Using mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
Driving on the road
To drive on the road, your vehicle must be a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter in ‘class 3’ or not in a class.
It must have:
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a maximum speed of at least 8mph
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an efficient braking system
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a clear view of the road and traffic ahead
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front and rear lights and reflectors
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direction indicators that can be used as a hazard warning signal
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a rear view mirror
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an audible horn
If your powered wheelchair or mobility scooter is not in a class, you must also have a driving licence.
You could be stopped by the police if your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair does not have these features.
If your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair’s maximum speed is over 15mph
Your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair must have:
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two dipped beam headlamps - if its maximum speed is more than 15mph
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a speedometer - if its maximum speed is more than 25mph
Rules for driving on the road
You must follow The Highway Code when using your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair on the road.
You cannot drive:
- in bus lanes
- on motorways
- in cycle lanes
Cycle lanes and cycle tracks
Cycle lanes are different from cycle tracks.
Cycle lanes are painted on the road and run alongside where usual road traffic (like cars) go. You cannot drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair in cycle lanes.
Cycle tracks are separated from the road by barriers or distance. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs in class 2 and 3 can be driven on cycle tracks.
Dual carriageways
You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair on a dual carriageway. Avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph.