If you have a mobility scooter that can be driven on the roads, you’ll need to know what laws and regulations apply to you in order to keep you and those around you safe. This is why we’ve created a comprehensive guide to the mobility scooter road rules you need to know.
In general, the rules for mobility scooters on the road are the same as those for motorists. However, there are some cautionary rules that apply specifically to mobility scooter users. So you should begin by familiarising yourself with the most important rules.
Are Mobility Scooters Allowed On The Road?
Yes, road-legal mobility scooters are known as ‘Class 3 invalid carriages’ and can be driven on all roads, with the exception of dual carriageways with a speed limit exceeding 50mph and motorways, regardless of the speed limit. The scooter can have a maximum speed of 8mph on the road and 4mph on the pavement.
Mobility scooters that are intended to be driven on the road must also have:
- A well-maintained braking system
- Front and rear lights for visibility
- An audible horn for alerting other road users
- A rearview mirror to allow safe turning and overtaking
- A flashing amber light if used on a dual carriageway
- Indicators to show other road users when a turn is planned
- A flashing hazard light that can be used in the event of a breakdown
- While insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for peace of mind and protection
Rules For Mobility Scooters On The Road
Below are a few key rules to be aware of when driving your mobility scooter on the road.
Be Safe & Visible At All Times
Remember that your vehicle is travelling far slower than most of the traffic around you. In other words, you might not be visible to other motorists. Be sure to wear something highly visible (and reflective) when travelling in your mobility scooter. You should always wear a visibility jacket and ensure your scooter has the appropriate lighting if travelling when there is low visibility. If you haven’t already, sign up and get your free copy of our mobility scooter safety guide and visibility sticker bundle here.
Responsible Pavement Use
Class 3 vehicles must always travel in the same direction as traffic when on the road. Class 2 vehicles, including smaller scooters and powered wheelchairs, should use the pavement where available. If no pavement is available, they may use the road with extreme caution.
When approaching road junctions, make sure that there are no vehicles on your path, or about to overtake you from the left or the right.
Mobility Insurance
Cover includes:
- Theft, Vandalism & Accidental Damage
- Third Party Liability & Legal Expenses
- Multiple Riders & No Age Limit
- No Hidden Fees & No Excess
Proceed With Caution
If it is difficult or dangerous to turn right, you can stop on the left-hand side of the road and wait for a safe gap in the traffic. In this case, it’s permissible for you to act like a pedestrian, so you can travel along the pavement and cross between the pavements if it’s safe to do so. Class 3 users must switch their vehicles to a slower speed when on pavements. If the junction feels too unsafe or dangerous, you should reconsider the move and find an alternative route for safety’s sake.
Observe Parking Restrictions
Parking restrictions that apply to motorists also apply to mobility scooters or other Invalid Carriages. If you have a Blue Badge, the parking concessions apply to your vehicle under the scheme but remember that your vehicle shouldn’t ever obstruct traffic or pedestrians.
Abide By Speed Limits
You are not permitted to use the motorways or unrestricted dual carriageways where the speed limit exceeds 50mph. If you have no choice but to use your vehicle on dual carriageways, you must have a flashing amber beacon to increase your visibility.
Mobility scooter users are advised to go for regular eye exams, as their vision needs to be good enough to read a car’s registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 ft). If there’s an accident as a result of your poor eyesight you may have to pay compensation.
Do You Need Insurance To Use A Mobility Scooter On the Roads?
No, but it is highly recommended that you put insurance in place so that you are safe, reassured, and protected should you have an accident or minor collision. Putting insurance in place can take as little as just a few minutes online or on the phone, and can be covered for with a small monthly payment.
Do You Need To Tax A Mobility Scooter To Use It On the Roads?
Yes, but the good news is that it is free and therefore purely an administrative exercise. You can register your mobility scooter online when you are ready. You may also find it helpful to take a look at our page on mobility scooters and the law for further details.
Can You Us Mobility Scooters On Trains?
The biggest problem that concerns mobility scooters and public trains lies in the design of the scooter. Mobility scooters are designed to allow people with special mobility needs to get around indoors and outdoors without having to walk or use public or private transportation. They aren’t designed to be carried by public transport vehicles because they’re rather bulky and are a challenge to manoeuvre. Our guide on taking a mobility scooter on the train provides more details on your options.
Another problem is that mobility scooters can sometimes tip backwards on ramps, which is a major safety hazard not only for the scooter user but also to other passengers who find themselves queued behind the tipping scooter. Furthermore, scooters’ maximum weight is heavier than ramps’ safe working load.
Current access standards don’t require trains to make provisions or adaptations for scooters. The decision lies with the individual train operating companies. If you rely on a mobility scooter and need to travel by rail, it’s best to contact the operators directly to find out whether they’ve been fitted to be mobility scooter-friendly. If you require assistance you are advised to give train operators at least 24 hours’ notice so that they can plan accordingly.
Are Mobility Scooters Allowed On Dual Carriageways?
This is such an important point from a safety point of view that it needs to be reiterated. While you can take your mobility on a dual carriageway, there are several restrictions. The speed of the road must not exceed 50mph; otherwise, you will not be safe or legal to use it. And you must have a constantly flashing amber beacon fitted so that it is visible to all road users. For safety reasons, given the speed of overtaking vehicles, we strongly advise avoiding all dual carriageways if you can absolutely help it.
