Mobility Info - UK
Mobility Scooters and the Law
According to highway regulations there are three classes of invalid carriage.
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Class 1 vehicles comprise manual wheelchairs, whether they be attendant or self-propelled.
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Class 2 vehicles denote powered wheelchairs and scooters for use on the pavement and for crossing roads only. Their speed is limited to 4mph.
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Class 3 vehicles encompass those powered wheelchairs, scooters and buggies that can be used on the roads, with a maximum speed of 8mph. They can also be used on pavements, footpaths, bridleways and other pedestrian areas, providing their speed does not exceed 4mph.
Owners of Class 3 invalid carriages should be aware of the specific legislation governing their use. They are not allowed on motorways, cycle lanes or bus lanes and, while they are legally permitted on dual carriageways, for safety reasons the latter should be avoided if at all possible. If they are used on a dual carriageway, Class 3 vehicles must display a flashing amber light to warn other road users, who will often be travelling at speed.
Since Class 3 invalid carriages are not classified as motor vehicles, their operators do not need to have taken a test, nor do they need to be in possession of a driving licence. Furthermore, Class 3 vehicles do not have to pay road tax or display registration plates. Insurance is not mandatory.
However, Class 3 vehicles need to be registered for road use with the DVLA and be licensed in the ‘disabled’ taxation class. Although not subject to road tax, the vehicle must nevertheless display a nil duty tax disc. To register and license a Class 3 vehicle, complete form V55/4 (for new vehicles) or form V55/5 (for used vehicles) and send it to the local DVLA office. Documentation with the keeper’s name and address will need to be provided, along with evidence of the vehicle’s age, if applicable. No registration fee is required.
Legally, a Class 3 vehicle is only to be used by disabled persons of 14 years of age or older. Non-disabled people can operate them under the following circumstances:
1) For the purpose of demonstration before a sale;
2) In order to give instruction/training to the user;
3) When taking the vehicle to or from a place of repair or maintenance.
Vehicles must have a maximum unoccupied weight of 150kg and a maximum width of 0.85 metres. Their maximum speed should be 8mph and they must have a device to limit the speed to 4mph on pavements. They must have front and rear lights and reflectors as well as indicators that can double as a hazard warning signal. An audible horn and rear view mirror are also essential, plus an amber beacon if used on a dual carriageway. In practice, any Class 3 vehicle purchased should have these fitted as standard.
Incidentally, while Class 2 vehicles do not legally have to have lights, they are a good idea if the vehicle is to be used at night. Normal bicycle lights should be sufficient for this purpose.
Although insurance is not compulsory for Class 3 vehicles, it is strongly advised to take out at least public liability insurance. Some insurance policies will cover loss from fire, theft or damage; in some cases, Class 3 vehicles can be added to a home contents insurance policy.
If using a Class 3 vehicle for the first time or after a long while, it is best to undergo some training before you go out on the roads. For details of training in your area, contact your local Disabled Living Centre, Mobility Centre or local authority Road Safety Unit. Familiarise yourself with the latest Highway Code and learn what all the traffic signs mean if you don’t know them already.
There is no legal eyesight requirement but you should be capable of reading a number plate from 40 feet away. It is advisable to wear fluorescent clothing on the roads, and something reflective at night. Always use a lap belt if there is one provided, and do not operate a scooter under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs your ability to drive safely.
Remember that Class 3 scooters can be used on the pavement. If doing so, always show consideration to pedestrians – it will not always be safe to travel at 4mph, especially in busy areas. The scooter can be used to cross the road at pelican and zebra crossings (in 4mph mode). If you are driving your scooter on the road and you start to feel unsafe, do not hesitate to move onto the pavement until it is safe to return to the carriageway.
On the road, always travel in the direction of the traffic and obey all traffic signals. Use your indicators before you manoeuvre or change direction, and switch on your lights in the dark or in other periods of poor visibility. Watch out for drains, cyclists, parked cars and other hazards. When turning right, it might be safer to pull over to the left hand side and wait for a suitable gap in the traffic. If you still feel vulnerable, it is probably best to switch to the pavement and cross the road as a pedestrian would. Similarly, if negotiating a roundabout it is best to keep over to the left; otherwise, use the pavement or devise a route that avoids busy junctions altogether.
Normal parking restrictions should be observed. Parking concessions under the Orange Badge Scheme apply to all Class 3 vehicles displaying a current badge. Take care not to leave the vehicle as an obstruction on the pavement, for instance when you are visiting a shop.
Generally, make sure your vehicle is kept clean and that all parts are in good working order. This especially applies to the condition of the battery. The scooter should have a safety check at least once a year.
