Keeping mobile with a scooter

More than 300,000 people in the UK use a mobility scooter to help them get around, but many people are unsure about the rules regarding their use. It’s always wise to seek professional advice before spending a large amount of money on a mobility scooter – and never buy one without trying it first. Scooters can give less-able people a new lease of life but before buying one, consider some important points. Class 2-powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters have a maximum speed of 4mph and are intended for use on the pavement. Class 3 wheelchairs and scooters travel up to 8mph and can be used on the road or, by travelling at 4mph, on the pavement. You don’t need a licence to drive a mobility scooter and you won’t need to pay road tax. Only people with genuine disabilities are legally allowed to use a mobility scooter and insurance is strongly recommended. There are no legal eyesight requirements but good vision is important and you should be able to judge distances, and see pedestrians and other road users. Ask your doctor whether you are safe to drive a scooter if you take any medication which may make you drowsy. Obviously, you should never use a scooter after drinking alcohol. Dementia can affect a person’s ability to use a scooter safely; many people in the early stages can still travel independently on a mobility scooter if they are already familiar with using one. The guidance on when to give up driving a car because of dementia can be useful for a scooter user, too. Just ensure you, or your carer, do your research first.