can travel up to 8 mph and are allowed on to the roads. This means that they tend to be larger than Class 2 scooters.
The user doesn’t need a licence to drive one on the road but, all the same, they must respect the highway code.
Class 3 scooters need to be fitted with lights, indicators, a horn, a rear view mirror and rear reflectors.
Although they do not need to carry numberplates and no road tax is payable, they should be registered with DVLA(external link to Government website will open in a new browser window).
If you buy a second hand mobility scooter, registration is a bit tricky, as it uses the same form as for registering a motor vehicle…
@ManjiB , I looked at the DVLA website. After a brief browse, I see no evidence of registering a mobility scooter. If your not sure, it’s best to contact them directly by phone. Sometimes information on various official government websites aren’t always reliable.
I should hope, if you buy new, that the shop will advise you on this too. It was certainly something that was mentioned to me when i bought mine even though mine doesn’t need to be registered.
Most mobility scooter manuals will tell you this, but a general rule of thumb is, if your scooter can go to a maximum 8mph, then you can use it on the road and it needs to be registered. If it only does 4mph then it is classed as a pavement scooter and must not be driven on a road (except for in certain circumstances)
@MinnieB , cheers for clearing that up. I wasn’t sure myself even though I don’t have a mobility scooter. But, I know people who have them. I’ll let them know when I see them next.
There are other rules and things relating to use of mobility scooters which you would be well advised to brush up on if you want to stay safe and legal. For example, did you know, pedestrians have right of way (as always when it comes to road use)
@ManjiB , yep I’ve read her thread. Even I’m enlightened. I’ll read up on it properly when I get chance. I’m still sorting out my mum’s cremation. Your right on pedestrians having right of way. I wish some of the people who have these scooters near where I live would be made aware. Not to long ago, an eejit on one of those scooters drove over my foot!. I’m just glad it’s not broken.
There’s a couple in my neighbourhood and one of them aggressively waves his walking stick whilst riding his mobility scooter on footpath at high speeds trying to get pedestrians to make way for him. Until now I have put it down to ignorance or even self pity and anger - blaming the world for their troubles, but there may come a time when I might have to politely say to him he does not own the pavement and nor does he have right of way!
It might sound horrible for me to say this as a non-stroke affected person, but I don’t believe having a stroke suddenly makes you entitled. The fact you are riding a mobility scooter suggests you know what you are doing but you have forgotten good manners and social etiquette.
