Highway Code Rules for Mobility Scooters
Being a former driving instructor, I am always keen to stay up to date with the latest rules of the road as well as the driving test. When the time comes, I would like to be able to teach Grace and Rex to drive and make sure that they are as safe as possible and know what rules they should follow.
Did you know that cars and cyclists are not the only road-users covered in the Highway Code? As well as horses and pedestrians, there are also rules for mobility scooters. I have to admit that I do get a little frustrated with them but, so long as they are doing what they should be, then there really is no reason to.
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Different classes of mobility scooters
Did you know that there are different classes of mobility scooters? The first is manual and is known as a Class 1 invalid carriage. Then there are Class 2 which have an upper speed limit of 4mph and are designed for pavements, then there are Class 3 with an upper limit of 8mph designed for use on both the road and the pavement.
Did you know?
Did you know that mobility scooters come in all shapes and sizes. You can even get a foldable mobility scooter for your grandparents or anyone else who needs one. This means that you can travel long distances and they still have the ability to get around when you arrive.
Rules for the pavement
It goes without saying that pedestrians have right of way on the pavement and it is particularly important that people on mobility scooters give way to them – especially the more vulnerable pedestrians such as children and those with disabilities.
When you move from the pavement to the road, it is best to find a dropped kerb. It is hard enough to do it with a pushchair so I have no doubt you would take quite a bump on a scooter.
Rules for the road
Always be careful when travelling on the road. You are likely to be going much slower than the majority of the traffic.
Class 3 scooters should always travel in the same direction as the traffic when they are on the road. Class 2 should always travel on the pavement when they are available. If there isn’t a pavement then Class 2 scooters, should – where possible – travel in the same direction as the other traffic.
It is a legal requirement that the same rules for other vehicles about using lights, indicators and horns are followed, if your vehicle is fitted with them. It is the law that lights are used at night.
Take care when dealing with road junctions. If they are too hazardous then it might be worth finding another route.
All the usual parking restrictions should be followed.
It is against the law to use the motorway and, the only time you can use the dual carriageway is when the speed limit is less than 50mph and the scooter has a flashing amber beacon.
As you can see, there is quite a set of rules for mobility scooters amongst all the other road users out there. It is important to stay safe and follow the guidelines.
This is a collaborative post
Very interesting, I’ve been hit in the ankles twice by mobility scooters when I didn’t know they were behind me, and they both shouted at me and told me it was my fault for not getting out of the way, but we were on a pavement at the time. But then, I’ve also been run over by a push bike on the pavement too!