Insurance, warranty and maintenance for powered wheelchairs

Do you need insurance?

GOV.UK says insurance is not a legal requirement for class 2 or class 3 powered wheelchairs and scooters, but it is recommended. Vehicles that are not in a class must be insured if their total weight is more than 254 kg.

When comparing policies, think about cover for injury or damage to other people, theft, accidental damage, breakdown help and cover while travelling. Check whether your home contents insurance already includes mobility equipment and whether it covers the chair away from home.

Official source: GOV.UK: insurance rules (opens in a new tab)

Insurance when flying

The CAA says airlines are liable for damage to mobility equipment, but compensation is often limited to around £1,300. If your chair is worth more, consider extra cover before you travel.

Official source: CAA: protecting your equipment (opens in a new tab)

If you lease through Motability

Motability says its scooter and powered wheelchair package includes insurance, servicing, routine repairs and breakdown cover.

Official source: Motability Scheme (opens in a new tab)

XSTO warranty terms

XSTO's published warranty policy covers the base and seat frame for five years, electrical and mechanical components for one year, the battery for one year and the front and rear wheels for six months, for the original buyer only and excluding normal wear. A separate FAQ page on XSTO's store gives slightly different battery, motor and track periods, so ask for the terms that apply to your purchase.

Bentech Medical, which describes itself as XSTO's official UK distributor, says chairs it sells come with a five-year frame warranty and one year on electrical and mechanical parts and on the battery, and that it handles UK warranty registration and claims. Register your chair when it arrives and keep your receipt and serial number.

Official sources: XSTO warranty policy (opens in a new tab)UK distributor warranty (opens in a new tab)

Your consumer rights

A warranty adds to your legal rights; it does not replace them. Citizens Advice says you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund if goods are faulty, not fit for purpose or not as described, and that you have legal rights for up to six years (five in Scotland). It is usually easier to use those rights in the first six months.

Citizens Advice notes that you have no legal rights over damage caused by wear and tear, an accident or misuse, so follow the manual and keep records of servicing.

Official sources: Citizens Advice: faulty goods (opens in a new tab)Citizens Advice: warranties (opens in a new tab)

VAT-free repairs

If your chair was zero-rated for VAT when you bought it, HMRC says repairs and maintenance are VAT-free too, as are parts designed solely for it.

Official source: HMRC: VAT relief (opens in a new tab)

Everyday care

Follow the user manual for charging, cleaning and storage - it is written for your specific chair. XSTO lists its M-series and X12 chairs with an IPX4 water rating; ask the supplier what that means for use in the rain, and dry the chair before charging or storing it.

Battery capacity reduces naturally with age, which the UK distributor's warranty page acknowledges is not covered beyond the warranty period. Check tyres and wheels regularly, keep an eye on unusual noises or warning lights, and book a service at the interval the supplier recommends.

• Charge with the charger supplied, as the manual describes
• Store the chair and batteries somewhere dry
• Check tyres, brakes and lights before longer trips
• Keep your receipt, serial number and warranty registration safe
• Report faults to the seller promptly

Questions