There are over 16 million disabled people in the UK and many rely on disability aids such as mobility scooters, stairlifts and hearing aids to navigate their daily lives. When these products work well they allow people to live more autonomously. They provide disabled people with dignity and control over everyday activities, and enable social inclusion. However, our data shows that all too often, the disability aids market is failing consumers. In 2023, we received 1 complaint every hour about a disability aid purchase. Our analysis of these cases has found that consumers are often experiencing multiple, inter-connected problems across the whole consumer journey. And these issues are having wide-reaching consequences on consumers’ financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.
In our latest report we’re calling for a review of the market – action is needed to protect vulnerable consumers and ensure a healthy marketplace.