council
    Civic Offices
    Civic Way
    Fareham
    PO16 7AZ

• Permission will be given in writing and no mobility aids should be purchased, stored or charged before this.

• We may have to refuse permission based on whether there somewhere safe to store your scooter.
• We might refuse permission if you are moving to another property, however we would ask you to seek permission for that property instead.
• Permission wouldn't be granted where a means of escape would be affected.
• If you are unable to safely charge your mobility aid, we wouldn't be able to grant permission.

• You should store your mobility aid somewhere it will not block corridors, lobbies, stairwells or communal spaces.
• If you are storing it within your home, it should not block any escape routes.
• We will advise you as part of the permissions process of the best place to store it.

• You should always charge your mobility scooter with the specified charging equipment stated within the handbook.
• It is highly recommended that mobility aids are charged during the day to reduce risk to sleeping occupants.
• It must be charged in a location away from possible sources of ignition.

• Mobility aids are not covered by the Council's insurance.
• We require the owner to have valid insurance that includes public and third party liability.
• The Council does not accept liability for any losses or damage to a mobility aid, regardless of whether it is on Council land and property or not.

• You should always use the batteries, chargers and equipment stipulated within the manufacturer's handbook. Fraudulent and unsafe batteries, often much cheaper than the recommended ones, are becoming commonplace and increase the risk of fire.

• Batteries can catch fire if put into a refuse bin and so it is important to get rid of these safely.
• Batteries can be disposed of at local household waste recycling centres, or if you are buying a new electric product the retailer must accept the old one for free.

How to Make a Complaint

• Fareham Borough Council's Complaints policy can be found on our website . Complaints may be made online, by email, or in writing: https://www.fareham.gov.uk/about_the_council/complaints/intro.aspx.
• Complaints can be made through any of the following ways:
  • Emailing - complaints@fareham.gov.uk
  • Using the online form - https://www.fareham.gov.uk/onlineforms/displayform.aspx?formid=com plaints.