Tandem mobility scooters are no different from a conventional driver-only model, other than their stretched chassis and additional seat. However, they are not currently legal to use on British roads or pavements.
According to the Department for Transport:
Tandem mobility scooters cannot legally be used on pavements or roads in Britain. In law, a mobility scooter and a powered wheelchair are both considered to be an ‘invalid carriage’, defined under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. The specific definition is: Section 20 (2) “invalid carriage” means a vehicle, whether mechanically propelled or not, constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of one person, being a person suffering from some physical defect or disability.
Tandem mobility scooters: Invaluable lifeline for older couples
It seems obvious why tandem mobility scooters can be so useful for older couples – especially when one person is no longer able to operate a scooter on their own – and yet the Department does not have any plans to amend the legislation to make them lawful.
We’d like to help get the law changed if we can. If you would be happy to provide us with a case study – by telling your own story about how a tandem mobility scooter would help you – please get in touch by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page. No need to leave contact details as we’ll be able to see your email address without it becoming public.
What type of mobility scooter is legal?
There are two categories of mobility scooter. Class 2 mobility scooters can’t be used on the road (except where there isn’t a pavement) and have a maximum speed of 4 mph. This type of mobility scooter does not need to be registered. Class 3 mobility scooters can be used on the road, and have a maximum speed of 4 mph off the road, and 8 mph on the road.
A report commissioned by the Department for Transport found that many suppliers of mobility scooters fail to inform their customers of the legal requirement to register these larger class 3 scooters with the DVLA. To register a class 3 mobility scooter, complete form V55/4 for new vehicles, or V55/5 for used vehicles.
Insurance for mobility scooters
Fully comprehensive mobility scooter insurance from the ETA represents excellent value for money. For more information please call us on 01932 828 882 or click here
The policy includes everything you need to keep you moving should your mobility scooter be stolen, vandalised or damaged accidentally. At no extra cost, you also benefit from breakdown cover to take you home if your mobility scooter suffers a flat battery, mechanical fault or puncture.
For added reassurance, every policy includes £2m third party cover to protect you against claims for injury or damage caused while using your mobility scooter or powered chair. And should you be unfortunate enough to crash your scooter, our insurance policy includes personal accident cover up to £20,000.
Couples cover for mobility scooters
Insurance from the ETA already represents great value at £65 per year to cover a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair worth up to £3,500, but you can now buy the same policy to cover two people at the same address for only £90 per year – a saving of 30 per cent.
You now also have the option of insuring your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair for £3,500, £5,000. £7,500 or even £10,000.
There’s never been a better time to buy ETA mobility scooter insurance.
Jehosophat
Both parents in late 80’s, Dad physically frail and immobile, unable to drive or go out alone. Mum has been his ‘taxi’ and carer for well over a decade, but will soon give up their car as she acknowledges her driving is deteriorating. My sibling and I live some distance away. She quite rightly is afraid to leave him alone for any length of time.
For over twenty years until it recently became too difficult they holidayed in Spain and *hired and used two seater mobility scooters* without problems. We all know this is the ideal solution for them.
She can get a mobility scooter for her but he needs chauffeuring. Hence their joint situation means they are about to lose all real autonomy. If two seaters were permitted this would not happen. At a time cities everywhere are wanting to reduce average speeds, it is incoherent and inhumane.
Raymond vincent
I am writing about my brother and his wife. He is 75 and she is 76. She has advanced memoy loss. She can’t even remember who her children are. My brother takes her away to there small caravan, but his health is not to good. He can’t push her in a wheelchair, so I suggested a tandem motility scooter, but found out they are illegal in this country. I can’t believe that’s true. It would be a godsend to my brother, who has to do everything for his wife, but he can’t take her for walks so they sit in caravan or outside of it. If they could get a tandem motility scooter. It would open up a different world for them both. And I’m sure a lot of other people are in the same situation. Ease get law changed if you can.
.margi
My friend an i are none drivers 69 and 81 years of age
A smal two seater car with room for chair, maybe max of 30.ph enough for going shops an visiting friends . Speciely for older people to stop teens fromrunning amock.Or prove there disabled.How can i leave lonley disabled old lady on her own on nice day when fresh air an company would us both world of good.Because we are older doesnt mean we shouldnt have friends or go out for coffee an enjoy what bit of life we have left.Side by side two seater scooter with max of 15 mph would be suitable after KIDS No road sence can hire scooters, acting stupily an reach 16mph going recklessly.Come on Mr president give us oldies a better health styl getting fresh air ansome company in out twlight years ,please .x
Andrew kendrick
I suffer with social anxiety ptsd and acute agoraphobia. I have just been diagnosed with arthritis in my knees and a duo scooter or tandem scooter would mentally and physically benefit me to get out more knowing I can have somebody with me when I do shopping or go to meetings with a companion. A tandem scooter would also mean I can take my children out with me and give me some independence and some form of normality back in my life.
William Banks
My story is typical of the problems experienced by elderly disabled couples that are being discriminated against through a rather cruel law prohibiting them using tandem mobility scooters.
I am disabled and my wife has alzheimer’s we are virtually prisoners in our home due to our disabilities a tandem scooter would free us from our cruel incarceration.
Anne Russell
Both my husband and I are disabled to different extents. It would be great to use one scooter if we’re both going to the same place, rather than two, taking up the pavement and using twice the battery power. Finding places to park, and the expense of purchasing two scooters is also something to be considered.
Fred
At present my wife and I have individual mobility scooters, but my wife has Alzheimer’s dementia. It is expected that she will eventually become unable to drive her scooter safely, and then we will no longer be able to travel together. Please make tandem mobility scooters legal.
Jim Robertson
I’m an Advanced Driving Observrr
Jim Robertson
2nd attempt! I’m an advanced driving observer and now need to stop driving as I’m hardly using my car. My wife has Alzheimer’s disease and I am her carer. That a duel-seated mobility scooter is not legal in Britain seems to be a bit of a nonsense, and leaves us in quite a predicament.
Mike
Its a no from me I am afraid to say, the pavements do not work for any style of Tandem Mobility Scooters especially for turning corners etc. We originally imported the Gemini scooter into the UK in the late 90’s and people could see the benefits on it however with the UK infrastructure for pavements etc etc it just simply would not work and was dangerous for both the user and other pedestrians. There have been plenty of debates on this over the last 20 years , the infrastructure in reality will not allow these units to be used safely, hence only used on private grounds
William Young
Hiya Mike,
Sorry that you are against the idea of making a dual mobile scooter illegal when one is legal if the rear seat is removed???????? IT IS STILL THE SAME LENTH — as you seem to be concerned about the turning circumference. Just a point Mike!!!
Mike
Tandem scooters would certainly be a boon to disabled couples, but I agree with Mike, the pavement infrastructure in Uk is not suitable for such long vehicles, particularly in my locale, I ride a single person scooter, and encounter lots of problems, even with 250mm diameter wheels, the shorter wheelbase and tighter turning circle.
Pavements are often narrow, and surfaces poor. Corners are generally very tight, and crossing ramps far too narrow to allow a long scooter to cross at 90 degrees from the pavement, meaning that the rear wheels would not fit on the ramps, and would ‘ground’, or drop down the kerb causing possible tipping and unseating riders. A similar thing would occur at the opposite side of the road being crossed, the rear wheels missing the up ramp and possibly causing the back of the scooter to ‘ground’ and stall, a very dangerous situation to be in particularly with the rear end on the road near a corner where vehicles are turning in.
All in all, I fear there would be many accidents and injuries if tandem scooters were allowed on U K . Even if only useable on roads, the restriction to 8mph, their narrow width, and the speed of modern traffic, would make them very vulnerable.
The ETA
It’s clear tandem mobility scooters can’t be used in the same way as a conventional single seat version, but would be interesting to know what happens in the countries that allow them to be used.
Lin Williams
At the moment, I am able to drive the two of us about. A time will come when I have to give up my car. A two seater scooter would be the obvious solution, but I know they are illegal. I have thought a bariatric scooter would work, but it is far from ideal.
I can see a problem with safely getting a tandem around a shop and I could see them not being practical from that point of view.
Many moons ago I used to drive one of those blue invalid tricycles – we called them Noddy cars. They were unreliable death traps and tipped over very easily. However, they kept you relatively dry and had space for a folded wheelchair inside. Carrying a passenger was illegal, but possible if they were brave enough.
So my ideal solution would be a small underpowered electric vehicle with space for a folded wheelchair and a passenger. Maybe a street legal golf buggy would suffice? As long as I don’t need a driving licence it’ll be OK for me.
This all comes down to changing vehicle classifications. I can see this type of vehicle being popular outside the mobility community as well.
David
I have two elderly parents both living together in assisted living, my dad is 6 months away from being 100 and my mum is 96 who has vascular dementia.. my dad is still very mentally well and has very good health apart from oedema in the ankles which makes it hard for him to walk to the local shops. A twin seated scooter would be ideal for them as there is not a moment they are separated mainly due to the stress it caused my mum.
George Lowther
My wife and I are both disabled. We are both scooter users. I no longer have a driving licence, so if we want to travel it’s scooter or taxi. Legalising 2 seater scooters would give disabled couples like us so much more independence. It’s not as much fun having to use two scooters.
Pam M
My mother is aged 85 & has vascular dementia, macular degeneration has lead to being registered blind, Asthma & COPD, severe joint deformity from head to toe thanks to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 2 diabetes with neuropathy in her feet, heart failure with oedema of feet/legs, deafness & survivor of ovarian cancer. There is No Way she can go out of the house alone or operate a mobility scooter herself. I can take her out in my car & a wheelchair, however it is not only convenient nor doable due to me having back, neck & shoulder issues.
I have used the practical two seater scooters abroad & feel their benefit to my mum & many many more people with disabilities along with their carers could bring a huge increase in their quality of life, getting out & about more easily. This would bring improved mental health to all concerned along with general health.
Please do not continue to let a significant number of the population not make the most of their abilities & freedom any longer. With the equipment being available now, it appears to be extremely discriminatory to not permit those in need to utilise the equipment.
This next point will probably be more controversial than the above, I do think, from a road safety point of view anyone in control of any electrical operated wheeled mode of transport, should have to pass a DVSA theory test & also receive training & pass a practical test for using the said equipment.
.argi
My friend an i are none drivers 6
1.a smal two seater car with room for chair, maybe max of 30.ph enough for going shops an visiting friends . Speciely for older people to stop teens fromrunning amock.Or prove there disabled.How can i leave lonley disabled old lady on her own on nice day when fresh air an company would us both world of good.Because we are older doesnt mean we shouldnt have friends or go out for coffee an enjoy what bit of life we have left.Side by side two seater scooter with max of 15 mph would be suitable after KIDS No road sence can hire scooters, acting stupily an reach 16mph going recklessly.Come on Mr president give us oldies a better health styl getting fresh air ansome company in out twlight years ,please .
on nice day
John Allsop
I drove a car and SUV for many years. I am now 83 and gave up the car a few years ago but I am very able to drive a mobility scooter. Unfortunatly my wife who is 85 can,t drive a scooter owing to her disabilities and here on the Isles of Scilly a tandem scooter would be ideal but because of this silly law she has to stay in the house most of the time. The people who won,t change the law to allow a two seat scooter don,t have the need for one, many of us DO NEED a two seat scooter, the law must be changed. Two scooters one behind the other is ok, join them together and it,s illegal.
Eli Koumbas
I am 82 years of age and suffer with arthritis (and have done for some years now) I have had one knee replacement and am awaiting another. I cannot walk more than a few yards without feeling pain and my mobility is getting worse. My wife is 77 years of age and suffers arthritic pains even more severe than I and it would be a great help if we were able to use a tandem scooter. We recently took a holiday in Tenerife and were delighted with the use of such vehicles there. I am a competent driver whilst my wife is afraid to take control. Therefore, I think it is quite unfair to be restricted by a law which does not even recognize the obvious difficulties such a restriction places upon many (I’m sure) elderly folk.
Deborah Shelvey
My husband is 61, had a mobility scooter which he was very happy with it gave him indepedence that he loved
He had a stroke in November which has left him blind on the right side so now is dependent on me to take him out, he has very poor mobility and i know that a tandem mobility scooter would give him more quality of life , we only ever used his scooter going for long walks across nature reserves and seafront walks , understandably it couldn’t be used on a trip to the supermarket , or in town but I believe that anyone in a similar predicament would just benefit from being outside and able to get about.
Chrisitna
My parents are in their 80s. My dad struggles with his mobility and cannot walk far and doesn’t drive and my mam needs a wheelchair. Last year, I purchase a mobility scooter for my dad. It gave him a new lease of life. Thanks to the scooter I am able to take both my parents out without again. Our first trip to the park was hard work. My dad loved the scooter, myself and my mam spent most of the walk there panicking because of the poor pavement conditions. At one point the wheelchair almost tipped over! Seeing how my dad’s scooter was not affected by this at all, I researched about buying a double scooter, I went from joy to sadness when I learnt they cannot be used in the UK with two seats, strangely they can be used with the second seat removed! Not sure the logic behind that. A rouble scooter would be safer and give them freedom to go out without relying on anyone else. They have independence back. Why are we denying people this opportunity to be independent and happy.
Rita Stapleton
I cannot see why a Sinclair C5 was considered a legal vehicle despite its multiplicity of dubious safety issues yet a tandem mobility scooter is allowed on neither road nor pavement. Stability and manoeuvrability issues are obviously paramount to ensure safety of riders and the public. Kerb mounting and road turning to the right on roads where heavy goods vehicles are common are significant to all mobility scooters re safety and stability and probably more so with tandem scooters. Nevertheless, as cycling lanes are vaunted often to the detriment of other vehicles it seems singularly against the spirit of equal opportunities legislation that this facility is impossible for the majority of disabled people to use – especially those of advancing years who may have cycled when younger.
This inequity could be redressed by allowing tandem scooters in cycle lanes and parks at least to establish their safety. Elderly couples and a disabled parent with a young child, there are many scenarios where such a vehicle would offer ‘normal’ opportunities that circumstances otherwise preclude. Many schools have roads closed for some distance around the local area. A disabled parent therefore has to rely on others to take child to school when this would allow independence.
My husband and I are both able to drive, but the time will come when we cannot. As has been cited in another post, why double up on batteries and charging power etc with two vehicles. I look forward to a change in the law.
Pamela Fitzgerald
I’m behind all the people who could have a better life with a double disability buggy.Its the same story of not listening to those who struggle. My husband has had to give up driving apart because of heart troubles and I was told to stop driving 12 years ago due to health problems. So we can’t go out together unless it’s a taxi trip.Its so unfair, I think that those who make up rules should try living a year in our shoes and made to give up their cars. Maybe then they would understand how hard It is for us
Kathy Wardley
My husband had a motability car because of not being able to walk very far. we had the cars for years then my husband lost most of his sight so the car went back – I do not drive.
My husband is now stuck at home 24/7 except when transport people com e to take him to hospital etc.
A tandem scooter would make his life so much better as he would be able to get out and interact with people other than just myself.
We live in an area where there is a walkway. No roads just a pathway between trees. To be able to take Ray along there would be wonderful but also if they could be used legally on the pavements then I could take him into town – his world would open up again.
Ray will be 75 in March and I just turned 73.
Bernadette Campbell
We wanted to buy a tandem mobility scooter for my mum. She has a small walking stroller which is fine for her walking to my car and back, but I wanted to take her holiday and thought that this would be ideal as I had also seen them in Tenerife, I was annoyed to hear that they were illegal here in the U.K. I am reading the other comments and my heart is breaking for the people stuck in the house due to sight or mobility reasons. So many peoples lives would change for the better if these were legal. Fingers crossed the law changes.
Sandra Murphy
Why are they illegal does someone object too them they will be a ❄ and not disabled
KHADIJA E IJAZ
I am disabled this has progressed since having my son who is know 3, I am not able to walk due to bone on bone osteoarthritis. And balateral disc bulge in lower back. Do not know how to drive. My son suffers with severe traval sickness. Sea bands medication doesnt help. In taxi or bus he is sick. Having a tandem scooter. Mean my child would beable to go play groups parks days out exctra, instead just playing in our garden.
Mark Fox
My wife suffered a major stroke 6 years ago which meant she could no longer walk very far, only has the use of her right hand and her balance is badly affected. She has been using a mobility scooter ever since. Unfortunately she is also now losing her sight and is registered partially sighted so is now unable to use it which is another major blow to her independence. After a number of years of me towing a caravan we now have a motorhome which is great but I don’t want to have a tow car. This means once we are pitched up on a site we can’t go anywhere unless by public transport and with her electric wheelchair that I steer from behind and as I also have back problems is not always easy or possible. Cabs are another option but is also limiting. The obvious answer would be a tandem mobility scooter that I could steer with my wife on the back and would stow on a rack on the rear of our motorhome. I’ve seen them advertised and even seem some locally being used. Unfortunately due to current legislation you can buy them but not legally use them on the road. I have even considered making a tow seat behind a mobility scooter but am unsure if this would be legal on the road.
Peter Clowes
I am 81 my Wife 77 and I can see the benefits of two seat mobility scooters I am coming to the end of being able to drive a car, this is solely in my opinion and therfore see twin seat scooters of use to use locally. However, seeing some folk on scooters on kerbs, roads and in shops I am of the opinion that they should take tests, that is for all mobility scooters. Only then am iI in agreement, thesese tests should include myself even though I have sixty years driving experience in all types of vehicle from mopeds to HGV. 40 ton lorries and coaches, otherwise our roads will become evev more dangerous. Two seater mobility scooters should not be allowed on kerbs but should be allowed on cycle lanes etc.
Mr Melvyn Harston
I am on high rate disability and my wife has dementia who I am the prime carer for. Due to the fact she is at a stage were she only shuffles along we hardly get out. I have noted over the last year because of covid it is very difficult to keep her occupied I honestly believe that a tandem mobility scooter would be the perfect solution. Best of luck with your efforts in this stupid law
Philip Churchill
My wife became disabled in 2015 when she got gbs. She is one of the few that has not recovered from it. She has no feelings in her arms or legs and also has copd. She is not able to use a large mobility scooter. I have also become disabled as I have a L3 disc issue and dvt that affects the same leg. The use of a double mobility scooter would be the ideal solution as with my age I may have to give up my car
Paul Downes
I have use a mobility scooter for over 20 years and I find that road legal scooter simply do not go fast enought for the roads today and have had many a driver blow there horn at me for being on the road. My wife is also disabled and has difficalty walking so yes I am all in favor of a tandum scooter.
As now e-scooters can travel at 12 mph I think it is high time that mobility scooters were allowed to go a little faster than they do say 12 mph for class 3 scooters. As long as the scooter has insurance.
Phil
I have a mobility car and I use a scooter when parked up or for local shopping. My mother also uses a mobility scooter but she will only use it when there is a pavement or path. Having a tandem scooter would mean that we could travel further than the nearest shop together. We holiday on the east coast. The caravan site is on a narrow road without a path or pavement. Therefore my mother is stuck on site all the time. There are also scooters where you sit side by side. They are wider than a normal scooter but within the maximum width allowed. This would eliminate the length problem. You can ride a bicycle on the road with a trailer for children legally so what is more of a danger. Also we are restricted to 8mph whereas the bike and trailer are not. These laws were introduced in the 70’s. Why 8mph. My caravan parks lane is 4 miles long without hardly a car on it. Some larger mobility scooters are able to do 16mph. If you are still in possession of a full driving license this should be an exception and made law.
Having been using mobility scooters for 15 years, I could write a book on things that need to change with the laws about using a mobility scooter on the road.
They can also be used on a dual carriageways but must have a flashing high visibility light. They could increase the maximum speed for scooters on all roads and include this. Come on we live in the 21st century. Most of Europe’s road have cycle lanes and there are a few in the UK include. I was told of by a cyclist for using one of these and she threatened to report me to the Police.
The laws must change fast
William beckett
Why is uk so far behind OTHER countries allow two seater scooters no problem They are now safer more reliable and get Better every year
Pam Murch
My 83 year old mother has multiple serious health issues. Rheumatoid Arthritis & Macular Degeneration make using a mobility scooter on her own impossible. Her hands are so badly damaged she has no grip to operate a scooter. The MD has resulted in very little sight in one eye & limited vision in the other. Both the RA damage & diabetic neuropathy & recently vascular dementia makes mobility a severe issue. My being able to operate the scooter would make things so much easier for both of us.
Peter
I have great difficulty walking any distance and so my scooter is invaluable when we go out either socially or shopping or visiting places of natural beauty. My wife is registered as severely sight impaired and it would be useful to be able to use a double seated scooter. Either side by side or tandem.
Michael Williams
My wife uses a mobility scooter due to suffering from arthritis and lymphoedema. Her youngest son has multiple disabilities and often uses a wheelchair when we are walking long distances, he’s not very stable on his feet.
A tandem mobility scooter would be ideal as my wife is now also restricted in her movement. She could sit her son on the back of a tandem scooter to transport both of them. It’s not easy to transport her son on a wheelchair as he’s quite heavy and isn’t able to operate a wheelchair, motorised or manually propelled.
Surely in refusing to alter legislation in order to permit the use of tandem mobility scooters the government is in itself in breach of the disability discrimination act and is therefore acting illegally?
Peter
My Mum is desperate to get outvlocally, but can’t owing to her lack of energy and mobility. She can’t get into my car.
A two seater mobility scooter would be ideal.
Typical Gov rules that simply make life more difficult for elderly people.
John Evans
Hi,
We are both in our eighties my wife does not drive, and I am confined to the house because of various medical reasons.
A tandem scooter would make life so much easier, but as with anyything concerning the benefit of the elderly, such as free TV for over 75’s, and making sure that we survive a Pandemic does not come under the same ethical duty as making rules for using taxpayers money for MP’s expenses, nothing will happen.
Kind Regards,
John Evans.
Penny Williams
My parents both currently use individual mobility scooters. My 91 yr old father has no sight in one eye, and is gradually losing the sight in his other eye. My 82 yr old mother has COPD , but has good sight. They use their scooters a lot to shop locally, to visit my sister who lives in the same town, and to get out in the countryside within reach of their home. I have just taken them both on holiday taking both scooters which was a boon to me. When my father finally loses his sight, the only option would be to take one scooter and a wheelchair. I am 60 and struggle to push a parent in the wheelchair. A double scooter would enable them to remain independent, active and mobile.
john Allsop
The law banning two seat mobility scooters will NEVER be changed to allow them unless we all write to our MP telling him or her what we want. Write to your MP, i have written to mine.
Heather Hughes
I use a scooter or wheelchair. My partner has epilepsy so can’t drive. I am not able to drive either. My partner has developed problems with his knee and cannot walk far. We live 2 miles from town but can no longer go there. A 2-seater scooter would make a real difference to the quality of our lives. I wish they were legal.
Marian
A tandem mobility scooter would be the answer to our prayers. My husband has Dementia and is unable to drive his own mobility scooter any more due to his lack of awareness and slow reactions. I have limited mobility due to osteoarthritis in my hip. I find it very difficult to push him, even using the power pack wheelchair, for any distance. We both used to take a great deal of pleasure going to boot sales and markets. we are unable to go now as I cannot walk any distance. A tandem mobility scooter would be great. I have a large van fitted with a ramp for the wheelchair, my husband travels in his wheelchair, there is a good bit of space behind the wheelchair I hope a tandem would fit in. it would be just great to head out together for a day out again.
T.Blackwell
Both my wife and I have heart conditions and at the moment I am able to drive my car but what happens when I can’t drive? My wife has use of a mobility scooter but it would be most useful if we could have a tandem scooter for the two of us to go out together. I do not understand a person can cause mayhem on the roads with a 2 wheeled scooter but someone who needs help getting around is illegal on the road or pave ent.
McLaughlin Sonia
Hello
I’ve read with e tremendous interest about double mobility scooters not being legal in the UK. I am disabled with psychiatric and neurological conditions which affect my mobility.
My heart goes out to these poor people who need these scooters. I can only think that it’s beaurocracy imposed by someone in an office somewhere who has no personal experience of being trapped at home. These poor people aren’t even asking for the government to pay for them, although they should! They only want to access a good quality of life.
Adele Carden
I have suffered from M.S. for almost 30 odd years and Robert “mr boyfriend ” had a stroke some years ago we would adore a tandem mobility scooter we both have a pear scooters at the moment however I am afraid that if I leave Robert alone he will get up to mischief and trouble so I will say again I hope that the law will change and both Robert and I will be able to go to the shops and see each other in the park. 😻😎
Carolyn Kagan
This need not be an issue just for older people. There are many occasions where those items currently marketed as mobility aids could actually be used by many more people for lots of reasons, rather than cars, thereby contributing to climate mitigation. Rather than open mobility scooters, the vehicles called ‘cabin cars’ are covered, thereby less open to the elements and to street assault. There are tandem versions. These could be used to take a dog to the park for a walk, instead of a car; to go to what remains of drive-to supermarkets for the shopping, instead of a car; to visit a green space , instead of a car; to visit nearby friends instead of a car. There are many able bodied poeple of all ages who cannot drive for whatever reason and cabin cars would help reduce the total number of vehicles – and have all the advantages for people of what ever age who cannot use a car.
Debbie Craig
My 17 year old daughter is a wheelchair user who is also severely visually impaired (so she cannot control any form of transport safely) and I am her main carer.
I now have arthritis in both legs and my spine meaning that I am unable to walk or even stand for more than a couple of minutes, so I can no longer take my daughter to her numerous hospital appointments let alone anywhere else.
I can still drive but can no longer get us both from the car to our destination especially now that our local councils have closed so many roads due to ‘clean air zones’ and ‘Covid distancing’
We are virtually housebound unless I can find someone available at the right time that can help us (easier said than done!)
A twin scooter would be a lifeline for us and so many others in similar positions, otherwise we will be in ‘lockdown’ for life!
DENNIS TETLEY
I am restricted with regards to walking any more than a few yards although I am still able to drive and operate a mobility scooter, my wife who is in her seventies is not able to walk very far and also suffers from dementia, under no circumstances could drive a mobility scooter. It would be wonderful if I were able to purchase a two seater mobility scooter in order that we could get about together instead of just sitting in the house, it would also greatly contribute to our mental health. Considering that you can have 2 people on a bicycle or a motorbike can there be any logical reason why it is illegal to have 2 people on a mobility scooter. I personally feel that we should ignore this stupid law and take our chances in front of a magistrate, if enough people did this it may help get the law changed.
Ellen
I am disabled as well as my son . His life at mo is school then home on hospital since covid had hit . He is in a wheel chair on oxygen nd it’s hard work . I do not take him on a bus . A tandam scooter would help greatly it would be great if they are made law. Me and my son would have a better quality of life. And that what the government what’s for people I feel life is moving on and me nd my son are stuck
Diane Meek
Hi. I was looking at a Tandem Mobility Scooter as Mum has Alzheimer’s and cannot use one and I have a lung condition which means I can’t walk very far and it is a nightmare getting around places.
Mark
Although we are not elderly both myself and my partner suffer with ill health, I can’t walk without a stick and can only do extremely short distances. My partner has issues which cause permanent vertigo type symptoms meaning a feeling of not being safe in control of a scooter. It has left us and my partner especially all but house bound with depression and anxiety about going out. A tandem scooter would change our quality of life completely.
Alan
With my wife using the scooter and my C O P D I AM STRUGGLING TO WALK FOR LONG DISTANCES WE ARE IN OUR LATE 70S AND A DUAL MOBILITY UNIT WOULD BE VERY USEFUL
Janice
The Government really need to sort this out, obviously this could help many who have mobility problems who do not want to travel around alone all the time. I have mobility problems but I have not desire to go out on my own all the time, why can’t my husband come with me. It would not be easy to drive a mobility scooter each. Government spent millions on cycle ways, even though many cyclists are still using footpaths, they can have tandems. Do something for people with mobility difficulties too.
David Griffin
I no longer drive a car but I do have a mobility scooter which I enjoy BUT can no longer take my wife out with me I would very much like to just go out with her again not far just to the local green, and shops, its not a lot to ask to make tandem scooters legal as you get older you learn to treasure these moments. The youngsters of today are allowed to ride round on power bikes and scooters but a elderly person who is law abiding and responsible is not permitted to take his/her partner out on a tandem scooter but its OK on a tandem bike! (peddle harder dear) please make tandem scooters legal for people over certain age you will be old yourself one day and its no fun getting old.
TANDEM SCOOTERS GIVE HOPE TO PARTNERS AND ENRICH LIFE
mr john c field
I am in my late 80s and have osteoarthritus in hip and knee, my wife is 83 an and Alzheimers ,I was astounded to learn that a tandem mobility scooter is illegal in UK. We are such a backward country and hesitate to describe us as high as a 3rd rate country, I have for sometime thought that this country is now the largest lunatic asylum on the planet and laws such above confirm my thoughts.
mr john c field
I was astounded when told that dual seat mobility scooters are illegal in UK, just how backward can we get. I am 87 with arthritus in hip and knee, my wife is 83 and has Altzeimers and a 2 seat scooter would be perfect alas not to be, 10 years ago I saw numerous 2 seater mobility scooters in Tenerife, We are living in the largest lunatic asylum on the planet called England. Who are these people that make such idiotic laws making already difficult situations a darn sight worse
Janis Crawford
I am a 62 year old woman with 3 forms of arthritis. I have 6 fractures in my spine. This affects my mobility my arms and legs have very poor movement. Whilst holidaying in Benidorm my husband hired a two seater mobility scooter. I was out every day enjoying the freedom. Before then I have been housebound for 4 years only going out for medical appointments. I don’t have a driving license and feel uneasy trying to operate a mobility scooter in my own, due to the weakness in my hands arms legs and feet. A double mobility scooter would enhance my life. As it is I’ve been housebound again for the past 6 months and I now feel depressed due to the lack of freedom. These scooters should be legal in the Uk with conditions that only people with disabled passengers aboard. Some legislation could enable these scooters to be used on cycle paths etc. Not used on dual carriageways or motorways for example. This must be addressed asap as the dvla are being prejudice against disabled folk and this in itself is illegal.
Jacqueline Drury
A tandem scooter would be ideal for myself and my father. I have a neurological disorder and I am unable to walk any distance. I also care for my elderly father, who has Alzheimer’s dementia and is unable to go out unsupervised. The tandem scooter would be liberating for us, because we are having to rely on taxi’s to go anywhere. I have no brothers sisters, and.it would.be lovely to take my dad out to the local park. Excellent idea!
Disgruntled Daughter
My mother isn’t as mobile as she used to be and also her Dementia prevents her from using a single seat scooter herself!, a twin seater would be ideal for me to take her out and about especially if English Holiday resorts did these. It would make a Big difference and a more enjoyable holiday for Bothof us!.
Jo brown
It seems that one day I was able to walk10 miles, no problem, then suddenly my knees seized up, my back seized up but worst of all I lost the use completely of my right arm. This makes it impossible to use a one seated scooter unless i want to go round in circles! A 2 seater would mean my husband can get out too as he needs to drive me everywhere and then find a parking space, etc. To go for a walk along Bedford River in a scooter would be a treat. Can’t afford chauffeurs like these MPs who want to stop anyone else enjoying themselves eh?
Edward Powell
My wife is unable to walk a long way and is not confident enough to drive. I am able to drive at the moment but this will not always be the case. With government and town centres calling for us to be more environmentally friendly then it seems that using these scooters would be beneficial to all concerned. It would reduce pollution. I cannot see any reason why they should not be allowed.
Frank
Perhaps the law would change if MPs were to try using a mobility scooter themselves,
Perhaps they could take an elderly or disabled person out on a dual scooter and thus gain the experience and knowledge that two seater scooters would be of great benefit to a lot of citizens.
It’s easy to ride in a car especially if it’s chauffeur driven but I wonder what the MPs thinking would be if they realised just how beneficial a two person mobility scooter would be.
Many years ago, I heard an old Native American saying which is as follows.
Never judge a person until you have walked in their moccasins for a season.
Likewise maybe our MPs will change the law when they realise what a lifeline a double scooter is for so many people.
If the MPs themselves were disabled and needed a mobility scooter then maybe the law would change pretty quickly.
Frank Fisher
As stated above, perhaps the MPs would think differently if they themselves took out a disabled or elderly person who would otherwise be housebound.
REGARDING MOBILITY SCOOTERs.
Remember the old Native American saying.
NEVER JUDGE A PERSON UNTIL YOU HAVE WALKED IN THEIR MOCCASINS FOR A SEASON.
Likewise perhaps the MPs would think differently if they experienced taking someone for a trip in a scooter and thus enrich that persons life.
Thank you.
JOHN ELLIS
I HOPE THE JOBSWORTHS WHO MAKE THESE DECISIONS SEE SOME SENCE BECAUSE THEY OR THEIR FAMILY MAY NEED THIS FACILITY AT A LATER DATE. THEY MAY THEN REGRET THE DECISION.
I WISH I COULD SIT IN AN OFFICE AND DRAW A LARGE WAGE TO MAKE FOOLISH AND IN HUMANE DECISIONS.
I AM A DISABLED WAR VETERAN WHO PROBABLY FOUGHT FOR IDIOTS LIKE THEM, THANKS FOR NOTHING.
ROYAL NAVY RETIRED.
andrew hudson
my wife was born with a brain defect causing epilepsy, mild and severe,for the past 40 years we have got about in my car but upon reaching my 60’s my health and eyesight began to deteriorate,i now have a mobility buggy but as my wife is not safe to leave on her own i can rarely use it,we have become prisoners in our home relying on others for nearly everything the answer for us is obviously a double buggy but they are not for legal use so all the talk of improving disabled peoples lives it is mainly hot air
Oliwia
I’m 46 years old and I have fibromyalgia. I have 2 years old son and no driving licence. I don’t use bus to take my son to nursery because I look young and none knows about my problem and standing up in bus can be problem for me. I wish I can drop my son using mobility scooter. This is stupid you can have child and be disable and in same moment you are not able take him to school or nursery.
Derek Flay
My wife and I are in our nineties, finally we have decided to stop driving. We have a new powerful scooter, but because of the ruling we are unable to go anywhere together, and if we were to have a second one and travel together, this would cause real problems to other road users with two in convoy – why can’t they see that a simple tandem seat solves it all, without there being one single argument against it.
Paula Walshe
My father has just had to stop driving automatic car and my mother is partially sighted so thought we would look at tandem mobility scooter so they had some independence.
When I found they were illegal in uk I knew my father being an ex policeman would not have one!!
Is the law an ass ? It would give some independence to lots of people!
David Griffin
I have a mobile scooter since I had my stroke. The scooter I get great pleasure from, unfortunately I can no longer take my wife out with me, even just to the local shop. If two seat mobile scooters where legalised it would mean so much to the quality of our married life. and many others who are in the same situation Obviously there would be a need for some mandatory requirements, but these should not stop people leading normal lives together! who do not wish to be a burden on others, all we are asking is some understanding and humanity of an inequality situation that separates couples
that needs quickly resolving, as we are all getting older! Please take the necessary to make the last years of so many happy, and not solitary.
pauline clandfield
my husband has to give up driving on medical grounds. we have always been together when shopping or visiting friends or relations. we want to continue getting out & about together. a tandem scooter woulod be the best way forwards. why is a stupid outdated law alloud to obstruct us
Anne Idle
We are not allowed a two seater scooter but the idiots are allowed to race around on powered scooters
Sylvia Doubell
My husband is 92 with dementia and cannot walk very well, I am 84 and have heart problems and try to push him in a wheelchair with a battery mover underneath. We are not able to go very far. This is very tiring and a tandem scooter would allow us to go out a lot more and a lot further and I would not be so exhausted
Dave
I’m 80 and going blind.need a two seater.So my wife can take me out.
Peter Johnson
At the moment I need a scooter but my wife can walk short distances but it will not be long before her walking will be much reduced so a scooter tat we can both ride on makes sense for me to buy now. This law does need changing especially in the eyes of climate climate change, just having one vehicle for the two of us would mean using less electricity that if we had a scooter each,
John bettles
I am disabled and my partner had a stroke 18 months ago we had moved into a bungalow on the coast a few months before a 2 seater tandem scooter would give us our freedom back to go on the prom going to local events and shops in reality more time out together yes we have a car but when i go out on my scooter I see more talk to more people which just makes you more part of the world around us
my partner is partially sighted and can only walk a short distance before her stroke we would walk for miles me on my scooter my partner walking by my side this part of life is not posable now I am sure if we could get out and about it would help her confidence and lift her and mine part of our lives back this subject wants bringing to the attention of the public and government lets get this law changed
Marie Barber
My husband has Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia and struggles to walk distances and cannot be trusted on a single scooter because of the Dementia. It would be ideal to be able to use a Tandem Scooter together to give us the freedom to enjoy the English sunshine when it does come. These electric two wheeled scooters are much more dangerous but legal the law needs to change.
Brian Williams
My wife is registered blind, I am waiting for a knew replacement.
For us to be able to go out together would be wonderful.
The people who make the rule,s have no idea how this stupid rule
affects elderly peoples mental and physical well being.
I am now 80 my wife 78 we live for each and have for over 60 years.
If there were a partition we would sign it immediately.
David Morgan
I and my son ( wheelchair user) have mobility problems. I can get about with the aid of walking sticks. My wife uses our son’s wheelchair as a simmer frame. She has a mobility scooter but a two seater would be a lot better as she would be able to take our son who is also blind on the back.
Paul Watson
Both my wife and myself, have various mobility problems, and a tandem mobility scooter, would enhance our day to day living, a great deal. Hopefully the government will see sense, and pass legislation, to legalise this equipment.
J d sim
The UK transport is just a joke trying to dictate to the public that they can’t have a tandem mobile scooter. I will be buying one and you won’t stop me going on it pavement or road.
D Higham
My 32 year old son has osteoporosis and autism. He can’t walk far without suffering unbearable pain but he needs his partner to be in a mobility scooter with him to enable him to go out. Having her with him reduces the social shutdowns that he gets when he goes out. He cannot ride his scooter without him with her in it so this law of duo scooters being illegal even on the footpath is restricting his life too much.
Rachael
A random mobility scooter would be perfect for me as I’m disabled and I have a daughter who is also disabled and I am struggling sitting my daughter on my knees on my mobility scooter and I didn’t no that a tandom mobility scooters were illegal and this needs 2 change for evey1 who has there own reasons as I really could do with something that is going to help me and my daughter and lots of other people out there aswell
Susan Casserley
My husband has many illnesses, bad heart, late stage diabetes and chronic renal failure, on top of that he has vascular dementia. A tandem mobility scooter would be so ideal. I have severe arthritis in my leg which makes walking very difficult most days. To be able to go out on one vehicle would be advantageous for both of us, especially when the dementia progresses.
Ernest Cooper
Me and my my wife have copd and mobility issues she is frightened to drive a mobility scooter but would relish going shopping on a tandem scooter with me
Olive wade
I am 84 years old and I have had walking problems for 30 years due to periferal arterial disease (blocked arteries)so I have to use a mobility scooter. everything has been ok as my husband was ok but two years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and he is 93 years old and cannot walk very far, due to his illness he cannot use a mobility scooter and I can’t leave him alone even to go to the shops so we are virtually grounded, a dual scooter would greatly help us but cannot have one because they are illegal. Hope somebody will change the law soon.
Colin white
A double mobility scooter would be absolutely great for me and my wife. At the present time I have a enclosed eco scooter which is great for me the downside being it separates me and my wife who although not being able to walk far is not entitled to a mobility scooter to have a double scooter would allow us to go out together shopping etc. For mobility scooters not to be able to use cycle lanes is absolutely ridiculous and putting the scooter user in more danger on the road, not being able to use the cycle lane which is usually empty makes the scooter user go into the road therefore restricting the width of the lane and upsetting car drivers who see an empty cycle lane and think that the scooter user is being obstructive by not using the cycle lane where possible as most drivers are unaware of the law regarding the use of scooters on the road. The government should wake up and be more helpful to the old and disabled as .at the moment we are considered as second class citizens and a nuisance to society
D
A tandem mobility scooter would be great for me and Mum. Mum has Alzheimer’s and cannot use the controls and I have COPD and Fibromyalgia. I keep looking for some sort of alternative transport
Graham Glover
I have cancer and Osteoarthritis and my wife has COPD we both have mobility scooters,but it be better if we could talk to to each other, and not have to travel in line behind one another,and I have to get 2 scooters out before we can ues them which malls me and I by this time don’t feel like going out after all.
Jane Bennett
My husband has severe mobility problems and epilepsy and so is unable to drive an electric buggy. I have been pushing his manual chair for the last 20 years or so but am getting to the age where it is too much for me to manage. Without a two-seat mobility scooter we will soon be at a point where we can no longer go anywhere together that isn’t directly accessible by car. No more cafe trips in town, No walks through parks. No holidays together. We are relatively young. He is 70 and I am 66. He will have to stay at home or sit in the car while I do everything else. We need tandem buggies to be legalised. I have no wish to break the law but I don’t see why my husbands life should stop for no good reason.
ray walker
I have parkinson’s and my wife has lupus an webothe need mobility scooters
As my arms becme less mobile I will be unble to go out with her
Anne Bolter
A tandem mobility scooter would be a lifeline to me. Husband and I both in 80s. Husband has almost zero eyesight and severe mobility problems. Cannot use a standard buggy or an electric wheelchair as he cannot see. I do not have the strength to push a standard wheelchair. Because I no longer drive our lives are severely restricted. Such a pity that there cannot be a change in legislation especially when we are supposed to be a disability friendly country.
Jen
I was tooking at a tadem mobility scooter for my grandparents. Both in their late 80’s. One is now blind and unable to operate one a tadem would give them so much freedom.
david bignall
Much the same my father has had to stop driving he is 83 his partner of 32 years is 91 with dementia and can no longer walk any great distances where my dad is still quiet able but because of a lung condition finds he can’t walk far and would not have the puff to push his partner. A tandem mobility scooter would be perfect for both of them
Chris Jones
My wife has suffered with Parkinsons for over 20 years. She can no longer drive. We have a Motability car which is due to be replaced this year. I am in my early eighties and I do not think I will drive for too many years in the future. If we could have a two seater scooter it would allow us both to get out and about when the time comes for me to give up my full licence. We will still be able to shop, visit family and friends and cafes/restaurants. I am hampered with ever worsening arthritis and becoming less able as time goes by. For my wife to be confined to our house and garden would cause her even more anxiety than she already has to bear and may well contribute to the threat of mental problems developing. A two seat buggy would be the perfect solution for us in our declining years. I pray it may be made possible soon.
jean jones
my husband has arthritis in lower back and can barely walk, he has a mobility scooter, i am partially blind, can barely see, i want to be able to go out with my husband on a ride instead of walking hanging on the back of his scooter seat, i think the law should change.
Stephen Barrett
My partner is in a push wheelchair and cannot operate a single person scooter , I had two heart attacks last October so cannot push her about a twin person scooter would help us and I could take her out without killing myself.
keith bullivant
My wife has had a stroke recently and suffers with her memory hense she cannot comprend the left and right workings of a scooter if the law was changed I could safely drive her on a tandem scooter I have purchased one but am afraid to use it even though we’re I live people drive cars ect without licences wouldn’t the police be more interested in those people the law on tandem scooters needs to change
David
My wife is disabled after a stroke,it’s also left her with 50% vision,she can’t see on her left hand side.
Obviously she can’t drive a scooter,so relies on me to drive.after hiring one in Benidorm I can’t believe the freedom it gave us.
Amanda Sutcliffe
My friend and I are both disabled, I can only get out by using your mobility scooter, my friend doesn’t get out at all as she is not very good on her legs and cannot use a mobility scooter. If we had a tandem one between us I could take her out which would give her a better quality of life..
Patrick
Only requires change of four words from.
“use for the carriage of one person, being a person suffering from some physical defect or disability”
Remove the words ‘one person’ and substitute ‘Persons’ and
Remove ‘a person’ and substitute ‘Persons’
I and my wife struggle walking now and a dual buggy would make life a lot easier.
My buggy only holds me and the dog.
I think I could cope being the holder of a full M/C license, full car license, HGV class one (lapsed) and a pilots license, not to mention all classes fork truck licences.
Malcolm Diamond MBE
I’ve been stewing about this illegality since becoming aware of this discriminatory restriction on immobile couples – either through age or disability.
Meanwhile, Government is encouraging the take up of electric scooters within the UK, with several deaths and many pedestrian injuries recorded as a result. Quite incongruous!
If it were not for the drawn out distraction of the Tory PM race,
I intend to campaign for a change in the twin seat ban with my local MP, who is a vigorous campaigner for fair laws
.
Edward Duncton
I am 94 years of age and my Wife is 93. I purchased an electric scooter for myself as I am only able to walk a short distance . For my Wife I purchased a dual control electric wheelchair – she has vascular dementia and is unable to operate it herself but I could operate it from the rear and walk behind it the short distance to the local park or shops. Unfortunately my knees have deteriorated so much I am now unable to do this any longer and my Wife is therefore virtually housebound. To be able to use a tandem electric scooter would solve our problem and make our last years so much more comfortable. These tandems are are acceptable in many countries overseas. CANNOT THE LAW BE CHANGED TO MAKE THEM ACCEPTABLE IN THE u.K.
Edward Duncton
I am 94 years of age and my Wife is 93 . I purchased an electric scooter for myself because I could only walk a very short distance, and for my Wife I purchased a dual control electric wheelchair. My wife has vascular dementia and is unable to operate the wheelchair herself but I could operate it from the rear which enabled us to go the short distance to the local park or shops. Unfortunately my knees have deteriorated so much I am now unable to do this any more and my wife is therefore virtually housebound. The use of an electric scooter would solve our problem and make the rest of our lives much more comfortable. They are in common use in countries overseas but are illegal in the U.K.why
and CANNOT THE LAW BE CHANGED TO MAKE THEM ACCEPTABLE HERE
John S
I think we should get as many people as possible to write to their local councilors also the MP to bring this up in parliament for a change to the law, after all that is where the laws are made.
Edward Duncton
I am 94 years old My Wife is 93 I am able to walk just a few yards only and my wife not at all unaided. We feel we are being
penalised for being disabled and are prisoners in our own home. The use of a tandem scooter would solve our problem and make life much more bearable..The present outdated M.O..T. rule should be changed .As a start, tandem scooters could be allowed on medical grounds by restricting their sale and use to Blue Badge Holders only , this would give freedom of movement to all those couples who find themselves in the same situation as ourselves
Jean Peacock
I have mobility scooter , my husband has got Parkinson’s through time he will need assistance so a twin mobility scooter would still give him freedom to get out , I hope the government change this law soon
Chel
I’m a disabled single mum of two toddlers I’d like to be able to get my children out the house for fresh air and to educational settings and doctors appointments. I have two under 5 and looking at a double scooter for this reason.
Raymond Burnham
Once again Common sense doesn’t prevail in this country Iv’e read all the comments and agreed with them, unlike the rich and politicians with don’t get. chauffered around change the law with sensible restrictions.
Mike
I think the law should be changed about using tandem mobility scooters I am blind and also have very bad walking difficulties both my partner and I went to Spain and we used the tandem mobility scooters and it gave me such freedom it was a new lease of life I can’t see any reason why they can’t be made legal in the UK
Pamela Outlaw
My husband has Parkinson’s and I have osteoporosis. It would be impossible to go out using a one person scooter and parking two scooters would be impossible where we live. We have both given up driving and would love to be able to go into town to do some shopping, go to the doctors, etc. I cannot go out and leave my husband but if we had a tandem scooter, one of our problems, of which there are many, would be solved.
Mr Hardy
My wife has lots of health issues restricting her from leaving the house. I purchased a normal 1 seater mobility scooter to get her too & from the local shops & beyond. However my wife lacks confidence & doesn’t like to go out on it without me in tow. I’m struggling at the best of times to walk & do my normal duties. If we had a tandem scooter she would get out more instead sat in house staring a 4 walls. We can do it together & both get some fresh air. She wouldn’t have to worry if I was in full control. The law needs to change, it’s annoying when you have youths tearing up & down the footpaths on the stand on 2 wheel scooters that I’m told are illegal, but the Police don’t seem interested in stopping them. Those machines are pretty fast swerving in & out of foot pedestrians. Twin mobility scooters are pretty slow in comparison & would help millions of OAP’s & disabled people get out & about & enjoy life. The law needs to change & fast
Djb
My mother is 96 and very forgetful. I honestly believe that even controlling a simple mobility scooter may be too onerous a mental task. Furthermore she has an irrational fear of falling off. When I take her out we are either stuck in the car or forced to push a wheelchair, and not all terrain is easy to manage. A two seater mobility scooter would be a good option. I could drive. She could be strapped into the passenger seat. Why not let a carer accompany the disabled person? The vehicle would still have the speed restrictions. It would still be safe. This would also send out a more positive message about carers and enable the greater integration of disabled people.
Shaun wellsted
Both my parent in laws are in their 70s and as my father in law is capable of driving still he must use a mobility scooter for walking around as he suffers terribly with C O P D. My mother in law is scared or rather absolutely terrified of using a scooter as she has zero confidence in herself on one and now she is terrible at walking as her legs are poorly and my father in law is unable to take her out on a wheelchair due to.his breathing so a 2 seater scooter would be perfect for them.
Shaun wellsted
Both my parent in laws are in their 70s and as my father in law is capable of driving still he must use a mobility scooter for walking around as he suffers terribly with C O P D. My mother in law is scared or rather absolutely terrified of using a scooter as she has zero confidence in herself on one and now she is terrible at walking as her legs are poorly and my father in law is unable to take her out on a wheelchair due to.his breathing.
Jenny
My husband has had a stroke and has lost peripheral vision. Driving his mobility scooter is unsafe but this means he has lost his freedom. A tandem scooter would enable us to have freedom to go out without using the car.
demonica
I think they should be made road legal as long as there was health and safety involved. I have read a few articles of many accidents regarding 2 on a mobility scooter.
I’ve seen a few of the tandem scooters about to, even tho they are illegal. Tga has a supersport scooter which has a wide seat to fit 2 on,but I had been advised that this was literally just for one,but it is fine if you have your pet sat on it with you.
If the scooters was made more stable to turn corners it would be great as I have my daughter who comes out with me when I need to go out who also has health issues.
Please make them legal as to get anywhere on public transport is a nightmare.
Steve Hornsby
I have been looking for a legal 2 seat mobility scooter for years, my wife can no longer drive and the time will come when mobility will be a problem. However I could just buy one and then use it but as a law abiding citizen I won’t do that. It’s the same for electric scooters you can buy one but cannot legally use it on the roads but you can use an electric bicycle. If two seat scooters are not legal in the UK where are they legal there must be a market somewhere or they wouldn’t exist. It’s petition the government time to raise this stupidity as an issue. I will probably do this very soon.
Robert Atkin
It would be great to have a tandem mobility scooter for both of us to use
Tina Ticehurst
I am a 64 year old disabled lady who cares for her nearly 88 year old mother. I use a mobility scooter to go into our local town ,( it’s only 5 minutes away ) as my mother is no longer so agile I would love to be able to use a Tandem scooter to take us both into town . So much better for the environment than driving a car . Hopefully the law can be changed . Maybe a petition would help the power of social media is great
Molly Clouston
I use a mobility scooter as I suffr from arthritis and am able to visit the local shops and carry my shopping home. However my husband is unable to control a mobility scooter due to health problems and is only able to walk a little way with difficulty.
A tandem mobility scooter would be a perfect solution for us as, not only would my husband and I be able to go out together but, I would be able to take longer journeys with him which I am unable to do at present as I can not leave him in the house alone for any length of time.
Is there any solution to our problems as we are becoming more and more isolated?
I would also like to add the my husband is 84 years old and I am 82.
David Watson
I am 86 years old, have severe heart failure, have an attendance allowance. My wife drives me to surgery and hospital appointments.
My wife is 80 years old , forgetful and fearful. A double seater
Mobility scooter would be a marvel. We could give up the car and enjoy new life. With an all terrain we could once again go round Harrold Park.
David and Diana Watson
bob steward
Hi,
I have amputation R leg & gunshot wounds l leg. Age 80. My wife has dementia. Age 84
A two seater mobility scooter would allow us to visit the coast or just view the sights together. It seems crazy that they are deemed against the law when they could benefit so many disabled couples.
Ken Wright
We are both in our 80 and my wife surfers with poor vision and therefore can’t drive her own buggy this prevents us from going anywhere in the village to shop next l go on my electric bike but my wife can’t go with me
keith bullivant
Please please try and get the law changed my wife has dementure so I take her out on my tandem there are a lot nastier things happening in the world today than stopping two people on a scooter from enjoying the fresh air and getting around if it’s the case bring a law out that you have to prove your partner ect has memory issues or bad disability to have a tandem scooter they wouldn’t be misused then iv no argument with that but I thought in this day and age the powers that be need to look into this ishue it carnt be nice for a policeman to pull a person to onside on the scooter he could have someone in his own family suff
Jean Peacock
I have fibromyalgia along with another few things , I can hardly walk these days so I use a mobility scooter , my husband has bad mental health and Parkinson’s , in the next few years he will not be able to walk to much , I would love the law to change so we could get a tandem scooter and still be able to have some freedom in our future , my husband is 66 yearly old and Iam 64 years old , please think about us
Candida Brickwood
I use a mobility scooter myself as I do not have the capacity to walk more than 3 minutes without pain due to a long standing spinal condition. My husband is registered sight impaired/partially sighted and unable to use a mobility scooter or ride a bike (or drive a car). He has now been diagnosed with a heart condition and although he can still walk ok, longer walks become tiring for him. If tandem mobility scooters were made legal then we would definitely buy one and I could sit at the front and steer and be the eyes and my husband could have a rest from walking if he started to feel tired.
I do not understand why they have been made not legal and think this law definitely should change to enable disabled people more freedom.
Jennie
I’m partially sighted, sufficiently so that I have had to surrender my driving licence. Living in a rural area with no facilities or shops within the village, a limited bus service, no safe crossing on an A road, a husband who is getting older and will at some point stop driving, a tandem scooter would be brilliant. It would also mean that if on my own, I can still get the dog to the vets by removing/changing the seat configuration to load carrying which would also help in bringing shopping home. Also eco friendly.
EDWARD.FRENCH
I have had to give up my car due to my poor mobility. Since suffering from Covid in December 2020 it has affected my spine and my ability to walk a very short distance. Ihave a mobility buggy but when I go out on my own on this my wife has to stay at home. After 54 years and always going out together THIS IS NOT GOOD. A tanden mobility buggy would make our lives so much easier. My husband is 85 and I am a little older! The law that makes life so difficult for elderly and disabled people should definitely be changed. The sooner the better. A lot of elderly disabled people are fast running out of time. Maureen and Ted French.
John.homewood
My wife and I are both in our late eighties .i. Suffer from m.s and drive a mobility scooter..my wife is Registered blind .so it would be very helpful to be able to use a duel unit.
Janet Burgess
My partner is losing his eyesight and is unable to drive now. I am able to take us out in the car at the moment however there will come a point where I won’t feel confident driving any more. A double invalidity scooter wold be ideal for us as my partner would be unable to steer his own scooter.
Pat
Both myself and my mum have mobility problems but she is also registered blind so COULD NOT drive one herself. It would be great to both be able to go out to the shop together without having to get a taxi.
Dawn
My Dad and my Mum both have Blue Badges. Dad is 91 and carer for my Mum. He likes to be independent and not have to rely on others.
Dad can’t walk far and is unable to push my Mum in a wheelchair anymore. He doesn’t feel confident to drive a car on the roads, however he would feel happy and safe driving a 4mph tandem mobility scooter on pavements and off road (my Mum has limited mobility, dementia and couldn’t use a mobility scooter safely herself).
A tandem mobility scooter would mean that Dad could take Mum out again. They could access the local area, get to shops, picnic in the park and visit friends who live nearby.
We’ve seen tandem scooters used successfully abroad, why not here when there is a real need? People could be safe and their lives enriched.
Please give my parents and other’s the opportunity to regain lost independence when other limiting factors are against them.
Ian Hopley
I’ve just stumbled across your article, whilst searching to see if there were such things as two seater Mobility scooters. I was looking, because although my dad is still driving, he’s 83 and probably won’t be for much longer. One of his main reasons for clinging on to his licence, is that he can still go to the shops with my mum, (who is 85 and doesn’t drive). A tandem mobility scooter would seem the perfect solution! I was disappointed to see that a quirk in a legal definition prevents it from happening!
Good luck with your campaign. Incidentally, I work in the car industry (wheelchair-accessible vehicles, funny enough!) and specifically in automotive regulations, so I deal with DfT a fair bit. Please get in touch, if you want to discuss this further. I’d be happy to help if I can!
William Young
The comment that brought tears to my eyes were from Dawn April 18th as I am in the same. predicament. Some assholes in government should be 96 years old & still living with disabled wife then they might get their finger out & fight to change the law on tandem mobility scooter laws!!!
Don Heaton
I must agree with all the other contributors l live in a assisted living apartment and there must be at least 20 /30 people who have never left the building for months if not years and a twin seater would enable me to take one of them out everyday to go shopping or to sit on the beach. Don Heaton
Yuki Harris
I am looking for a dual seat enclosed mobility aid. I am permanently disabled and in an Invacare TDX SP 2 Powerchair and assistance dog. I need to get my daughter to school two miles away but the only route available is on a ‘B’ road in Cornwall. Trying to find a safe alternative!
Pam M
I am unsure as to why my post today has attached itself as a reply to David’s post from a few years ago
Suzanne McCulloch
I am 75 years old with MS so limited my father is 99 years old blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other, he did use a mobility scooter a few years ago but since his sight got worse, he had to give it up as he fell a couple of times into the road by mistake judging the curb decent. As he lives with me and I no longer can drive the tandem mobility scooter would be ideal,
IF THESE electric scooters that town centres are ow so keen on AT risk of uncaring teenagers and adults having a right to come from behind and barge past everyone , but punish disable community by keeping tandem mobility Illegal
David Richardson
I was amazed to find a prohibition on use, when I investigated the idea of swapping my single-seater scooter for a tandem one as my wife has become an invalid with vascular disability.
The overall length of a tandem scooter is not much greater than many single-seater scooters.
The politicians need to wake up to the fact that more elderly invalids need to travel together.
How would the law stand if I simply towed a trailer behind my scooter with a seat on it. . . . .
David Richardson
I would suggest amending the definition of a “Invalid Carriage”.
In law, a mobility scooter and a powered wheelchair are both considered to be an ‘invalid carriage’, defined under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.
The specific definition should be: Section 20 (2) “invalid carriage” means a vehicle, whether mechanically propelled or not, constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of one or two persons, being persons suffering from some physical defect or disability.
Tracy Bennett
I have back pain and am unable to walk far or stand in queues and have used a scooter for some time. My husband had a stroke and his eyesight is affected which prevents him from driving. At the moment I can still drive but for how much longer? A tandem scooter will help us keep as much independence as possible. So please change the law. If using a tandem scooter is illegal why are they available
Timothy Woodman
I am in a situation whereby I have limited stamina due to leukaemia and my partner has severe glaucoma and, as much as we would love to be able to walk to the village around a mile away I simply can’t on some days. A tandem scooter would really be the answer! Why won’t they legalise them is a real mystery, and severely undermines the ability to join in with other people in the community!
Nina
My dad has had a stroke and can’t walk independently or drive, my mum can’t drive or walk long distances and requires a mobility scooter. A tandem scooter would allow my mum to support my dad to socialise out of the house. Instead he is house bound without care staff support, and this affects my mum n dad emotionally.
Shaz
I have been fully disabled since my 20 s with several illness s and have been in a wheelchair since then we changed to an electric one as my husband also became disabled after having a quad bypass I am now trying to cope with the news I will be blind soon and my husband is too ill too walk that alone push me this would have been our only way out of being isolation again but some stupid law has to muck it up but they will let kids hire scooters many of them riding two together
Tina Jane Crossland
Was looking at buying a two seated mobility scooter, mainly so I can take my grandson out with me. After a car accident back in 1992 I have been disabled, and my grandson has difficulty walking, I am 62 and he is 23, and we both love photography, especially transport, if we had a tandem mobility scooter we could go out together more and enjoy being out longer with our cameras, so looked at getting a two seater scooter, then when I started reading all the comments, it seems stupid that you can get a two seater scooter, but won’t be able to use it either on the roads or pavements. I was a taxi driver for 25 years, even though I was disabled, and had to give up as my disability had got worse, now I am losing the sight in one eye, if I could get a two seater scooter, my grandson would be able to drive and we could spend more time doing what we like doing best, taking photographs of transport and anything else that we think would be a good photo.
William Young
if we were still under the influence of French & German laws I am sure tandem mobility scooters would be LEGAL. Come on Rishi WAKE UP.
Lock
Both my husband and myself are unable to walk to the shops and no longer drive A twin scooter would enable us to be more independent No family live nearby
Gary
My wife has bad hips that have been operated on but it’s still difficult for her to walk,I have arthritis in my legs so able to ride the scooter which my wife can’t due to her rheumatoid arthritis in her hands so it’s the ideal solution for us to have this mobility scooter to give us freedom to get around together. Quality of life is important to everyone.
David Coe
As a user of mobility scooter for 14 years due to stroke it would be very useful to be able to tow a trailer for my shopping or leisure equipment. Currently under construction and use regulations this is not permitted. I am aware that many scooter owners ignore these regs.
Thanks
John
Both myself and I are disabled. My wife is not competent enough to use a mobility scooter. Even less able to control an electric wheelchair. I feel that this ban on tandem or dual seat scooters is discriminatory. Seems people can race around on electric bikes and illegal scooters with impunity.
I have just created a tandem scooter and fully intend to use it. At worst you would get a fine Assuming the police would even bother. They dont seem to bother about all the school kids racing round on illegal scooters
Richard Lynas
Having just read all the comments to date, I am amazed that the case for redefining use of mobility scooters for couples in the UK has not long since been pursued by one or other of our caring politicians. Unless there are clear safety issues when mobility scooters are built for two. Such issues do not seem to arise in Spain, just for example.
Athina Kyriakidou
My frail mother will move with me in the UK soon. As much as I would like for her to use one, given her diminished mental abilities alongside her lack of mobility, she would be unable to operate one on her own. We live right next to a park and it would be lovely if I could drive her around, not on the road obviously as there is no protection but in the park so as to get some enjoyment or visit the local shops (we have a tiny high street) without me having to manoeuvre her in and out of my car.
I cannot leave her alone in the house at all so, this could be a lifesaver for both of us.
Maybe we need to start a petition! Sometimes, they do get time in Parliament…
Frederick bowen
Mp are over paid AND USLESS TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS
John R Mander
As my ICD shocked me I am unable to drive for six months. A tandom mobility scooter would be ideal for my wife and I for shopping etc but is not possible due to ridiculous UK laws. Time to change the law I think.
George Perkins
Dear sir or madam
I am 73 my wife 70 we are both disabled but I am the one who looks after my wife 24/7 365 days a year, we have not been away for years even on a short break cannot travel very far I myself do not mind as long as she is ok. We have a disability car at the moment but with everything going up and everything no matter what you want or need we are being RIPPED OFF so to be able to drive a tamden mobility scooter 🛵 would be a life saver for us and everybody else that may need one they are electric there is no pollution from them and that’s what the government want so why don’t they PULL THERE FIGGER OUT OF THERE ASS AND SORT IT OUT IT DOES NOT TAKE A GENIUS TO FIGURE IT OUT, ALL THESE PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE PROBLEMS THAT THEY HAVE SHOULD BE ABLE TO BUY ONE ONE AND GET THEMSELVES OUT AND ABOUT INSTEAD OF WASTING AWAY STUCK IN THE HOUSE WITHOUT EVER GOING OUT TOGETHER, THESE PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT WILL BE VERY OLD ONE DAY NOT THAT THERE NOT OLD NOW THE DIFFERENCE IS THEY CAN AFORD TO PAY FOR WHATEVER THEY WANT.
Sharon Vaissiere
I saw one of these advertised on eBay and thought all my problems were solved. I have a 23 year old son with Severe learning difficulties and autism. At present my husband pushes him around in a Manuel wheelchair but it’s becoming too heavy for my husband. We decided to buy an electric wheelchair which on the first speed is too slow and the 2nd speed is too fast. It’s bulky and hard to manoeuvre keeps banging into shop doorways and has a mind of its own. I can’t take my son out as I can’t manage the wheelchairs because I have a bad back. Seeing this I thought how great this would be for my son and myself yet was horrified to find it’s illegal in the U.K. its Probably because you can’t tax them. Absolutely stupid ruling leaving people desperate and isolate. I bet if the Prime Minuster needed one though the law would be changed.
Marilyn Kick
I think the best thing to do would be to get in touch with Jo Molam, of The Good Law Project, and try to get him behind this. As a lot of people on here have said, it would make the quality of us disabled people so much better. Sadly my husband passed away last year, we had 2 Drive Sportrider 3 wheeled Disabled Scooters, they were great, we kept in touch with each other with our mibile phones, and earphones with mics, but it would have been better with a tandam Disabled Scooter. Also there’s no law that says you HAVE to be disabled to drive one, they could become a cheap easy way to get around, with no air pollution!
Mrs Val Peacock
I would like to see double electric buggies legalised as this would enable my husband and I to maximise our local environment. We are both car drivers although we don’t now own a car having donated it to our grandson and his wife who are both junior doctors working long antisocial hours and often need two cars to travel to and from their hospital.
My husband is 86 and had a spinal operation some 30 years ago which is now causing spine degeneration making walking very painful and difficult, I am now 83 and have osteoarthritis in my hands and feet, operations helped in the past but now I am rapidly loosing what little mobility I have.
We now live in a warden controlled apartment for elderly people and have two attractive parks very near by which we could enjoy if only we had a suitable type of transport we could use, our complex has a dedicated area for storing and charging buggies so if legalisation could happen our lives would be positively improved and inhanced.
Stuart
We are both in our 70s. My wife is wheelchair user following cancer surgery and I now have painful hips. We would really like to access some of the growing number of wheelchair accessible walking footpaths in the countryside but I’m not capable of pushing my wife any distance. I can’t see why there should be a problem with these and as for the pavements infrastructure not being good enough we seem to be able to spend billions on cycle lanes, so just apply the same political will to improving our disabling environments !
Julie
Like many people in the above comments, both my husband and myself are disabled and used to hold driving licences. We were both articulated lorry drivers (C+E) so as professional drivers were particularly aware of the responsibilities towards others when driving. Why is it that the law is such that one week you can be driving a vehicle such as that but the following week (through a disability that meant a revoked licence) are not considered responsible enough to drive a tandem scooter? Most people who have had their licence medically revoked have many years as responsible drivers behind them, but suddenly are no longer considered safe to handle a cabin car (a road legal 2 seater moped with fibreglass surround and extras like reversing cameras etc) with a passenger. The politicians may well be able to afford to pay for chauffeurs but the majority of us cannot. When you live in an area where there are no wheelchair friendly taxis, an inaccessible to disabled train station and buses that are not allowed to have more than 1 electric wheelchair user on board, what choices does it give us? With the introduction of the 20mph speed limit, and pedestrianised town centres, isn’t it about time that this outdated law was changed? It would certainly improve the independence and quality of life of so many people who already have a challenging enough life!
Clare
A tandem mobility scoot would be amazing for my family me, my husband and our daughter all have a disability that makes getting arround hard for us as I cant drive my husband has to do all the driving which isnt good when hes having a bad day and is unable to drive we are stuck at home if tandem scooter become leagal I could help him and do school runs alone that i cant do on a single person scooter as after a long day at school my daughter ends up in to much pain to walk home.
Christine and Bob Moore
I’ve been disabled for 30 years, Now my husband has been diagnosed with PCA, a rare form of Altheimas. It is effecting his eye sight. It’s ok at present but will get worse. When it does he won’t be able to go out at all. A double scooter would be so useful as it would mean I could drive and we could go out together. Surely they could be made legal on roads only if paths are a concern.
Del
I’m all for Tandem scooters being legal in the uk, it’s like our government think only one adult in a household needs one, what if one has sight issues or a couple can’t afford to buy or store two mobility scooters, do they take turns going out or does one wear roller skates and hold onto the back as they couldn’t manage the walk to and from their destination!
My blind father who is also getting unsteady on his feet with other health issues lost his wife in 2021, I stepped in to care for him, but I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia myself so our lives are restricted, but a tandem mobility scooter would open up a whole new life for us both! We could get out in the fresh air more, we’re not far from a seafront but too far from bus stops to achieve getting there to sit on a bench and take in the sea air… we’re also not far from a supermarket, but too far to achieve, despite a shop trolley giving support to walk around inside a store to get groceries…
Having it illegal to use a tandem mobility scooter in the UK is basically telling thousands of people their lives mean nothing and forcing them into living a life in lockdown which we all know comes with other health issues and poor mental health.
barry carleton
Hi, we are both in our 80`s and both have mobility problems, a tandem scooter would be perfect as we would otherwise have to have two machines. I just watched the Electrinis tandem scooter which would be perfect for us.
Cheryl Hall
My husband has a crumbling spine along with hip and knee arthritis (he has had a knee replacement, which is not very successful) He suffers great pain after walking 20-30yards. I have been told not to drive due to having cataracts and also am very unsteady on my feet along with many other health problems. We would need a tandem mobility scooter instead of two single ones which would take up much more space on the pavements or roads. I find it ridiculous that we are unable to have a tandem scooter when both of us suffer with mobility issues.
Irfaan
As my parent gets older they will find it difficult to get around as they don’t drive they heavily rely on public transport or walking. There is also limited storage at there place and would only be able to store 1 scooter I believe a compact tandem scooter would allow them to maintain their independence and be able to continue to do activities together. Otherwise to go out they would need to use taxi which becomes very expensive.
Rachel
I am physically disabled and cannot walk more than a few steps. I am 73 years old
My partner is 80 years old and has been disabled for 20+ years. He recently went blind which has left him housebound. I can take him from a-b in a car but cannot go anywhere when he gets there ie a shopping centre. Being unable to go out together is making life difficult and us unhappy. We are unable to enjoy the life we have left.
Dave Oates
Hi I am 70 and use a wheelchair most of the time when out, my wife who is 54 has now become that ill she can no longer walk anywhere above a few steps because of her illness, she is on oxygen at all times so needs to be in a wheelchair herself but she is unable to control a electric wheelchair or propel herself with the side wheels. So this means we are stuck in our home unless one of our children have the time to come with us.This is not fair on them or us as we would just love to sometime get out by ourselves, so for us a tanddem mobility scooter would be ideal.
Wendy Pearson
My Dad recently had a stroke and three brain bleeds. He can no longer drive and is physically incapable of handling a mobility scooter on his own, we tried and it was a disaster. My sister and I don’t drive but we both take it in turns to be with our dad 24 hours a day 7 days a week and push him everywhere in a wheelchair. We live in a town with awful public transport links and have been looking for alternative transport when we came across tandem mobility scooters. Imagine our disappointment when we read that we wouldn’t be able to purchase one due to the legalities, we are so upset over this. This would have made a wonderful difference in my dads life and both my sister and I. We could have taken him to friends homes, local football, shopping and to our Mum’s resting place, who only passed recently, when dad had his stroke and brain bleeds. We hope the law changes soon and we can change his daily life for the better. Kind regards Wendy Pearson.
James Bond
I find it absolutely ridiculous that Britain will not allow tandem mobility scooters, when other countries allow them. This is taking away the liberties from disabled couples. Why is this country so far behind other countries? Please use a bit of common sense and change the law to enable disabled couples to live fulfilled lives.
Michael Munday
I am an ex long distance Lorry Driver but have had to retire early because I have C.O.P.D. I can still drive but fear the day is near when I will have to surrender my licence, my wife isn’t too good either being 85 with health issues and a two seater scooter will be ideal, when on the road a lot I saw many a daft event like some-one on a push bike on the main road slowing traffic down when there was a cycle lane running alongside the main road, when I shouted at hi to get on the cycle lane I got the two fingered salute, at the chance I got I brought this up in conversation and was told he didn’t have to use the cycle lane just because it was there, I look back now and wonder who the heck is sitting in these offices and making these decisions, I would like to bet they don’t drive and hate motor vehicles, get the law changed quick please and let the elderly and infirm get a bit of their lives back whilst they can, times running out for a lot of us, thanking you in anticipation.
Terence Willis
I have a vascular problems in my legs and cannot walk very far my wife as just been diagnosed with mnd and her health will deteriate so I am looking to the future as it would be difficult for me to push in a wheelchair I thought a tandem mobility scooter would be the ideal option. I can’t understand why the government can’t see this.
M
In my parents’ situation my mum has alot of arthritis and very limited mobility but is also now almost blind and so cant drive her own electric wheel chair or mobility scooter. My Dad has just had a heart attack and can no longer walk far himself nor push his wife in a wheel chair. He is also no longer allowed to drive. So if he wants to go out with his wife he can only do so in a tandem mobility scooter. It seems that the government is discriminating against disabled couples.