The transition from paper licence discs to Automatic Number Plate Recognition posed several questions for drivers- not least for owners of less ‘traditional’ vehicles, such as mobility scooters.
Do you need a driving licence for a mobility scooter?
According to Gov.uk:
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: these cannot be used on the road (except where there isn’t any pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4mph
- Class 3: these can be used on the road and have a maximum speed of 4mph off the road and 8mph on the road
You do not need to register a class 2 mobility scooter.
You must register class 3 mobility scooters.
If you want to register and apply for registration of Class III Invalid Carriage (three-wheeled vehicle), you’ll need to fill in a V55/4 form for a new vehicle, or a V55/5 for a used vehicle. The forms are available from the DVLA online ordering service.
Do you need to pay tax for a mobility scooter?
You are not required to pay vehicle tax for a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if it is registered as class 3. Make sure to check with the seller when you make your purchase.
Do you need to insure a mobility scooter?
According to Gov.uk, it is not compulsory to have mobility scooter insurance, but it is recommended.
Mobility Scooters And The Law
Our article on Mobility Scooters and The Law has further details, but here is a brief summary:
- Just about anyone can drive a mobility scooter.
- You must be at least 14 years of age to drive a motorised scooter.
- You may ride scooters on the pavement (in fact, this is the safest place to use them), although pedestrians do have right-of-way.
- You are legally required to travel at 4mph or less on the pavement and in pedestrian areas.
- Class 3 scooters may be driven on the road if they have a maximum unladen weight of 150kg, a maximum width of 0.85 metres, and are capable of travelling at 8 mph (12.8ph)
Our Mobility Scooter Safety Guide also has some top tips for using your scooter safely and getting the most out of it. It includes advice on:
- Finding the right scooter for you
- Learning to use your scooter
- Practising for your safety
- Maintaining your scooter
- Being visible on the roads
- Route planning
- Loading your scooter safely
- Who’s right of way and when?
- Licences and the law
- Other common-sense tips you might need to know
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