Mobility Scooters and the Law
You and Your Scooter
What types of Mobility Scooter are there?
There are two main classes of scooter:
Class 2: Scooters in this class are to be used on the pavement only and have a maximum speed of 4mph.
Class 3: These scooters may travel on the road and have a maximum speed of 8mph. They may travel on the pavement when fitted with a restrictor switch that limits the speed to 4mph.
Can anyone drive a scooter?
Only a person suffering from some physical defect or physical disability over 14 years may use a Class 3 vehicle.
What do I need on my scooter?
In order to use the Class 3 scooter on the road front and rear lights ( when used between sunset and sunrise ), reflectors and direction indicators must be used as appropriate. The horn, rear view mirror and brakes must all be present and working. The horn should be used to warn other road users that you are there.
Note - The horn should not be used when the scooter is stationary on a road, only when other moving vehicles pose some danger.
It should not be sounded between the hours of 11:30pm and 7am.
What You Need
Do I need a licence?
No, there is no requirement for the user of a Class 3 scooter to have a driving licence, or insurance.
What about insurance?
Whilst there is no legal requirement to take out insurance, it would be strongly advisable to do so. Policies are available for about £38 per year which covers loss, damage and theft as well as third party claims.
Do I need training?
Training for road use is advisable for Class 3 users and limited training is available from some of the retailers who sell mobility scooters.
For any road safety queries contact Devon County Council’s Road Safety Helpdesk.
Travelling
Where can I go?
Class 3 scooters can be used in pedestrian areas, on pavements, foot paths and bridleways at a maximum speed of 4mph.
Can I travel on roads?
Yes, Class 3 scooters can be used on most roads at a maximum speed of 8mph. If a four wheeled scooter is used on a dual carriage way, it must have an amber flashing beacon.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, Class 3 scooters cannot be used on cycle lanes, bus lanes when in operation and motorways.
The Highway Code and You
Does the Highway Code apply to me?
Yes, when using a Class 3 scooter on the road, traffic signs must be obeyed according to the Highway Code.
Do pedestrians have the right of way?
Yes, you must give way to pedestrians but you
are able to use pelican and zebra crossings to cross from one pavement to another when in 4mph mode.
Where can I park?
Class 3 scooters have to obey normal parking restrictions on a road. If the user is entitled to a Blue Badge, they may be used on the scooter. The scooter should not be parked on the pavement where it is causing an obstruction to pedestrians including those who need to pass with wheelchairs or prams.
Remember - You should never use your scooter if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Useful Information
Mobility and Inclusion Unit
Department for Transport
Crowthorne Business Estate
Old Wokingham Road
Crowthorne RG45 6XD
Tel: 01344 661001
East Devon Citizen’s Advice Bureau
Honiton Library
48-50 New Street
Honiton EX14 1BS
Tel: 01404 44213
Age Concern Devon
6/7 Southernhay West
Exeter EX1 1JG
Tel: 01392 250085
This information was produced following work undertaken through the University of Exeter School of Law. Reproduced with kind permission of:Caroline Cook; Tracy Foot; Catriona Fraser; Ayesha Kapoor; Scott Lace; Jessica Lingwood; Sarah Nicholls; Augusta Pooley; Cat Roberts; Juliet Rudkin; and Jessica Wells.
