Are Mobility Scooters Allowed On The Road?

Purchasing your mobility scooter is an exciting and life-changing moment , enabling you to regain your mobility once again. But it’s incredibly important to understand where you can and can’t ride it. 

Are mobility scooters allowed on the road? Are mobility scooters allowed on the pavement? We answer your most asked questions in this comprehensive blog. 

Are mobility scooters allowed on the road?

Firstly, to understand where you can ride your scooter, we need to outline the two categories of mobility scooters, class 2 and class 3. 

Class 2 scooters have a maximum speed of four miles mph and cannot be used on the road, unless there is no pavement and it cannot be avoided. While class 3 scooters have a maximum speed of four mph on the pavement, and eight mph on the road.

Are mobility scooters allowed on main roads?

Yes, a class 3 mobility scooter is allowed to be ridden on main roads. 

For further information on road safety read our blog on road rules for mobility scooters covering everything you need to know.

Can mobility scooters go on dual carriageways? 

In short, yes you are allowed to travel with your mobility scooter on a dual carriageway, but you must have an active amber flashing light for visibility. 

However, it’s not recommended to ride on dual carriageways which have a speed limit of over 50mph.

Are there any roads mobility scooters are forbidden from?

Although we’ve covered what roads you are allowed on, It’s just as important to understand where you are unable to ride your scooter.  A class 3 mobility scooter cannot be driven on motorways, bus lanes or ‘cycle-only’ lanes.

Are mobility scooters allowed on the pavement?

Yes! Both class 2 and class 2 mobility scooters can be used on the pavement, however there are best practices to follow.

Both class 2 and class 3 scooters can be used on the pavement at a maximum speed of four mph, but never on ‘cycle-only’ paths. When parking, never leave your scooter where it might be in the way of other pedestrians, including people with prams or pushchairs and wheelchair users.

Do you need road tax for a mobility scooter?

No, you are not required to pay road tax on your mobility scooter, regardless of whether it’s a class 2 or class 3 scooter.  But if you have a class 3 mobility device, you still need to register it to the DVLA. 

To register your class 3 mobility scooter, complete form V55/4 for new vehicles, or V55/5 for used vehicles. 

Is insurance a requirement for mobility scooters?

It is not a legal requirement to insure your mobility scooter, however it is highly recommended as you can still be found liable in the event of a collision or accident. 

For added protection, some insurance policies can also cover you for:

• Accidental damage to your scooter
• Theft or loss of personal property
• Theft or loss of your scooter
• Vandalism

We would also suggest looking at breakdown cover for extra peace of mind. This will assist you if you break down, or your battery runs flat whilst you’re out and about. 

It’s important to ensure you feel comfortable when venturing out on your mobility scooter. Our team is available to advise on adaptations to help you transfer from your scooter into your car as well as lifting and stowing solutions within the boot of your car, contact us online to find out more or call 0800 288 4422.

Check out our guides to using a mobility scooter and useful mobility scooter features to get the most out of your mobility device.