A large range of mobility scooters are road legal and can be driven on the road in the UK as long as they are registered with the DVLA and have met strict restrictions outlined by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
A road-legal mobility scooter or most commonly known as a Class 3 scooter (Class 3 invalid carriages) must meet strict requirements as outlined below.
- Maximum weight capacity of 150kg (330lb)
- Maximum width of 0.85 meters
- An overall speed limit of up to 8mph
- A device that would restrict the overall speed to 4mph
- An efficient braking system
- Clear front, red & side reflectors
- A clear audible horn
- Rear mirrors
Failing to complete with the above features could result in you being stopped by the county Police and a fine being issued. If your mobility scooter has any of the above features or you wish to ride it on the road even down to the local shop you must register it with the DVLA. In doing so you’ll also be required to complete the following.
- Tax
- A tax disc will be required and must be displayed on your mobility scooter at all times. To do this you can complete a V55/4 form for a new vehicle, or V55/5 for a used vehicle. These forms can be obtained from the DVLA.
- Vehicle Registration
- You’ll need to complete a vehicle registration form which can only be posted back to the DVLA and not submitted online.
DVLA Address: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BE. You will need to include evidence of the vehicle's age.
There is no requirement in the UK currently to undertake any sort of additional training or driving test to be able to ride a mobility scooter on the road. All class 3 mobility drivers however must ensure they follow the highway code which includes.
- Observing road signs and traffic lights and the overall conditions of the roads
- Using the scooter's lights, directional indicators and horn when required.
- Taking other road users and pedestrians into consideration when maneuvering and adhering to things such as pedestrian crossings
- Generally, you should try and use your scooter on the pavement where at all possible
If you do plan to use the larger mobility scooters on the payments and pedestrian areas, follow the rules that other pavement users follow and be courteous to other pedestrians.
Depending on how far you’ll be planning on going in your mobility scooter it will be important to ensure you have the correct equipment fitted such as a horn that can alert users of your presence.
Ensure you’re being particularly vigilant of those with sight/hearing impairments, elderly or disabled people. They may not be aware you are there and therefore may not move out of your way.
A class3 mobility scooter (class 3 invalid carriage) is prohibited from travelling in the following:
- Bus lanes
- ‘Cycle only’ lanes.
- Motorways
- Dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph (80kph).
All standard parking restrictions apply to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs which you’ll need to adhere to, however, some county councils have specific rules and regulations in place for mobility scooter users.
Your mobility scooter, however, should never be left unattended in a pedestrian area or on a footpath if it gets in the way of other pedestrians, including wheelchair users and people with prams or pushchairs.
You as the owner must ensure your mobility scooter is maintained and kept in a roadworthy condition and is serviced regularly to keep elements such as brakes and batteries in a good condition.
Insurance, whilst not required by law, is highly recommended to cover any potential costs which might be incurred if you have an accident in your mobility scooter.
The specific requirements for using a mobility scooter are as follows;
- You must be over the age of 14.
- You have difficulty walking because of injury, physical impairment or a medical condition.
- Those demonstrating the vehicle before a sale, training an impaired user or taking the device to or from maintenance or repair are also allowed to use them.
The Aspire2 showrooms have a wide range of mobility scooters available which our specialist team would be happy to show you around, including discussing how you can go through the process of registering your mobility scooter with the DVLA.
Common Questions:
Do I need to register my mobility scooter with the DVLA?
If your mobility scooter falls within the “Class 3” criteria you will be required to register your scooter with the DVLA. Aspire2 Mobility can help you register your scooter and ensure you legally meet all the requirements needed to become roadworthy.
Is it illegal to drive a mobility scooter on the road?
it is not illegal to drive a mobility scooter on the road if you have met the requirements outlined within this post, and you have informed the DVLA you plan to ride your scooter on the road.
Do you need number plates on a mobility scooter?
Upon registering your mobility scooter with the DVLA, you will be provided with a registration number. However, you are not required by law to display your number plate on your scooter.
What is the speed limit for a mobility scooter?
For your mobility scooter to remain road legal it must not be able to exceed 4mph (6 km/h) and to be able to register your scooter with the DVLA you’ll have to prove you have the correct restrictions in place.
Speak to an expert
The Aspire2 mobility team are always on hand to answer any potential questions you might have, and we’re always happy to give you advice and help on the best mobility scooter to match your requirements alongside choosing the right accessories to aid in any journeys you potentially might be taking.
