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Mobility scooters - what you need to knowDo I need to register my invalid carriage?Under the Use of Invalid Carriages on the Highways Regulations 1988 invalid carriages are separated into 3 categories: Class 1
Class 2 Powered wheelchairs and scooters – intended for footway use only with a maximum speed of 4mph and an unladen weight not exceeding 113.4kgs. These are not required to be registered with DVLA. A Class 2 scooter should use the road only if there is no footpaths available, to cross from one footpath to another, you cannot get on a footpath or if you know you would not be able to get off at the other end of it. Class 3 Mechanically propelled invalid carriages that are constructed or adapted to be capable of exceeding a speed of 4mph but incapable of exceeding a speed of 8mph on the level under its own power (generally powered wheelchairs and other outdoor vehicles including scooters intended for use on roads/highways). They must be fitted with a device capable of limiting the maximum speed to 4mph for use when travelling on footways. The unladen weight must not exceed 150kgs. These are required to be registered with DVLA. They are not allowed on motorways, cycle lanes or bus lanes, but are required by law to have lights, indicators, a horn, a rear-view mirror and rear reflectors. Drivers of either class must be disabled and aged 14 or over (Under the Road Traffic act 1970 only someone who is Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons under the Act 1970 can use an invalid carriage whether it is Class 1, 2 or 3), but do not have to hold a driving licence. Class 3 invalid carriages need to be registered for road use, be licensed in the “disabled” taxation class and display a nil duty tax disc.
Invalid carriages do not need to provide evidence of VED exemption when licensing in the disabled class and they are exempt from paying the first registration fee. They are not required to display registration plates. In order to register and license a Class 3 invalid carriage the user will need to complete form V55/5 (for used vehicles) or V55/4 (for new vehicles), and take or send it to their nearest DVLA local office. Evidence of the vehicle’s age (if available) will need to be submitted with the application together with documentation confirming the keeper’s name and address. For many years the requirement to register was largely ignored, but users should now comply with the law. The vehicle must have certain construction features, including:
Who can use a invalid carriage whether it is Class 1, 2 or 3.Under the Road Traffic act 1970 only some who is Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons under the Act 1970 can use an invalid carriage whether it is Class 1, 2 or 3.
An invalid carriage (scooter) can only be used by an non Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons under the Act 1970 can use an invalid carriage:
Prescribed conditions for purposes of section 20(1) of the 1970 Act4. The conditions in accordance with which an invalid carriage must be used, in order that the modifications of the statutory provisions mentioned in subsection (1) of section 20 of the 1970 Act shall have effect in the case of the invalid carriage (being modifications of certain statutory provisions which relate to the use of vehicles on footways and roads) shall be— (a) in the case of Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 invalid carriages that the invalid carriage must be used— (i) by a person falling within a class of persons for whose use it was constructed or adapted, being a person suffering from some physical defect or physical disability; (ii) by some other person for the purposes only of taking the invalid carriage to or bringing it away from any place where work of maintenance or repair is to be or has been carried out to the invalid carriage; (iii) by a manufacturer for the purposes only of testing or demonstrating the invalid carriage; (iv) by a person offering to sell the invalid carriage for the purpose only of demonstrating it; or (v) by a person giving practical training in the use of the invalid carriage for that purpose only;
What if a Mobility scooter can do over 12.8 kmph (8 mph);According to RADARs `Get Mobile leaflet in pdf` There is an increasing choice of add-on units for manual wheelchairs to provide power on a temporary or permanent basis. These range from very basic units to specialised units offering higher speeds. For example the PowerTrike is classed as both a Class 2 invalid carriage and an electric bicycle and can achieve speeds of up to 16mph.
I got in touch with the DVLA about the legal standing of using scooters that can do more than 12.8 kmph (8 mph) there reply was:Tue 06/12/2011 11:53 P.A.Hughes
Customer Enquiries Group, DVLA
"It may help if I explain that any invalid scooters which are outside the scope of a class 3, with a speed over 8 mph , will not be registered or allowed on the road.
Only class 3 invalid carriages can be registered with DVLA. The definition of Class 3 invalid carriages are - (powered wheelchairs and scooters used on roads/highways with a maximum speed of 8mph and the facility to limit the speed to a maximum of 4mph when being used on footways/pavements)"
I was speaking an scooter engineer and he told me he knew someone who had a scooter that could do more than 12.8 kmph (8 mph) and they had it registered as a trike and had to have a driving licence
How to I apply to register my class 3 invalid carriage.Class 3 invalid carriages need to be registered for road use, be licensed in the "disabled" taxation class and display a nil duty tax disc. Unlike ordinary cars, invalid carriages do not need to provide evidence of VED exemption when licensing in the disabled class. Also, they are exempt from paying the first registration fee and are not required to display registration plates. In order to register and license a class 3 invalid carriage the user will need to complete form V55/5 (for used vehicles) or V55/4 (for new vehicles) - and take or send it to their nearest DVLA local office (addresses can be found on the website at www.direct.gov.uk/motoringor in the V100 information leaflet which is available from post offices that issue tax discs or by telephoning 0870 243 0444 – (Freephone number 0300 790 6802 may also get you through) you will need to quote your postcode). Evidence of the vehicle’s age (if available) will need to be submitted with the application together with documentation confirming the keeper’s name and address. Should I have insurance? Although it is not a legal requirement, it is strongly advised to have insurance. Suitable schemes are not too expensive and are available to cover your personal safety, other people’s safety and the value of the vehicle. Where can I get further advice about the use of invalid carriages? Useful information for class 3 vehicle users can be found at
Some Mobility Scooter Insurance ProvidersPremiercare Mark Bates Ltd Tel: +44 (0)1476 591104
Fish Insurance 2-4 Riversway Business Village, Telephone: 0800 088 3047
Chartwell Insurance Services East Winch Hall Telephone: 0800 089 0146
Where can I get further advice about the use of invalid carriages? Useful information can be found at: Department of Transport at www.dft.gov.uk . http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/invalid_vehicles.aspx?ext=dg Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 - Guidance The Below links are to PDF file on this website, but the below and more can be found on the above links: A Survey of Occupied Wheelchairs and Scooters 2005 Carriage of Mobility Scooters on Public Transport - Code of practice for Class 3 vehicle users http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/tipws/ Insurance Firms Offering Insurance for Wheelchairs or Scooters |
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| Fife Independent Disability Network, West Bridge Mill, Bridge Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1TE Scottish Charity No: SC 026112 |
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