Using a mobility scooter is a great way to stay independent and keep active out and about.

They are becoming more popular as people realise the benefits of using the vehicles to carry out day-to-day tasks, visit friends and family and retain their freedom. The chances are that you know someone who uses one or is considering becoming a user in the near future, or perhaps you are a user yourself.

Staying safe on board is essential to get the most out of your mobility scooter.

Our top tips for mobility scooter safety are:

• Seek professional advice before making a purchase to ensure that the mobility scooter meets your individual needs and requirements.
• Understand what all the switches and levers on your scooter do, and be confident that you can control it properly before you go outside on it for the first time.
• Keep your scooter properly maintained and have it thoroughly checked. The manufacturer’s handbook will tell you how often to do this.
• Make sure your battery is kept fully charged. If you are storing the vehicle for long periods without use make sure the battery is recharged at least once a month.
• It is important to see and be seen. If you are using anything to protect you from the weather, make sure that it does not restrict your vision.
• Do not use your scooter if you have drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Check the patient information on any medication your doctor prescribes or which you buy over the counter.
• Plan your route in advance. The most direct or the shortest route will not always be the best route to take. Steep hills, high kerbs or other obstructions may make it impossible to tackle certain routes.
• Keep your personal possessions safe and secure and your valuables out of sight.
• Do not overload your scooter with shopping or other goods or hand anything from the handlebars as this could make the scooter unstable and more difficult to control.
• Pedestrians have the right of way. If you are riding on a pavement or footpath, give way to pedestrians. The top speed allowed is 4mph and even this may be too fast where there are pedestrians.
• To drive on the road you need a vehicle (Class 3) that can travel at 8mph (12 km/h) or (Class 2) if there is no alternative. It must also have headlights, rear lights, flashing indicators and a horn.
• When you are on the road you should obey the guidance and rules for other vehicles – The Highway Code. When on the pavement you should follow the guidance and rules for pedestrians. Mobility scooters are called Invalid Carriages in law.
• Although you do not have to be insured by law, we strongly recommend that you have at least third-party cover. It is also a good idea to be covered for fire, theft and damage.

 

Watch the Safe Scoot film which promotes the safe use of mobility scooters.

 

Three types of ‘invalid carriage’ are defined in law. There is one class of manual wheelchair (called a Class 1 invalid carriage) and two classes of powered wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters.

• Manual wheelchairs and Class 2 vehicles are those with an upper speed limit of 4 mph (6 km/h) and are designed to be used on pavements.
• Class 3 vehicles are those with an upper speed limit of 8 mph (12 km/h) and are equipped to be used on the road as well as the pavement.
• A Class 3 vehicle is not legally defined as a motor vehicle and the user does not need to have a driving licence or take a driving test.