Mobility Scooters
Question:
I am registered disabled and I have serious mobility problems. I rely heavily on a mobility scooter. My question is do I have to register my scooter with DVLA and do I have to have insurance as I am worried what would happen if I were to hit someone”.
Linnitt's Answer:-
Mobility Scooters fall under the Use of Invalid Carriages on the Highways Regulations 1988 and are divided into 3 categories:
Type of Class 1 Mobility Scooters
These include Manual wheelchairs, i.e. self-propelled or attendant propelled, not electrically propelled. These are not required to be registered with DVLA.
TYPES OF CLASS 2 SCOOTERS
These include powered wheelchairs. Legally these scooters can travel up to 6.4kph (4mph) on pavements and are allowed on the road to cross from one side of the road to the other. As they only have a maximum speed of 4mph and an unladen weight not exceeding 113.4kgs, they are not required to be registered with the DVLA.
TYPES OF CLASS 3 VEHICLES
These include mechanically propelled mobility scooters. Class 3 vehicles can be used on the roads where they can travel up to 8mph.
Even though Class 3 vehicle users do not require a driving license they must obey the highway code at all times. Class 3 vehicles are not allowed on motorways, bus/cycle lanes or bicycle tracks. Although Class 3 vehicle users are legally allowed on dual carriageways, it is not recommended.
You must also comply with relevant eyesight requirements and you must not drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
To summarise for class 3 vehicles:-
There should be 2 speed settings which would usually changed by a switch.
8mph is the maximum speed and only permitted on the road. You are not allowed to travel at this speed when on a pavement or footpath.
4mph is the maximum speed permitted on the pavement or footpath. If you go above this speed then you are breaking the law if travelling on a pavement or footpath.
The law requires class 3 vehicles to be fitted with all the following features:-
~ lights
~horn
~ rear reflectors
~ rear view mirror
It is optional to have a flashing beacon but my advice is to have it as it can be used to warn other road users of your presence and if you drive on a dual carriageway, it must used.
Although Insurance is not legally required for any powered vehicle in either categories I seriously recommend that the you have at least public liability Insurance, covering accidental damage to other people and of course property.
I would advise any purchaser to have at the very least public liability Insurance, to cover accidental damage to other people and of course property. If you do not have any insurance covering accidental damage to other people and property then you could find yourself personally liable for the payment of damages to the party that you have injured or for repairing and replacing the damaged property.
