Using mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
Overview
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are single-seat vehicles with a battery. They’re designed to help if you have trouble walking.
Who can use mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs
You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if one of the following applies:
- you have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition
- you’re taking the vehicle to or from maintenance or repair
- you’re the manufacturer testing the vehicle
- you’re demonstrating the vehicle before it’s sold
- you’re training a disabled user
If none of these applies to you and you have an accident, you may be given the same penalty as if you were driving a car. You can go to prison, get a driving ban or get an unlimited fine.
Before you drive
Before you drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, check what class it is.
The class of your vehicle will affect:
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whether you can drive on the road or on pavements and other pedestrian areas
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if you need to insure or register your vehicle