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Checklist to help you get out and about if you have reduced mobility  

Our trusted assessor qualified team are here to help in your choice of product. Make sure you get the one that best suits you and your needs. 

Planning Ahead 

  • Research your destination — check accessibility information before you go; many venues publish this on their websites 
  • Contact ahead — call venues, restaurants, or attractions in advance to confirm accessibility features 
  • Allow extra time — rushing increases the risk of falls and accidents 
  • Check the weather — wet, icy, or windy conditions significantly affect safety and comfort outdoors 
  • Charge devices — ensure your phone and any powered mobility aids are fully charged before leaving 
  • Carry emergency contacts — have key numbers easily accessible in case of difficulty 
  • Plan a rest strategy — identify where you can sit and rest along the way 

Transport 

Car 

  • Blue Badge — ensures access to wider, closer parking bays; always carry it when travelling 
  • Vehicle adaptations — hand controls, swivel seats, and grab handles (covered in detail in one of our separate handouts) 
  • Passenger considerations — if being driven, communicate your transfer needs clearly to the driver 

Public Transport 

  • Train — contact the train operator in advance to arrange assisted boarding; most stations offer this service 
  • Bus — low-floor buses with ramps are widely available; priority seating should be available 
  • Tube/Metro — many underground systems have limited step-free access; check accessibility maps before travelling 
  • Taxi & private hire — wheelchair-accessible taxis are available as well as a local support charity like VASA; book in advance where possible 

Mobility Scooters & Powered Wheelchairs 

  • Range — check battery range is sufficient for the planned journey 
  • Pavement suitability — consider surface quality and gradient on your planned route 
  • Transport on public transport — check size and weight restrictions if taking a scooter on a bus or train 
  • Insurance — mobility scooters used on public roads require third-party insurance 
  • Storage at destination — consider where you will park or store the scooter on arrival 

Walking Aids Outdoors 

  • Walking stick — provides balance support on uneven ground; ensure the ferrule (rubber tip) is in good condition 
  • Crutches — suitable for partial weight-bearing; check fit and technique with a physiotherapist 
  • Walking frame/Zimmer — stable but less suited to outdoor uneven terrain 
  • Rollator (wheeled walker) — better for outdoors than a standard frame; most have a seat and basket and there are now many varied options for different needs 
  • Trekking/walking poles — useful for those who are more active; provide bilateral support on uneven terrain 
  • Correct sizing — all walking aids should be properly sized to avoid poor posture and strain 

Pavements & Outdoor Surfaces 

  • Dropped kerbs — essential for wheelchair and scooter users; plan routes using dropped kerb locations 
  • Pavement quality — cracked, uneven, or cobbled pavements are significant hazards; consider alternative routes 
  • Gradient & camber — steep slopes and pavements that slope toward the road are tiring and destabilising 
  • Wet leaves and mud — seasonal hazards that increase slip risk significantly 
  • Gravel and loose surfaces — difficult for walking aids and wheelchair wheels 
  • Temporary obstructions — watch out for roadworks, A-boards, and parked vehicles blocking pavements are common issues 

Footwear 

  • Non-slip soles — essential for outdoor safety, particularly in wet conditions 
  • Supportive fit — well-fitting shoes reduce fatigue and improve stability 
  • Avoid flip flops and backless shoes — significantly increase trip and fall risk 
  • Fastenings — velcro or elastic laces are easier to manage than traditional laces for those with limited dexterity 
  • Appropriate for weather — waterproof shoes or boots in wet conditions; warm, insulated footwear in cold weather 

Accessibility at Destinations 

Buildings & Venues 

  • Step-free entrance — check for ramps or level access; avoid venues with only steps 
  • Accessible toilets — locate on arrival; use RADAR key for locked accessible toilets  
  • Lifts — check lift availability and that it is large enough for a wheelchair or scooter 
  • Seating availability — ensure there are places to rest throughout the venue 
  • Hearing loops and visual aids — check availability if relevant 

Shops & Retail 

  • Wide aisles — important for wheelchair and rollator users 
  • Accessible changing rooms — larger cubicles with seating and grab rails 
  • Checkout height — some retailers offer lower checkout counters 
  • Online shopping — a practical alternative to reduce the need for shopping trips 

Restaurants & Cafés 

  • Table height — accessible for wheelchair users 
  • Space between tables — enough room to navigate with a wheelchair or walking aid 
  • Staff awareness — good venues will accommodate seating preferences and assist where needed 
  • Pre-booking — allows you to request an accessible table in advance 

Outdoor Spaces & Parks 

  • Accessible paths — tarmac or firm surfaces rather than grass or gravel 
  • Benches and rest points — frequency of seating along routes matters significantly 
  • Accessible toilets — check availability before visiting parks or countryside locations 
  • Terrain — consider gradient and surface before choosing a walking route 
  • All-terrain scooters — often available at country parks and National Trust sites for those with mobility difficulties 

Personal Safety Outdoors 

  • Personal alarm — a wearable alarm to call for help if you get into difficulty 
  • Mobile phone — always carry one and ensure it is charged 
  • Tell someone your plans — let a friend or family member know where you are going and when to expect you back 
  • Avoid going out alone in high-risk conditions — snow, rain, or extremes of heat 
  • Know your limits — be realistic about distance and terrain; build up gradually 
  • What to do if you fall — have a plan; know how to attract attention and how to get up safely if able 

Fatigue Management 

  • Pace yourself — take regular rest breaks before fatigue sets in rather than waiting until you are exhausted 
  • Plan shorter outings initially — build up duration and distance gradually 
  • Use a rollator with a seat — allows spontaneous rest wherever needed 
  • Carry water and snacks — maintain energy levels, particularly on longer outings 
  • Avoid peak times — busy environments are more tiring and more difficult to navigate 
  • Listen to your body — do not push through significant pain or exhaustion 

Carrying & Bags 

  • Rucksack or backpack — keeps hands free for walking aids 
  • Bag on rollator basket — avoids carrying weight in hands or on shoulders 
  • Crossbody bags — more secure than shoulder bags and keep hands free 
  • Avoid heavy bags — carrying excess weight affects balance and increases fatigue 
  • Wheelchair bag or pouch — attaches directly to the wheelchair for easy access 

Financial Considerations 

  • Blue Badge scheme — free to apply for; provides significant parking benefits 
  • Disabled Persons Railcard — discount off rail fares for the holder & companion 
  • Bus pass — free off-peak bus travel in England for those over 60 or disabilities 
  • Motability Scheme — lease car, scooter, wheelchair with disability benefit payments 
  • Access Card — documents accessibility needs for venues and events 
  • Leisure discounts — many attractions offer free or reduced entry for disabled visitors and a companion 

Emotional & Psychological Considerations 

  • Fear of falling outdoors — very common; gradual exposure and confidence-building helps 
  • Loss of independence — accepting aids and adaptations can be emotionally difficult; peer support groups can help 
  • Social isolation — reduced mobility can lead to going out less; proactively maintaining social connections is important 
  • Asking for help — knowing when and how to ask for assistance is a key skill 
  • Celebrating small achievements — building confidence through gradual progress is important for long-term wellbeing 

Professional Support 

  • Occupational therapist (OT) — can assess outdoor mobility needs and recommend appropriate aids and strategies 
  • Physiotherapist — can improve strength, balance, and walking technique to support safer outdoor mobility 
  • Wheelchair services (NHS) — assess and provide wheelchairs for those who need them 
  • Local disability organisations — many offer practical advice, peer support, and group outings 
  • Driving Mobility centres — assess fitness to drive and suitable vehicle adaptations 

We work closely with a range of vehicle adaption specialists and have a wide range to ensure the best possible support and choice of stylish products 

This checklist covers the key points, but an assessment from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or one of our trusted assessors is always the best first step — we offer free no obligation assessments.