Useful Information

Using a mobility scooter or powerchair on the road

You do not need a licence to drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you may have to register it. Only certain types can be driven on the road.

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs come in 3 categories:

• Class 2: these cannot be used on the road (except where there is not a pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph, maximum unladen weight 113.4kg
• Class 3: these can be used on the road and have a maximum speed of 4mph on pavements and 8mph on the road, max unladen weight 150kg (or 200kg including essential equipment), cannot be used on cycle lanes, i.e. painted on the road and run alongside where usual road traffic (like cars) go. You must be 14 or over to drive a class 3 mobility scooter.
• "Not in a class": can ONLY be used on roads, NOT on pavements/other pedestrian areas, cycle tracks/lanes; it can go more than 8mph, is wider than 0.85 metres, weighs more than 150kg (or 200kg including essential equipment). If you cause an accident while driving a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair that’s not in a class, you can be given the same penalty as if you were driving a car. You can go to prison, get a driving ban or get an unlimited fine.

You do not need to register a Class 2 mobility scooter with the DVLA.

You must register class 3 mobility scooters.  If you buy your Class 3 mobility scooter or powerchair from us we will register it with the DVLA for you.

You must register a "not in a class" mobility scooter with DVLA, and you must have a driving licence and insurance.

You can read more on the UK Government's website here.  

Using a mobility scooter or powerchair on public transport

When you are purchasing equipment remember to check it fits the requirements of your transport provider.  Depending on whether it is bus, coach, train, plane or specialist provider.  They may want to know length, width, weight, turning circle and battery type and size.  If you are staying on your equipment when using the transport your equipment may need to be crash tested and have a headrest.

You can find out more information here:

Generic bus leaflet

First Bus

Stagecoach

Civil Aviation Authority

Scotrail

National Express (see section 7.2 - Carriage of wheelchair users and users of mobility scooters)

Rights of Disabled Passengers on Transport

How to request Passenger Assistance when travelling by train

Keeping a scooter or powerchair in your home

Wherever you live and whoever owns your home, your safety (and the safety of those that live with you or around you) should always be paramount.

You should keep your equipment well maintained and ensure it is safe to use.  One way you can do this is to get it serviced annually and have the charger PAT tested (some landlords require this).

Think about storage 

Depending on how you use your equipment (for outdoor use only or to get around in your home), some landlords require you to get their permission for keeping it inside and outside their property.  It is your responsibility to get the required permission before buying or signing up to a product on the Motability Scheme.  If you live in a home with a shared entrance, although you may own your home, storing equipment in the communal area may require permission.

Some landlords have specially designated areas for scooter storage and charging.  You may be expected to contribute towards electricity costs.

Although at the time of writing this it is not a legal requirement to have insurance for your equipment this may change.  Your landlord may require you to have Public Liability Insurance in place in case of damage to their property and that of others.

Fire safety

Some landlords will insist your scooter or powerchair isn't stored inside your home.  If you do store it in your home make sure it doesn't block an exit route e.g. a hall.  Where you might be able to manoeuver past it during the day and it doesn't feel too much of a hazard, trying to do it in the dark and in a smoke filled hall might be different! 

If you can, before you go to bed, move the equipment into an unoccupied room that you don't need to exit through, closing the door to act as a barrier.  Some landlords insist the door it is stored behind (be it a cupboard or room door) is a substantial or fire safety door.

The user manual will tell you the optimum time to charge your scooter for, if you are using the equipment throughout the day some people will put it on charge overnight as that is only when the equipment is not being used. If you can, charge it through the day when it is not being used.  This is safer than charging it through the night when you are asleep.  Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when charging your equipment.