Leicester Shopmobility operates from two locations in the heart of the city:
- Highcross Shopping Centre, Level 2 Car Park, High Street, Leicester, LE1 4FP
- Haymarket Shopping Centre, Haymarket Bus Station, 15 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 3FF
This service is free of charge to anyone using the scheme whether you are a member or not. Leicester Shopmobility is core funded and managed by the Leicester City Council who supplies a budget sufficient to cover running/maintenance cost and funding for a full-time co-ordinator. All new equipment relies directly on donations, sponsorships and ‘goods in kind’ from customers and local companies. All donations to the service are greatly appreciated.
Membership is free. To join the scheme you will need to produce:
- A minimum of two proofs of identity which contain your name (at least one must contain your current permanent address), e.g. Passport, Driving Licence, Euro Bus Pass, Identity card, Utilities bill, Hospital appointment letter, Blue badge.
- Two passport sized photographs. (For a cost of £2.50 you can use our instant photo service which is available at the Highcross Office only.)
You can use the scheme immediately after joining.
Membership is not always necessary when borrowing manual wheelchairs.
At special request permission can be obtained to attend hospital appointments at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
It is advisable to pre-book equipment to ensure availability and swifter service. You can book either by telephone, email or in person. Equipment will not be available for loan after 2.30pm unless special permission is granted.
Opening Hours
Highcross Office
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4pm
Saturday 9.30am – 3.30pm
Sunday 11.00am – 3.30pm (December Only)
Haymarket Office
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4pm
Saturday 9.30am – 3.30pm
All equipment must be returned a minimum of 10 minutes before the closing.
Both offices have a comprehensive range of equipment to suit most needs these include 3 or 4 wheeled scooters, powerchairs, manual wheelchairs and powerpack wheelchairs. Our volunteers have a great deal of experience and can assist you in the appropriate choice of equipment best suited to your needs.
All new customers are given detailed instructions on how to operate any electrical equipment and are given extra practice time if necessary to familiarise themselves with the vehicle and its controls. The staff will ensure that you are confident, competent, in full control and happy to take the equipment into the shopping areas. Most of our volunteers have mobility problems themselves and are very understanding and patient.
Leicester City Centre can be very busy at times; therefore your safety and the safety of other pedestrians must be taken into account at all times. You should be aware that pedestrians may occasionally walk out in front of you without looking or may stop suddenly (especially children). It is essential that in heavily populated areas of the city centre, speed should be kept to a minimum and never driven faster then a walking pace. Shopmobility is covered by public liability insurance, however; the user is responsible for manoevering the equipment safely.
Accidents understandably do happened; however, if you are involved in an accident of any description irrespective of any damage or injury, it must be reported to Shopmobility on return of the loaned equipment. Failure to do so could affect your membership
Shopmobility strives to offer a very helpful, friendly and reassuring service to all customers requiring mobility equipment around the city centre. With our help we aim to make your visit to Leicester both successful and pleasurable.
Remember we are here to help.
