Where are mobility scooters allowed to be used?

What are the general rules for mobility scooters?

Perhaps the most important rule for mobility scooters is that you are only allowed to use one in a public place if you have a physical disability, a medical condition, or an injury that makes it difficult to walk. This is the official Government guidance. The only exceptions to this rule are if the scooter is being demonstrated by a sales representative, or being taken for servicing and maintenance work.

Class 2

Class 2 mobility scooters do not need to be registered, and they can only be used on the pavement at speeds of up to 4mph.

Class 3

Because class 3 mobility scooters are categorised as road-going vehicles, they must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) when they are purchased. This involves filling out a V55/4 form for new scooters and V55/5 forms for used examples.

Other rules for class 3 mobility scooters include:

• You must be at least 14 years old to use a class 3 mobility scooter
• You should be able to read a car’s registration number from a distance of 12.3m (40 feet)

Do I need insurance for my mobility scooter?

No, you are not required by law to have insurance of any kind for your mobility scooter. However, given that your scooter can be a significant financial investment, it can be a good idea to purchase mobility scooter insurance.

For a small fraction of the cost of your scooter, you can cover against theft, vandalism and accidental damage. Public liability insurance is usually also included, protecting you in the event of injury or property damage caused while out and about.

Using your mobility scooter in public

Yes, generally, mobility scooters are allowed in hospitals. Hospital operations are covered in the same way as businesses in that they must make reasonable adjustments to allow services to be provided to all members of the public.

However, the type and size of mobility scooter may have an impact on where inside the hospital you are allowed to use it. This is because some areas may have size or weight restrictions, such as lifts. Small mobility scooters are more likely to be accommodated fully, as they aren’t very heavy and don’t take up too much space.

Mobility scooters and public transport

Are mobility scooters allowed on trains?

In general, yes, mobility scooters are allowed on UK trains as long as they are no larger than 1200mm long and 700mm wide. However, there are no laws that say train operators must accommodate mobility scooters, and every train operator will have their own restrictions.

With this in mind, it is always a good idea to check the website of the train operator before you travel, to be sure that your service will have adequate access and facilities for mobility scooter users. Some will request that you or a companion must stow away the scooter during the train journey, requiring you to make your own way from the platform to your seat. This is where folding mobility scooters can come in handy.

Mobility scooters and their users are also subject to combined weight restrictions. This is because the ramps that straddle the train carriage and the platforms usually have a safe operating limit of 300kg, but this can sometimes be lower.

Another consideration when using the national rail network is the station that you plan to get on or get off at. Because some stations were originally built many decades ago, not all of them provide step-free access - so checking in advance is recommended.

Are mobility scooters allowed on buses?

Yes, class 2 mobility scooters are allowed on buses, provided you have a valid permit. This is true for all Bus and Coach Scheme certified operators, who have committed to making their vehicles accessible for mobility scooter users. However, there is no law that requires bus operators to accept mobility scooters.

To travel on buses, mobility scooters should be no larger than 1000mm x 600mm in size and have a turning radius of less than 1200mm.

Permits for carriage of a mobility scooter on a scheduled bus service outside of London must be applied for by the user. It involves some on-bus training to ensure that you are familiar with the process of using your scooter on buses, including the on-off ramp and other safety requirements.