Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: the rules

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: the rules

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 2 categories:‘class 2 invalid carriages’ - these cannot be used on the road (except where there is not a pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph‘class 3 invalid carriages’ - these can be used on the road, and have a maximum speed of 4mph off the road, and 8mph on the roadYou do not need to register a class 2 invalid carriage.You must register class 3 invalid carriages.You must be 14 or over to drive a class 3 invalid carriage.

Rules for class 3 invalid carriages

Class 3 invalid carriages must have the following features:a maximum unladen weight of 150kga maximum width of 0.85 metresa device to limit its speed to 4mpha maximum speed of 8mphan efficient braking systemfront and rear lights and reflectorsdirection indicators able to operate as a hazard warning signalan audible horna rear view mirroran amber flashing light if it’s used on a dual carriagewayYou could be stopped by the police if your class 3 invalid carriage does not have these features.

Driving on the road

You can only drive on the road in a class 3 invalid carriage. The maximum speed is 8mph.You cannot drive on bus lanes, ‘cycle only’ lanes or motorways. Avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph.You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 invalid carriage on a dual carriageway.

Road rules

You must follow the Highway Code if you drive your mobility scooter on the road.

Driving on footpaths and parking

All mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can legally travel at a maximum of 4mph on footpaths or in pedestrian areas.You cannot drive any type of mobility scooter or powered wheelchair on cycle paths marked ‘cycle only’.

Parking

All normal parking restrictions apply to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.Your vehicle should not be left on a footpath or pedestrian area on its own if it gets in the way of other pedestrians, including wheelchair users and people with prams or pushchairs.

Eyesight requirements

There is no legal eyesight requirement to drive mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs, but you should be able to read a car’s registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 feet).You must check that you can still do this regularly.You might have to pay compensation if you have an accident and poor eyesight was part of the cause.

Who can use them

You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if you:have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical conditionare demonstrating the vehicle before it’s soldare training a disabled userare taking the vehicle to or from maintenance or repair

Vehicle tax, registration and insurance

You do not have to pay vehicle tax for any mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you still need to register class 3 invalid carriages.To register a class 3 invalid carriage, complete:form V55/4 for new vehiclesform V55/5 for used vehiclesSend the completed form to:DVLA Swansea SA99 1BEYou cannot license your class 3 invalid carriage online or at a Post Office.Include evidence of the vehicle’s age (if available).

Insurance

You do not need insurance for a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, although it’s recommended.