Know Your Classes Of Scooter And Electric Wheelchairs – Did you know, there are classes that your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair can fall into? Based on these classes, the law states where you can use your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair. Did you also know there is a “not in class” category? This category is probably the toughest for any user out there. I tell you what these classes are and what they mean for you as a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair user.
Classes of vehicles
There are two classes (class 2 & 3) and one “not in class” category:
Classes 2 and 3
- Your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter will fall into class 2 if it has a maximum speed of 4mph or less.
- Your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter will fall into class 2 if it has a maximum speed of 8mph
Class 2 & 3 vehicles can be used on pavements, pedestrian areas and cycle tracks.
Note: Cycle tracks are different from cycle lanes. Cycle tracks are separated from the road by barriers or distance. Cycle lanes are painted on the road and run alongside where usual road traffic (like cars) go.
Classes 2 & 3 cannot be used on cycle lanes. – Only ‘class 2’ and ‘class 3’ mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can go on pavements and other pedestrian areas.
Rules For Driving And Parking On Pavements, Footpaths And Bridleways
The maximum speed is 4mph. You must make way for other people using the pavement and drive considerately.
All normal parking restrictions apply to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.
Your vehicle should not be left on the pavement or pedestrian area on its own if it gets in the way of other pedestrians. This includes other wheelchair users and people with prams or pushchairs.
Class 3 vehicles (mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs) can be used on the road. To do this, you must register your vehicle with the DVLA.
You cannot use a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair in pedestrian areas if it’s not in a class.
Not In Class
Your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter will fall into the “not in class” category if:
- If it can go more than 8mph
- It’s wider than 0.85 metres
- The weight is more than 150kg (or 200kg if you need any equipment attached to it – for example, medical equipment)
These vehicles can only be used on the road.
You cannot use it on:
- Pavements or any other pedestrian areas
- Cycle tracks or cycle lanes
You need to:
- Get a valid driving licence to drive one
- Register your vehicle with DVLA
Eyesight requirements
The eyesight requirements for using a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair depend on the “class” it is in.
You should be able to read a car’s registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 feet).
If your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair is not in a class
You must be able to read a car’s registration number from a distance of 20 metres (65.5 feet).
You must check that you can still do this regularly.
You’ll need to be able to read a car’s registration number from 20.5 metres (67.3 feet) if it’s an old-style number plate from before 2001.
Vehicle tax, registration and insurance
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs in “class 3 or not in a class” must be registered with DVLA.
You do not need to pay vehicle tax if your vehicle is registered with DVLA as a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair.
You may also need to insure your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, depending on its weight.
Registering a new mobility scooter or powered wheelchair
When purchasing, the dealer will usually register a brand new mobility scooter or powered wheelchair for you.
If the dealer will not do it, you can register the vehicle yourself by filling in form V55/MV.
You’ll get a new vehicle log book (V5C) in the post within 4 weeks of the sale.
Registering a used mobility scooter or powered wheelchair
A used mobility scooter or powered wheelchair should already be registered when you buy it.
Check whether it’s registered by either:
- asking the seller
- using the DVLA vehicle enquiry service
If it’s not registered, you can register the vehicle yourself by filling in form V55/MV.
You’ll get a new vehicle log book (V5C) in the post within 6 weeks of the sale.
Insurance
You do not need insurance for a class 2 or class 3 mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, although it’s recommended.
You must insure your vehicle if it’s not in a class because its total weight is heavier than 254kg. The total weight does not include any equipment attached.
Warning
If you cause an accident while driving a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair 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 get an unlimited fine.
Source: Gov.uk
If you like my blogs and want to work with me, please contact me.