Eligibility
Mobility scooters are defined as single-seat vehicles with a battery, which are available for individuals who struggle with walking.
UK Law dictates that, apart from a small number of specific exceptions, you can only drive a mobility scooter if you have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition. Otherwise, if you are involved in an accident, you may receive the same penalty as if you were driving a car – this could include a prison sentence, a driving ban or an unlimited fine.
Classifications
The class of mobility scooter determines whether you can drive on the road or on pavements and other pedestrian areas, and it determines if you need to insure or register your vehicle. Most mobility scooters are categorised as either ‘Class 2’ or ‘Class 3’ and a small number fall into a ‘No Class’ category. The seller or manufacturer can advise you on the class of your mobility scooter, but you can also check for yourself based on the speed, size and weight of the vehicle.
Class 2 and Class 3 scooters can be used on pavements and pedestrian areas, but only Class 3 vehicles and ‘No Class’ scooters can be used on the road – DLVA registration is required for these. It is also worth noting that painted cycle lanes on the road must never be used, although physically separated cycle tracks can be used.
No class scooters are those with speeds greater than 8mph, a freestanding weight greater than 150kg or a width of 850cm. A driving license is required to drive these, and insurance may be needed too.
Driving on the road
Driving on the road means having a scooter with a maximum speed of at least 8mph, a working brake, front and rear lights and reflectors, indicators, a rear-view mirror and a horn. Any vehicle with a maximum speed over 15mph must have two dipped beam headlights and, over 25mph, must have a speedometer.
All the usual rules under The Highway Code must be obeyed and scooters cannot be driven in bus or cycle lanes or on the motorway. Driving on dual carriageways requires using an amber flashing light for visibility and dual carriageways with speed limits over 50mph should be avoided.
Driving on pavements
Your maximum speed should not exceed 4mph and you must be considerate to pedestrians. All normal parking restrictions apply to scooters.
Eyesight requirements
Driving a Class 2 or Class 3 scooter requires you to be able to read a car registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres. For ‘No Class’ scooters, the distance is 20 metres.
Insurance
Although not required for Class 2 or Class 3 scooters, insurance is recommended. For ‘No Class’ vehicles with a weight over 254kg, insurance is mandatory.
There are lots of UK laws to consider before and after purchasing your mobility scooter. A good rule of thumb is that the larger and more powerful your vehicle is, the greater the number of laws that apply. These laws are designed to protect you, pedestrians and road users.