FAQs

DO I NEED INSURANCE FOR MY MOBILITY SCOOTER?

At the moment you are not legally required to have insurance for driving your mobility scooter on the road...

However, we at Mobility Scooters Plus feel it would be a sensible precaution to take out an insurance policy to cover your mobility scooter against accidental damage or theft. This will also protect you in the event of third party liability, in case of damage or injury caused by you to someone else or their property whilst riding your mobility scooter. We have partnered with Mark Bates Ltd, who specialise in mobility insurance and they have many years of experience in dealing with all aspects of mobility liabilities.

WHERE CAN I GO AND DO I NEED ROAD TAX?

If you have a mobility scooter which is not capable of more than 4 mph you do not need to hold any "road tax". However, if your mobility scooter is capable of more than 4mph, you are obliged to apply for a tax disc. Request a copy of the vehicle registration form (Please click this link to the Direct.gov website) The disc is free of charge and it is essentially a registering process for your machine.

Generally speaking, mobility scooters can be driven (with care!) on public pathways and pavements and the larger scooters, the ones that travel at 8 miles per hour, are legally allowed on the roads. However, experience has taught us that driving your scooter on public roads should be avoided wherever possible.

Do remember though, that there are some obligations and restrictions as to where you can you use your mobility scooter.

These scooters can legally travel up to 4mph  (6.4kph)   on pavements and are allowed on the road to cross from one side to the other. Basically this allows you to drive anywhere you are permitted to travel on foot. The Class 2 category includes any 4 mph, mid-range and travel mobility scooters.

CLASS 3 MOBILITY SCOOTERS

Class 3 category mobility scooters tend to be larger, than those found in Class 2, and can be driven on the roads where they can travel up to a speed of 8mph (12,8kph). Most class 3 mobility scooters have two speed settings, usually changed by a switch so it is possible to drive at 4mph (6.4kph) on the pavement, and switch to 8mph (12.8kph) for travel on the road.

Remember - 4mph (6.4kph) is the maximum speed  permitted on the pavement or footpath. 8mph (12.8kph) maximum speed is permitted only on the road. Not for use on the pavement or footpath.

You do not require a driving license to use a Class 3 mobility scooter, but you should always obey the Highway Code at all times, including complying with relevant eyesight requirements and not driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs etc.

Class 3 mobility scooters are not allowed on motorways, bicycle tracks or in bus/cycle lanes. Although legally allowed on dual carriageways, they must be fitted  with a compliant sized  flashing beacon - this is not recommended.

The law requires all Class 3 mobility scooters to be fitted with the following as a legal requirement: lights and indicators front and rear, horn, rear view mirror, rear reflectors and a manual handbrake. A flashing beacon can be used when driving on the road to warn other road users of their presence, and must be used if driving on a dual carriageway.

MOBILITY SCOOTER MAINTENANCE – LOOKING AFTER YOUR MOBILITY SCOOTER

Fortunately modern mobility scooters are very reliable but it is a good idea to have an annual service, just to keep it in tip-top condition. Here are a few other tips to keep your scooter running smoothly:

Get into the routine of charging your batteries when you return from a journey. Not only will this help with the long term life of your batteries, it will also reduce the chances of you running out of power and being stranded on your journey. Some of the transportable scooters available have the option to purchase a spare battery pack. These can be purchased at point of sale, or we can easily supply  the correct battery pack at a later date.

Try to keep your mobility scooter clean and tidy, and if possible avoid getting it wet. Of course, there will be times when you will probably get caught out in the rain so protect your scooter (and yourself!) with rain covers – you will find a range of these in our wet weather wear section. A cover for the control panel is an inexpensive item, but offers valuable protection.

Do not overload your mobility scooter with heavy items. Things like tinned food, bottled beverages and potatoes etc.. can be heavy – if you carry too much and overload your scooter it could affect its stability and the overall performance of your batteries.

MOBILITY SCOOTER BATTERY CARE

Here are a few basic rules to help you keep your batteries in tip-top condition:

Keep your batteries fully charged – a fully charged up battery runs very efficiently by releasing a small amount of power known as a "trickle charge". Every time you get back from a trip out put your scooter on charge, even if you have only nipped down to the corner shop.

Keep your batteries clean – if you go out in the mud and rain wipe them down with a dry cloth before you put your scooter away, also try and make sure the terminals are greased.

Keep your batteries cool – don't store them near fires or radiators. This could be dangerous and impair the performance of your batteries. 

If these simple rules are followed, you should increase the lifetime of your batteries.