'The Met Police confiscated my wheelchair for 19 days'

Israel Vidal's wheelchair was confiscated by the Metropolitan Police for 19 days after he used an electric attachment deemed illegal. This incident left him feeling marginalized and without independence, as he struggled to perform basic tasks. Despite the hospital staff and his sister explaining that the attachment could be removed, the police refused to return his wheelchair until public pressure and the involvement of MPs prompted action. Electric attachments are classified as motor vehicles and require insurance and registration, a classification campaigners argue is outdated. Advocates are pushing for legislative changes to ensure that personal mobility devices are not confiscated without just cause.

The incident raised significant concerns about the treatment of individuals with disabilities by law enforcement. Vidal seeks clearer guidelines to prevent similar situations in the future, emphasizing that personal equipment should be protected. He also expressed a desire for an apology from the police.