Mobility scooter casualties are rising; Why are they overlooked?

Mobility scooters are supposed to offer freedom, independence, and a lifeline to those who need them. But as fatal collisions involving mobility scooter users nearly doubled in 2023, why is so little being done to keep them safe?

Department for Transport (DfT) figures show that 16 mobility scooter users were killed and 80 seriously injured in 2023, up from nine fatalities and 64 serious injuries the previous year. While most other road user groups saw casualty rates level off or decline, mobility scooter users - one of the most vulnerable groups - are seeing an increase.

Despite this, they remain entirely absent from the Highway Code’s 2022 update, which introduced a hierarchy of road users that places greater responsibility on those who can cause the most harm. While pedestrians and cyclists are included, mobility scooter users - who are often forced to navigate inadequate infrastructure - are nowhere to be seen.

Then there’s the baffling ban on tandem mobility scooters. These models, which are simply a longer version of the standard scooter with an extra seat, could be a game-changer for couples where one partner is unable to operate a scooter alone. But under a law dating back to 1970, mobility scooters are legally defined as “for the carriage of one person,” and the Department for Transport has no plans to change this. Given the well-documented loneliness crisis among older people, allowing tandem scooters would seem like an obvious win.

As a mobility scooter insurance provider ETA is calling for a rethink of this outdated law and gathering case studies from those who would benefit from a change. Because when we talk about road danger reduction and independent mobility, it’s time we started including everyone.

Mobility scooter insurance

ETA offers a fully-comprehensive policy with no hidden costs; one upfront price includes breakdown cover, puncture costs and theft protection for only £65 per year*

       
• Theft and Damage
       
• Personal Accident up to £20,000
       
• Personal liability up to £2m
       
• Breakdown Cover for you and your mobility scooter (including home rescue)
       
• Replacement scooter hire up to £250
       
• Hospital Benefit up to £250 (no daily limit)
       
• New for old - however old your scooter
       
• Personal Effects up to £250
       
• Puncture cover up to £100

* based on a scooter worth £3,500 or less.You can insure your scooter for £3,500, £5,000. £7,500 or even £10,000. Mobility scooter insurance from the ETA is great value at £65 per year for a scooter or powered wheelchair worth up to £3,500. And you can buy the same policy to cover two people at the same address for a total price of only £90 per year - a 30 per cent saving.

Find out more about ETA mobility scooter insurance here or if you prefer to talk to one of our friendly advisers, call 0333 000 1234.

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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover  and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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