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.
We wrote to the Department for Transport to ask why and this is what they said:
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.
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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.
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John Ryder
Tandem Scooters should be allowed for couples where one or both have a disability that requires a scooter, and where one cannot drive one. It would be a lifeline for many.
Chris Joy
I have a very large 1 person mobility scooter, hardley any diferent to a 2 seated.
When you go to holiday you can hire a 3/4 seated bike to go on the roads, no logic!!
Emma McSweeney
A tandem mobility scooter would be life changing for me. I’m 43, when I was 40 I had a stroke that left me partially paralysed and also left me blind. Because I’m blind, I can’t drive a scooter safely. My husband does push me in a wheelchair when we go out but it’s really starting to affect his health too, constantly huffing my weight around. I’ve stopped leaving the house because of how difficult it has become for my husband. A mobility scooter we could use together would give us so much freedom. We never go anywhere together anymore.
B. Hill
My elderly parents for years holidayed in the Canaries, where my Mum could happily and legally drive my Dad – who could not walk any distance – around on a two seater. They loved it and it has kept them young and independent for a decade longer than I’d have predicted. Every time they came back they were sad and complained that they could not do the same in the UK. It’s a profoundly silly, outdated law that is I suspect the result of various industries lobbying to keep things as they want them to be – as is the prohibition on the able-bodied using them, since at a time of increasing city-centre pedestrianisation they could play a major part in reducing road danger and cutting emissions. I have already broached this with other groups and am up for helping to build a coalition to get it changed (i.e. harmonised with more sensible countries).
John Bamford
I have balance difficulty and my wife has blackouts.I am giving up driving this November and a tandem scooter be a great way for us to keep our mobility.
Martin Balmond
I run a seaside mobility shop, and I strongly believe there is a requirement for 2 seat mobility vehicles when a couple have varying degrees of mobility and wish to go out together. I am often asked to sell or hire such vehicles, and , although I can purchase them, they are illegal in the uk. I have seen them hired in Lanzarote with no major problems. Martin, Lymebay Mobility SEATON, Devon
Lorraine Gilbert
I would like to see thid law changed! Part of a disability is psychological as well as physical.It would make things much better for people if they could have someone with them.Its rather ridiculous the partner has ro walk beside them or meet them at the destination also having a back seat is useful for pets , shopping etc. I personally feel safer with someone else as I’m in a city and I can’t run away if something happens.It feels predudice this law is not changed.There are tandem bikes aloud.why are the disabled governed by a 1970s law? I would like this law changed.
Peter Kinnear
Surely not a large amount of work to amend the Act to include tandems; all other particulars re speed, construction, etc., are the same.
Case of reminding certain folk in the government departments that they are there to serve us, the public?
What’s the phrase I’m looking for?… Oh, yes–‘It’s a no-brainer, surely?’
Pat Richardson
It would be great for a couple as they cant meep up with the one on the scooter
But, might as well join, mobility scooter, kids on scooter families on bikes, youth and grown ups on fast electric bikes, vehicles on pavenents.
And I have to walk in the road, why they all pass,
I was nearly knocked down by a mobility scooter never heard it behing me, it did slightly bumped me, and I was shouted at for not watching where I was going on the pavement.
I feel sorry and get upset for people with bli d dogs and blind people.
I think.it should be stopped.
Seems to.me as everything has took over the pavements except the predestrians, what pavements were made for.
But I dont see anybody tryi g to get it stopped, Goverments wont build proper cycle routes, when they have pavements to do it for them
Disgusted
Marie Barber
I read your comments and whilst most of them are positive the section about being nearly knocked down from behind is because they are electric and silent and very soon all the vehicles will be electric and silent and much much bigger than a mobility scooter and will be travelling a lot faster so please be aware of this. I own a Hybrid and when I back out of my garage and cross the pavement to the road the vehicle is completely silent with no beep beep beep like a scooter so please take extra care when out and about walking as far as I am concerned the disabled are being discriminated against for not being allowed to drive dual/twin scooter’s fortunately you can still walk about they are unable to do so.
chris king
double seat should be aloud for a disabled person and carer etc its not breaking any other rules, its still a mobility sxooter
invalid well that shows how old that law is and invalid is not acceptable very offense,
to any persons who want votes help the disabled
David Coe
This would be very usefull to me as my Wife is also disabled and unable to cope with a mobility scooter on her own. At the moment we are housebound, it would enable me to take her out and give us some of our life back.
Also it would be very usefull for mobility scooters to be able to legally tow trailers. I could then tow my wife in her wheelchair without the need for a dual seat scooter.
Sandy McQueen
A tandem mobility scooter would be very beneficial. I cannot walk far at all. But I also struggle to drive any distance on a mobility scooter because of carpul tunnel and neck problems. It would be very beneficial to have a seat for a carer who could take over the driving. Carers generally will not walk with a moblity scooter for more than a mile in total as they have so many people to attend to in one day – so these issues restrict me to within half a mile of home. 🙁 Such a shame when there is a 3 miles of joined-up parks at the end of my street which are mobility scooter accessible.
Roberto
Having spent many winters in Tenerife and hired a twin mobility scooter whilst there, it is most exasperating when I arrive home and have to get my car taxed and insured just to be able to go shopping with my wife instead of ( Cleanly ) going to the shops with an electric twin mobility scooter. By the way the answer you got from the department of transport is word for word the same one I got when I asked my local MP to raise the question with the appropriate authorities. We are being fobbed off. All of Europe apart from us allow Tandem scooters.
Brian and Chris
My wife and I are in our mid to late 70’s and have held Driving Licences since the year dot, I held a HGV class 1 for 45 odd years.
We now find walking any distance difficult, so bought a Mobility Scooter to share. (one on the Scooter and the other one ‘Hobbling’ alongside).
A tandem Mobility Scooter would suit us perfectly, as my wife doesn’t enjoy driving our one.
I only found out today (18/08/2022) that they were illegal in the UK. (Whilst looking to buy one)
There must be a quick and easy way for this ludicrous situation to be resolved.
The problem here is, that the people with the power to alter the law, are not (Lucky them !!) in our situation.
Marie Barber
I agree with you whole heartedly, I have a full driving licence which covers me to drive a vehicle up to 70 miles an hour and take up to 16 passengers (if a minibus) but I cannot drive my disabled husband who has Alzheimer’s Dementia/Lewy Body Dementia/Parkinson’s 4 miles an hour on a pavement on a dual/twin scooter.
Allan barnes
Couldn’t agree more, I too can drive a wide range of vehicles but have to push my wife in a wheelchair because of her eyesight. Saw these being used in Spain on a recent visit. Shame they can’t be used over here, especially as the ones I have looked up are within the classification on the government website.
E.Redfern
My wife ‘has Austin arteritis in both legs and needs to be transported even short distances. Due to a problem with a blocked nerve in my back I have had to give up the car.Hence the need for a two seater mobile scooter as my wife has never driven a vehicle.
William lingard
It is just a matter of being able to prove you can handle the tandom mobilaty scooter like a mini road test. GOOD LUCK.
P Downes
Both my wife and i are disabled so a tandum mobility scooter would make life so much easier. DVLA please help the disabled by allowing tandum mobility scooters.
dawn davies
My partner has Allzheimers and cannot be left home alone so I am unable to go out without him
Umm Miriam
Both my husband and I are disabled, so using a tandem scooter makes sense. Also, if I go out with my 9 year old, asking her to walk maybe up to 10-15 miles by the side of me would not be practical – but to be able to have her safely behind me when she is tired makes sense for both of us and extends the pleasure we can get in enjoying time out together, which other able bodied people take for granted!
Linda
My mum is frail, and can only walk a short distance, but she is still very independent. She couldn’t manage to get on and off, or drive a scooter by herself. A tandem mobility scooter would enable me to drive with her, out to the local park. Gutted to discover they aren’t allowed!
Kay
My grandparents one being visually impaired and the other copd and cannot walk long distances due to breathing difficulties, one is able to get out on a mobility scooter whilst the other is confined to 4 walls unless a family member takes them out. Not only have they lost their confidence losing their sight they have lost their independence and freedom when something like a tandem mobility scooter could provide them with so much more freedom and quality of life.
Paul Charman
I use a mobility scooter. My wife has dementia and uses a wheelchair. We cannot go out together unless I push her and I can only manage very short distances.
A tandem mobility scooter would solve our problem.
Jackie Taylor
Tandem mobility scooters should be allowed on the road as preventing this would fall under disability discrimination. Bikes and scooters are able to carry passengers at a much greater speed. The whole system desperately needs updating as the term” invalid carriage” is antiquated and offensive.
Pushbikes can tow trailers for children and pets and tandem bicycles are lawful. Let’s get disability scooter laws into the 21st century. Ride on!!!
Jenny Tunstill
My brotherinlaw is severely disabled and has to use a mobility scooter he also has 2 grandchildren that he adors and they love staying with him at weekends but due to one of his grandchildren ages 11 yrs he can never go out and about with him so a double tandem woukd be very useful for him these shoukd be allowed in the uk for old people like husbands and wife’s who love to get out and about also for situations like my brother inlaw the law needs changing fast.by not allowing the double seated tandems disabled people are suffering in there right to be allowed to get out and about with partners are family
ConnieD
Tandem bicycles are legal so why not a tandem mobility scooter? I can’t walk very far due to asthma, COPD, Emphysema and various forms of arthritis and with my husband being a cardiac patient and suffering with diabetes and chronic kidney failure, neither can he but I could steer and manouvre a tandem so we can continue to go out together. Why should we be penalised when cyclists can cycle 2 astride or on a tandem bike?
Helen & Stephen
My husband is disabled, I drive everywhere, but this would give him independence but allow me to be with him if he gets tired or increased pain. I can’t walk fast after treatment so this would stop me restricting his activities. Such as shame we are so far behind other countries. Pls chane the rules
Alan
I’m a double amputee my is blind I need a tandem to get about I’m go to take this up with newspapers and new programs on TV so if you see this happen ps back me looking forward to hearing from you soon
Marie Barber
I am writing to our local councillor about the very same issue with elections looming thought it would be a very good time to do so. I suggest everyone who feels the same that the disabled are being discriminated against get in touch with your local councillor and together we can get this outdated Claus changed at the Department of Transport. I had an email from them explaining why we were not allowed to use one in the UK last year and it ended they had no intention of changing this fact. Please don’t put it off let’s all pull together and get as many on board as we can and make ourselves heard for ourselves and our loved ones.
Alan
This would gave back are independent need to get this out there
Gill Speed
My parents lost their independence after their car was stolen . My dad’s mobility is not good so he would like a scooter . My mum is frail and does not have the confidence to ride a scooter alone so a tandem would give them both back their independence. It would make the absolute world of difference to them
Martin white
I have mobility problems and a heart condition, my wife has altzhimers and mobility problems, icant go out on my scooter as I can’t leave her alone. A tandem scooter would solve a lot of my worries and allow us to go out together.
Naiomi Leonard
I Cant believe two seater mobility vehicles are illegal, and their ‘explanation’ offers no justification for such an utterly inconvenient and life altering rule. I am not elderly, I am one of many mum’s with a genetic condition (hEDS) that I unfortunately passed to my daughter. She is too young to be in controle of her own EV (i believe the legal age is 11, but tbh the roads are so busy I would prefer to drive her until she’s even older)…If we were to go out I have to have her on my knee (very painful for me), she needs her own seat for safety and practicality. We are a family with mobility issues, this rule massively affects our personal independence and is basically a massive pain. How am I to manage the school run without a car?
Naiomi Leonard
I’m going to get a two seater and ignore the rule. I dont think its right so i refuse to abide by it. The mobility of my disabled family is more important. I dont believe a person in their right mind would disagree.
Gordon & Sylvia Higginbottom
My wife and I are OAPs and both have difficulty in getting around.I haVe a Blue badge but my wife doesn’t.We lived in Spain for 13yrs and were able to go shopping together on our tandem mobility scooter.
Having returned to UK I find we cannot do that now as the scooter is illegal. So now I have a mobility Scooter and my wife has to stay at home as she is unable to walk very well and a disability prevents her driving a 2nd scooter. Ironically they are sold in our mobility shop!!
Surely a well maintained tandem scooter fully insured …even taxed…should be allowed in the uk
Graham Pritchard
My wife (81) cannot drive and is a diabetic plus has a pacemaker. She also suffers from chronic arthritis.
Myself(80) is a driver, at present, but have restricted myself to emergency, short distance journeys due to losing confidence.
It would be an ideal solution to have a 2 seater mobility scooter because of the quality of life issue.
Janet
My husband is severely disabled and as his carer with severe arthritis, a tandem mobility scooter would be a godsend.
George Kilshaw
My wife has dementia, macular degeneration in both eyes and severe arthritis affecting both legs. As a result she cannot see clearly or walk any distance and obviously cannot be left on her own at any time. A dual mobility scooter would make a tremendous difference to us both because we could go out together without the need for a car. This legislation is discriminatory against couples in our position and clearly needs changing – and soon.
HOWARD BLAKE
TO START AT THE BEGINING MY WIFE HAD A STROKE BACK IN 2018 AND WAS LEFT SEMI PARALYSED DOWN HER LEFT SIDE THEREFORE SHE FINDS IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET AROUND, SHE OBVIOUSLY HAS A BLUE BADGE. i HAVE MULTI MEDICAL ISSUES AND I ALSO HAVE A BLUE BADGE. AS THINS STAND AT THE MOMENT MY WIFE HAS TO USE AN HELP GROUP CALLED “THE LINK” WHICH IS USEFUL BUT AT A COST. I MYSELF HAVE HAD MY LICENSE REVOKED BY DVLA ON MEDICAL GROUNDS SO I HAVE HAD TO RESORT TO PURCHASING A MOBILITY SCOOTER TO GET AROUND. THIS IS NOT IDEAL AS IT MANS WHILST I CAN GET AROUND I CANNOT TAKE MY WIFE WITH ME TO SHOPS, DOCTORS SURGERY ETC. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR TAXIS BUT IF THE BUS STOPS TOO FAR FROM WHERE WE WANT TO GO THAT IDEA IS A NO NO AND AS FOR USING TAXIS WELL WE ARE BOT PENSIONERS AND THE PRESENT COST OF LIVING RULES THAT OPTION OUT, WHY CAN CYCLISTS USE A TANDEM YET WE DISABLED SCOOTERS CANNOT CARRY A PASSENGER????. THIS LAW NEED ADDRESSING A.S.A.P.
Richard Lynas
I have just discovered that the type of two- seater mobility scooter that was such a boon to my wife and I when we were holidaying in Spain is illegal in the UK, unless it is the road type that requires a licence. A friend assured me about the illegality issue when I mentioned buying a two- seater – and I actually thought he was joking
In our advancing years, and with increasing walking difficulties, we have sadly decided that our days of continental travel are over. I was stunned to discover that my friend was serious about the illegality issue. There we were, thinking of hiring a two- seater scooter in Jersey come September so that we could sample the delights of a range of beaches, bars and restaurants. But sadly, no chance. The justification for the illegality seems ridiculous to me- based as it seems to be on a very narrow definition of who should be allowed to describe themselves as disabled and be in charge of a vehicle for disabled folk, rather than any serious concerns about the safety of such two- seaters in principle. Folk from abroad must be scratching their heads at such a ban. Surely it is time to review the illegality issue- with safely designed two seater scooters being every bit as acceptable in the UK as abroad.
Roger Stanley
As well as mobility problems, my wife suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and had a number of accidents whilst attempting to drive a mobility scooter. The solution is a two seater scooter which allows us to get around. Without it, we would both be housebound.
Jacqueline Webbe
I was bitterly disappointed to find out we can not use our tandom mobility scooter here in the uk. I am a carer for my sister who has down syndrome. Unfortunately, her disability really affects her mobility and this would have given her the support to be more independent. My mother is also disabled and doesn’t have the confidence to go alone, therefore her independence is really limited. If we could use a tandom this would improve the the quality of life for both my sister and mother. I’d be the one driving so they would both be cared for.
A & A Booth
I cannot understand as to why a twin scooter should not be allowed to be used. I bought one for me as a disabled woman with a husband that’s got dementia. We used to be able to go out together even if it wasn’t far it was like winning the lottery when we got it. I am a wheel chair user and as mentioned hubby has dementia but as soon as he used to sit on there it would light up his world. He was a different person. My son made him a seat belt that he couldn’t get off so we were all set. Until one day we were coming back home and there was barriers all around the pavement meaning I had to go on the road. Carried on a little further to then be pulled over by the police who told us were braking the law. I was like ok who set us up this is my son thats done it, but it wasn’t we were allowed home with what I would guess a caution. My problem now is the fact we’re stuck in the house. I can’t walk I need a chair. My hubby won’t walk with me he wanders away from me then I can’t get him back. Omg it’s like something of a carry on film.
My husband has really been withdrawn since we can no longer get out together.
Do these people who make these laws actually live in the real world. They owt to be made to live our way of life for a week see how they get on then maybe they would realise just how hard day to day living is.
Both our moods are really low I can’t get out or even get to do my shopping and neither can hubby. We have been made to be under house arrest because of the stupid laws that somebody who clearly has no disabilities can truly go through the thing we have to do daily. I could see there been an issue if people were just buying them for the kids to play on and abusing it, but why should we all have to suffer. I really hope that they read these messages and really see how many people’s life’s have been effected and not for the better.
Donald poole
After reading all above and made inquiries about tandem mobility scooters for my partner and myself
I am fully capable of controlling said machine as previously my vehicles were tanks 50ton plus HGV,s buses motor cycles and cars, then look on the rds and even none road mobility scooters are all over the roads pavements and you can tell some uses have never rode a pushbike, and I never see police doing any thing to them /also what about push bike should not be rode on pavement no police there.ucan buy tandem electric bike that can do well over 30mph no police there, SO IF ONE PERSON IS PREPARED TO CHANCE IT WHAT CAN THE POLICE DO in court plenty of law breakers on the rds
Including the electric scoots that break every rule in Highway Code no police there ,there is a tandem mobility scooter that will travel at 25mph and that speed is legal on rds Just another 15 mph and that is legal on MOTORWAYS . P- – – -d off tax payer who pays to keep all gutless MP in over payed positions.
Melanie McCarthy
My parents wish to remain independent but my Mum has dementia and can no longer manage a mobility scooter on her own and the distance to the shops is becoming challenging. If my Dad was able to drive her, they could continue living independently and could get to their village for shopping, the doctor, the post office and the local cafe. All these services are also good for my Mum’s socialisation.
Without it, they’re dependent on these services either coming to them or provided remotely. Ultimately, it becomes another drain on society as well as a frightful shame.