Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the difference between class 2 and class 3 vehicles.
• You can state the speed limits on pavements and roads.
• You can list the places mobility scooters must not be used.
• You can describe the equipment a class 3 vehicle needs for road use.
• You can drive considerately around mobility scooter users.

What you need to know and understand

• Class 2 vehicles have a maximum speed of 4 mph and are designed for pavement use.
• Class 3 vehicles have a maximum speed of 8 mph and can be used on roads as well as pavements.
• On pavements and in pedestrian areas, all mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs must not exceed 4 mph (Highway Code rule 39).
• They must not be used on motorways (rule 46), and must not be used in bus lanes or cycle lanes.
• Unrestricted dual carriageways with limits over 50 mph should be avoided; if used, a flashing amber beacon is required.
• Class 3 vehicles must be registered with DVLA, but no vehicle tax is due when registered as a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair.
• Insurance is not legally required for class 2 or class 3, but it is recommended.
• Users should be able to read a car number plate from 12.3 metres (40 feet).

Class 2 or class 3?

Only people who have difficulty walking because of an injury, disability or medical condition should normally use these vehicles, plus a few others such as people demonstrating, repairing or training on them.

• Class 2: top speed 4 mph. Use the pavement where there is one. If there is no pavement, travel with the traffic where possible.
• Class 3: top speed 8 mph. Can be used on the road, travelling with the traffic, and on the pavement at no more than 4 mph.
• Not in a class: faster than 8 mph, wider than 0.85 metres, or heavier than 150 kg (200 kg with equipment). These need a driving licence and must be registered.

What a class 3 vehicle needs on the road

Reflective clothing or strips help other road users see the vehicle, even in daylight (rule 43).

• An efficient braking system.
• Front and rear lights and reflectors, used at night.
• Direction indicators that can also work as hazard lights.
• A rear-view mirror and an audible horn.
• A maximum speed of at least 8 mph.

Junctions, roundabouts and parking

Junctions are the riskiest part of a journey. For right turns, users can wait on the left for a safe gap or cross as a pedestrian instead. On major roundabouts with two or more lanes, the Highway Code advises using the pavement or avoiding the roundabout. When parking, normal restrictions apply, and the vehicle must not block the pavement for others, especially wheelchair users.

As a driver: how to share the road

1. Expect a vehicle doing no more than 8 mph and plan to slow down early.
2. Give plenty of room when passing, as you would for a cyclist, and only pass when it is safe.
3. Watch for users leaving the pavement at dropped kerbs, and for those crossing at junctions.
4. Be patient: rule 220 reminds drivers these vehicles are slow and may lack a beacon on many roads.

Common mistakes

• Driving a class 3 on the pavement at 8 mph. On pavements the limit is 4 mph.
• Using a bus lane or cycle lane to avoid traffic. Both are banned.
• Taking a scooter onto an unrestricted dual carriageway without a flashing amber beacon. Avoid these roads.
• Forgetting to register a class 3 vehicle with DVLA. Registration is required, though no tax is charged.
• As a driver, passing too closely. Treat the user as a vulnerable road user and give space.

Test yourself: Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Mobility Scooters on the Road
• Less Common UK Road Signs
• Driving Through Road Works