Where can I drive my mobility scooter in the UK?
If you’ve recently purchased, or are considering purchasing a mobility scooter, it’s important to know where you can and can’t ride it.
Abiding by the UK laws and highway code helps keep you and others safe, however, we understand it’s not always clear what’s right and what’s wrong when it comes to mobility scooters.
So, in this article, we’ll do our best to clearly outline where you can and can’t ride your scooter.
Are mobility scooters allowed on the road?
To answer this question, it’s important to know that the UK government divides mobility scooters into two ‘classes’:
Class 2 Mobility Scooters
Class 2 mobility scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph, and cannot be used on UK roads. Typically, Class 2 scooters are smaller and more lightweight than class 3 scooters, and are better suited for footpaths and pavements.
Class 3 Mobility Scooters
Class 3 Scooters have a higher top speed of 8mph, and can be used on UK roads. However, your scooter must be registered with the DVLA before you can use it on the road. Most suppliers and dealers, including Felgains, will register the scooter for you at the time of purchase, making sure you are named as the registered keeper.
The UK government also states that a scooter being used on the road must have:
- a maximum speed of at least 8mph
- an efficient braking system
- a clear view of the road and traffic ahead
- front and rear lights and reflectors
- direction indicators that can be used as a hazard warning signal
- a rearview mirror
- an audible horn
How do I find out what class my Mobility Scooter fits into?
As the Government states on its website, the seller or manufacturer can usually tell you the class of your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. If they cannot, you can check based on its speed, width and weight. Here at Felgains, we’re able to tell you which class each of our scooters fits into.
Do you need a licence to drive a mobility scooter?
No, you don’t need a driving license to drive a standard mobility scooter in the UK. This is because the UK government doesn’t class mobility scooters as motor vehicles.
However, as mentioned before, if you have a Class 3 Mobility Scooter and want to drive it on the road, it must be registered with the DVLA.
Are mobility scooters allowed on pavements?
Yes! Most mobility scooter users travel via pavements, which is entirely legal in the UK.
It’s advisable to stick to lower speeds when travelling on pavements, to ensure the safety of yourself and other pavement users.
We also strongly advise using lights and reflective bars on your scooter if travelling in low-light conditions, regardless of whether you are travelling on a road or pavement.
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Terry Smith
