A Guide to VAT Relief on Mobility Aids: How to Save 20% in the UK (2026)

When you are looking at a high-end powerchair like the Drive DeVilbiss AirFold, the price tag can be a bit of a shock. However, many UK buyers don’t realize that the price they see on the screen often includes 20% VAT that they might not actually have to pay.

In the UK, if you are “chronically sick or disabled,” you are eligible for VAT Relief on products designed specifically for disability. This isn’t a “refund” you have to chase months later; it’s a legal way to buy the chair at the “Zero-Rated” price.

Here is the “real-world” breakdown of how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply it to the chairs on our list.

1. Who is Actually Eligible?

You don’t need to be “registered disabled” or receiving PIP (Personal Independence Payment) to qualify. According to HMRC, you are eligible if:

• You have a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term and substantial effect on your ability to carry out everyday activities.
• You have a condition that the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness (e.g., Arthritis, Diabetes, MS, or Heart Disease).
• You are terminally ill.

What doesn’t count: Temporary injuries (like a broken leg that will heal) or general frailty due to old age do not qualify on their own.

2. How the Saving Looks in Practice

A 20% saving is significant when purchasing mobility equipment. For example:

• If a chair like the MAS Mobility Auto-Fold is listed at £1,200 (Inc. VAT), the VAT-free price would be £1,000.
• That’s £200 back in your pocket—enough to cover a high-end spare battery or a premium weather cover.

3. Real-World User Feedback on the Process

Many users feel nervous about “declaring” a disability online. However, feedback from buyers of the Lightweight Intelligent Powerchair suggests the process is much simpler than people fear.

One reviewer shared: “I was worried I’d need a doctor’s note, but it’s just a self-declaration. You just state your condition (mine was Osteoarthritis) and your address. It took two minutes and saved me over £150.” Another user noted that when buying through Amazon, you usually pay the full price upfront and then contact the seller directly with a VAT Relief form to get the 20% refunded to your card. It’s a “tried and tested” method that the major mobility sellers on Amazon handle every single day.

4. Which Products on Our List Qualify?

Almost every item we recommend is “designed solely for use by a disabled person,” which is the key criteria for HMRC.

• The KWK D09 Heavy Duty: Definitely qualifies as a specialist mobility aid.
• The Voyager 185 Bariatric: Qualifies as a reinforced medical appliance.
• The Soft-Start Auto-Fold: Qualifies as a mobility aid.

Note on Accessories: You can also get VAT relief on “spare parts and accessories” (like a replacement battery or joystick) if they are bought specifically for a qualifying chair you already own.

5. Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your 20% Back

If you are buying through the links on this site:

1. Check the Seller: On the Amazon page, look for the “Sold by” name.
2. Purchase as Normal: Complete your checkout at the shown price.
3. Message the Seller: Go to your “Orders,” click “Contact Seller,” and ask for their VAT Relief Declaration Form.
4. Fill & Return: State your name, address, and your chronic condition (e.g., “COPD” or “Limited Mobility due to Stroke”).
5. Receive Refund: The seller will then process a partial refund of 20% back to your original payment method.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let the “sticker price” put you off. If you live with a long-term condition, the UK government acknowledges that you have extra costs, and VAT relief is there to level the playing field. As one reviewer of the Adjustable Aerospace Chair put it: “Once you factor in the VAT relief, these high-spec chairs are much more affordable than the basic ones you see in local high street shops.”

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