Scooter regulations

Where Can Scooters Be Used

TYPES OF CLASS 2 SCOOTERS

Legally these scooters can travel up to 6.4kph (4mph) on pavements and
are allowed on the road to cross from one side of the road to the other.

TYPES OF CLASS 3 VEHICLES

The main difference between Class 3 and Class 2 vehicles is that

Class 3 vehicles tend to be larger and can be used on the roads
where they can travel up to 12.8kph (8mph).

It is usually possible to drive at 6.4 kph (4mph)and switch to
12.8kph (8mph).

Class 3 vehicle users do not require a driving license but should
obey the highwaycode at all times.

This includes complying with
relevant eyesight requirements and not driving under the influence
of alcohol, drugs etc.

Class 3 vehicles are not allowed on motorways, bicycle tracks or
bus/cycle lanes.

Although legally allowed on dual carriageways, this is not
recommended.

Speed

Two speed settings, usually changed by a switch.

12.8kph - maximum speed
Permitted only on the road. Not for use on the pavement or footpath.

6.4kph - 4mph maximum speed
Permitted on the pavement or footpath.

Lights/indicators/horn/rear view mirror/rear reflectors
The law requires class 3 vehicles to be fitted with
all these features.

Flashing beacon
Optional - 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 although we do not recomend this.

Insurance is not legally required for any powered vehicle in
either category, Class 2 for pavement use or Class 3 for
pavement and road use.

However, it is recommended that the purchaser have
at least public liability Insurance, covering accidental damage
to other people and property.
See our information page on Scooter Insurance.

vehicle excise duty (VED) is contained in the Vehicle Excise and Registration
Act 1994 (VERA)(as amended).

Under the provisions of VERA, all mechanically
propelled vehicles used on a public road must be licensed (i.e. display a tax
disc) and registered.

However, because class 2 invalid carriages have limited
road use, the Department exempts them from these requirements on an
extra-statutory basis.

No such exemption exists for class 3 invalid carriages.

Schedule 2 to VERA, exempts from the payment of VED any vehicle which does not
exceed 508kgs unladen and which is adapted, and used or kept for use, for an
invalid.

The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 provides the
requirements for displaying registration plates. Vehicles that meet the
definition of an invalid vehicle within these regulations are exempt from
displaying registration plates. “Invalid vehicle” within these regulations
means “a vehicle, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 254kgs and which
is specially designed and constructed, and not merely adapted, for the use of a
person suffering from a physical disability and solely used by that person.”

In short, this means that class 2 invalid carriages are exempt from the
requirement to be licensed and registered. Class 3 invalid carriages, however,
should be registered for road use, licensed in the exempt “disabled” taxation
class and display a nil duty vehicle licence (tax disc).

There is no requirement
to produce a VED exemption certificate when licensing an invalid carriage.

In order to first register and license a class 3 invalid carriage, the user
needs 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
in DVLA’s information leaflet V100 - available from post offices that issue tax
discs - and on the DVLA website). Evidence of the vehicle’s age (or newness)
needs to be submitted with the application together with documentation
confirming the keeper’s name and address.

Link to DVLA What you need to know about Mobility Scooters Page

Link to more information from the Department of Transport