Mobility aids showroom
Open a small local shop where people try, buy or hire mobility aids with proper advice.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
2,916 UK companies in this field, 25% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 47749 “Retail sale of medical and orthopaedic goods in specialised stores (not incl. hearing aids) n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small shop or unit with a range of mobility aids on show, from walkers and stairlift accessories to scooters and wheelchairs, with sales, hire and basic fitting advice.
Your first three steps
- Check footfall and competition in your area, and look for a unit with step-free access and parking
- Agree trade accounts and display stock terms with suppliers, and ask about product training
- Build links with local occupational therapists, GPs' surgeries, care homes and community groups before opening
Who pays
Older people and their families, people leaving hospital, care homes and carers who prefer to see and try equipment before buying.
How it makes money
Retail margins on sales, hire fees, and extras such as delivery, set-up and accessories. Care home or provider supply can bring repeat orders.
Skills that help
- Friendly, patient customer service
- Product knowledge, built up with supplier training
- Basic retail and stock management
Watch out for
- Some mobility products are regulated as medical devices, so check markings and supplier responsibilities with the MHRA
- Premises costs: rent, business rates, shop insurance and any lease terms
- Check you are advising within your knowledge and refer clinical questions to a professional
- VAT treatment of aids for disabled customers can be complex, check with HMRC or an accountant
- Stock tied up in larger items, so start with a tight range
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: mobility aids showroom
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a mobility aids shop?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Starting with a tight range can help. Treat these figures as estimates.
What do I need to check before opening a mobility aids showroom?
Check how medical device markings and supplier responsibilities apply (the MHRA can advise), premises costs and lease terms, VAT treatment of aids for disabled customers with HMRC, and that you refer clinical questions to a professional.
How much can a mobility aids showroom earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on your range, location and mix of sales and hire. A full-time shop is estimated at around 30 hours a week or more.
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