Earlier this year SIA assisted Consumer Focus in their research into the Mobility Aid and Wheelchair market. Following the publication of their report the Office for Fair Trading (OFT) has begun and investigation into this important market for SCI people.

The sector has attracted a large number of calls to Consumer Direct - the OFT-managed telephone and online service - by purchasers, and key interested parties have raised concerns that the sector is not working well for consumers.

The OFT proposes to conduct a market study into mobility aids to consider whether the market(s) in the sector are working well and, if not, whether there is potential for improving how they function.

Before commencing the market study the OFT wishes to consult interested parties on the proposed scope here.

You can read Consumer Direct's report here.