diff --git a/phue.py b/phue.py
index a1a9f2e..27cc35a 100755
--- a/phue.py
+++ b/phue.py
@@ -890,7 +890,18 @@ def set_light(self, light_id, parameter, value=None, transitiontime=None):
 
         logger.debug(result)
         return result
-
+        
+    def scan_lights(self):
+        if self.request('GET', '/api/' + self.username + '/lights/new')['lastscan'] != 'active':
+            logger.info("Scanning for new lights")
+            # empty POST request initialises scan
+            self.request('POST', '/api/' + self.username + '/lights', "")
+        else:
+            logger.info("Scan for new light requested, but there is an ongoing scan")
+    
+    def scan_lights_active(self):
+        return self.request('GET', '/api/' + self.username + '/lights/new')['lastscan'] == 'active'
+        
     # Sensors #####
 
     @property
@@ -1028,6 +1039,17 @@ def delete_sensor(self, sensor_id):
             return self.request('DELETE', '/api/' + self.username + '/sensors/' + str(sensor_id))
         except:
             logger.debug("Unable to delete nonexistent sensor with ID {0}".format(sensor_id))
+    
+    def scan_sensors(self):
+        if self.request('GET', '/api/' + self.username + '/sensors/new')['lastscan'] != 'active':
+            logger.info("Scanning for new sensors")
+            # empty POST request initialises scan
+            self.request('POST', '/api/' + self.username + '/sensors', "")
+        else:
+            logger.info("Scan for new sensor requested, but there is an ongoing scan")
+    
+    def scan_sensors_active(self):
+        return self.request('GET', '/api/' + self.username + '/sensors/new')['lastscan'] == 'active'
 
     # Groups of lights #####
     @property