Mobility Scooters and the Law

Most mobility scooters are not required to be taxed or insured, but they are subject to various rules and regulations. Use our quick guide to brush up on mobility scooters and the law.

Different types of mobility scooter

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. You must be 14 or over to drive a class 3 mobility scooter.

Class 3 mobility scooters need to be registered with the DVLA. To register a class 3 mobility scooter, complete form V55/4 for new vehicles, or V55/5 for used vehicles. You are not permitted to use bus lanes, cycle lanes or motorways.

The law requires that class 3 mobility scooters have the following features. You risk legal penalties if your mobility scooter doesn’t conform to the following:

  • maximum weight of 150kg (without you on it)
  • maximum width of 85cm
  • a speed setting for 4mph (for use on pavements)
  • maximum speed of 8mph
  • brakes that work
  • front and rear lights
  • indicators
  • hazard lights
  • a horn
  • a rear view mirror
  • an amber flashing (if used on a dual carriageway)

A mobility scooter is considered “not in class” if it can travel faster than 8mph, is wider than 85cm, or weighs more than 150kg (200kg if you need equipment attached to it – for example, medical equipment). If yours is not in class, it must be used on the road only, you’ll need to register it with DVLA and hold a valid driving licence. Insurance isn’t required for class 2 or class 3 scooters, but if your not-in-class scooter’s unladen weight exceeds 254kg (excluding any attached equipment), insurance is compulsory.

If you cause a crash while driving a mobility scooter that’s not in a class, you can be given the same penalty as if you were driving a car. You can go to prison, get a driving ban or an unlimited fine.

Who is allowed to use a mobility scooter?

You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if you have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition.

Road tax (vehicle excise duty)

You don’t have to pay road tax for any mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you still have to register class 3 mobility scooters with the DVLA.

Insurance for mobility scooters

It’s not a legal requirement to have insurance for a Class 2 or Class 3 mobility scooter, but you might find yourself liable in the event of a collision so it is recommended. Fully comprehensive mobility scooter insurance from the ETA offers peace of mind and excellent value for money.

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 sustained to others, or their property, caused whilst using your mobility scooter or powered chair, all policies also include personal accident cover up to £20,000.

Mobility scooter breakdown cover

You can buy breakdown cover for a mobility scooter in the same way as you can for a car. If you break down, or your battery runs flat while you are out and about, the ETA will send a suitable recovery vehicle to come to your aid. Our rescue teams are available 24/7, 365 days a year, so no matter where you breakdown in Britain, you can rest assured that help is at hand. We’ll arrange to get you and your mobility scooter home, or to a specialist repair shop the same day. Get a quote