Tuesday 14 January 2014

Can anyone use a mobility scooter?

With petrol prices remaining at record levels and wages being frozen for several years, many people in the UK are looking for a cheaper mode of transport for their daily commute.

Not surprisingly, a few might be considering whether or not they could use a mobility scooter?

Sadly not. Unlike the ill-fated Sinclair C5 of the mid 1980s, mobility scooters are classed as invalid carriages.

So, whilst the larger Class 3 8mph scooters may be road legal, they can only be used by a non-disabled person in the following circumstances:


An otherwise fine plan scuppered, eh?

Not to worry. Although you cannot use a mobility scooter as a vehicle if you're not disabled, there are other cheaper alternatives to cars.

If you're travelling less than 25 miles a day, an electric bike may be the answer. And before you complain about the British weather, take a look at this blog article about cycling in Denmark.

Mobility Scooter Hire, Blackpool

Blackpool Tower: Image by photoeverywhere.co.uk
Planning a visit to Blackpool or the Fylde Coast this summer and don't want the hassle of bringing your own mobility scooter?

Why not hire a mobility scooter from Read Mobility Workshop instead?

We offer very affordable rates for mobility scooter hire in Blackpool, Fleetwood, Thornton-Cleveleys, St Annes, Bispham and Lytham.

We're available 7 days a week, have a wide range of scooters to choose from and can deliver and collect the mobility scooter to and from your accommodation if required.

All hire comes with free insurance for your piece of mind. 

In addition to mobility scooters, we also offer manual and powered wheelchairs for hire.

If you've never hired a scooter before, read through our Tips for hiring a Mobility Scooter page for things to look out for.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Monday 6 January 2014

Can I drive a mobility scooter on the motorway?

Whilst the answer to our last FAQ (Can I use a mobility scooter on the road?) might have been 'yes', the answer to this question is definitely 'NO'.

No, you cannot drive a mobility scooter on the motorway under any circumstances.

As with sit-on lawnmowers, powered wheelchairs, mopeds, segways, quad bikes, electric push bikes and old fashioned milk floats, the law is very clear. No, no and no!

Safety First


As with a car, mobility scooter users who drive on the road must follow the highway code at all times.

Dangerous drivers of mobility scooters can be prosecuted under the law in the same way as any other road user.

Fortunately for the owner of the over-laden mobility scooter and the driver filming him, there were no traffic police about when this clip was made:



Otherwise, they may both have found themselves in court!

Can I use a mobility scooter on the road?

As mobility scooters gain popularity, many people want to know whether or not they can be used on UK roads.

The answer depends on the mobility scooter itself. If the mobility scooter is a "Class 3" with a maximum speed of  8mph, you should be able to drive it on the road.

When buying a new or second-hand mobility scooter, the seller should be able to advise whether or not it is suitable.

For anyone who isn't sure however, we hope this article will be of some use. 

Roadworthiness


As class 3 scooters can be used on the road, the law requires them to have a number of additional features as standard.

Class 3 mobility scooters must be or have:

  • Maximum speed of 8mph
  • Ability to limit speed to 4mph for pavement use
  • Efficient braking system
  • An audible horn
  • Front and rear lights, along with reflectors
  • Direction indicators to signal turning and capable of a hazard warning signal
  • One or more mirrors allowing for a rear view
  • Maximum unladen weight of 150kg
  • Maximum width of 85cm
  • Amber flashing light if it will be used on a dual carriageway
  • Registered with the DVLA and carrying a 'nil value' tax disc
  • Driver aged 14 or over

You do not need to take a driving test to drive a mobility scooter on the road, but like a cyclist, you still must adhere to the highway code.

At present, a class 3 scooter does not require an annual MOT as would a car, but we would strongly recommend regular servicing of your mobility scooter to ensure roadworthiness.

Perhaps also surprisingly, it isn't currently a legal requirement to have insurance for your scooter, but again we'd highly recommend it. Otherwise you could be liable for costly claims for personal injury and damage to other vehicles.

Where Can I Drive?


Although you can drive on the road in a class 3 scooter, you cannot drive in bus lanes, any 'cycle only' cycle lanes and most definitely not on the motorway.

We wouldn't recommended it due to the speed of other vehicles, but you can use a dual carriageway provided that your scooter carries an amber flashing light to warn other users of your presence.

Finally, when using the pavement, you must switch your scooter down to its 4mph restricted setting. If your scooter does not allow this, it is not suitable for use on the pavement.