Purchasing a mobility scooter can be a significant investment for people with limited mobility. Fortunately, in Victoria, the State-Wide Equipment Program (SWEP) can help cover the cost through government-funded financial support. If you’re a Victorian resident needing mobility assistance, understanding the SWEP process is crucial.
In this guide, we explain how to get your mobility scooter SWEP approved, what documents you’ll need, and how NDIS and SWEP can work together.
What Is SWEP and Who Can Apply?
The State-Wide Equipment Program (SWEP) is a Victorian government initiative that provides financial support for essential assistive equipment, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and daily living aids.
SWEP is designed to assist:
- Seniors and adults with a permanent disability
- Individuals not fully funded through the NDIS
- Eligible clients on Commonwealth Home Support or Home Care Packages
- Children and adults who require specialised mobility support
You can apply whether you need to purchase or hire a mobility scooter, provided you have an appropriate health assessment.
Learn more about available mobility scooters suited to SWEP funding.
Eligibility Criteria and Assessment Process
To access funding through SWEP, you must:
- Live in Victoria
- Have a permanent or long-term disability that limits your mobility
- Require a scooter for safe daily activities, such as shopping, appointments, or social visits
- Be assessed by a prescribing health professional (usually an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist) who is registered with SWEP
The process starts with an OT assessment, which provides clinical justification for the equipment. SWEP funding is needs-based, and clinical evidence must show that:
- The scooter improves your functional mobility
- The chosen model is appropriate for your weight, terrain, and daily tasks
- No alternative, lower-cost equipment can meet your needs
Required Documents and OT Role
To submit your application for SWEP scooter funding, you or your OT must prepare the following:
1. SWEP Application Form
Completed and signed by your prescribing OT and the SWEP-registered provider.
2. Clinical Justification Report
Details your medical condition, mobility challenges, safety considerations, and why a scooter is essential.
3. Quote from a SWEP-Approved Supplier
The quote must include model details, specifications, accessories (if any), and pricing.
Submit your request for a quote through our product enquiry page.
4. Equipment Trial Report (if applicable)
Outlines how the client managed a trial of the scooter and confirms the model’s suitability for daily use.
The OT plays a key role in guiding you through the entire process—from assessment and equipment trial to submission and post-approval support.
Choosing a SWEP-Approved Provider
Not all mobility retailers are SWEP-compliant. You must get your quote from a SWEP-registered equipment provider to qualify for funding.
At Care With Us, we are approved to:
- Provide clinical quotes for scooters under SWEP
- Support trials and OT assessments
- Deliver and set up the scooter across Victoria
- Offer NDIS and private payment support as needed
Our team can assist you in selecting SWEP-compatible models like the Automatic Folding Mobility Scooter or other compact and travel-friendly options.
NDIS and SWEP – How They Work Together
If you are a current NDIS participant, your first funding avenue for assistive mobility equipment is through your NDIS plan.
However, if:
- You are awaiting NDIS approval
- You have exhausted NDIS funding in relevant categories
- You are not eligible for NDIS
Then SWEP may step in to assist. Additionally, some individuals use SWEP to fund temporary or replacement scooters during longer-term plan reviews.
In some cases, SWEP and NDIS can work in combination—with one covering the scooter and the other supporting accessories, modifications, or trials.
Speak with our team to clarify funding pathways or book an OT consult to get started. Contact us here.
Conclusion
SWEP is a vital support system for Victorians who need help funding a mobility scooter. The key to approval is:
- A comprehensive OT assessment
- A clear clinical justification
- A quote from a SWEP-approved provider
With the right documentation and assistance, many applicants secure full or partial funding for scooters that improve safety, freedom, and daily living.
- Submit your product enquiry for a SWEP quote
- Browse SWEP-compatible mobility scooters
- Talk to our team for help with OT support and documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What types of mobility scooters are eligible for SWEP funding?
Most standard and folding scooters are eligible if recommended by an OT and justified based on the client’s functional needs. - Do I need to pay anything under SWEP?
SWEP may provide full or partial funding. You may have to make a co-contribution depending on your financial situation and equipment type. - How long does the SWEP application process take?
Processing times vary but generally range from 4 to 8 weeks depending on document completion and assessment turnaround. - Can I apply for SWEP funding more than once?
Yes. You can reapply if your needs change, your equipment is no longer functional, or if you move to a new residence requiring different support. - Do I need a trial before SWEP approval?
In most cases, yes. A trial helps confirm the suitability of the scooter. Care With Us offers OT-guided scooter trials across Victoria.
