Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund and Motorised Wheelchair Lifespan and Replacement

Dr Tan Wu Meng

MP for Jurong GRC

Question No. 26

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what is the estimated operational lifespan of a motorised wheelchair or scooter that is issued to a senior under the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF); (b) what proportion of such SMF recipients have since requested a further replacement of their motorised mobility device; and (c) for such requests, what is the median duration after the first device was issued, before the further request arose.

Written Answer

The Seniors’ Mobility & Enabling Fund (SMF) supports seniors to age in place by providing eligible Singaporeans aged 60 years and above with means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of home healthcare items and assistive devices, including motorised wheelchairs/scooters (MWs).

SMF-subsidised MWs can typically be used for around up to 5 years or more with proper maintenance.

We recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where seniors may need a replacement device but have no financial means. In such cases, AIC will approve a replacement on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the senior’s circumstances.