The number of people using mobility scooters to stay independent is on the rise – but many users could be driving vehicles that are technically illegal on public roads
Mobility scooter users are being warned to make sure they are not breaking the rules with their vehicles. As the number of people depending on mobility scooters to maintain their independence continues to grow, many users may be operating vehicles that are technically unlawful on public roads.
That could leave them vulnerable to police intervention and possible seizure. The issue arises from regulations controlling road-legal mobility scooters, referred to as Class 3 invalid carriages.
Whilst users are exempt from paying road tax, such scooters remain legally classified as vehicles and must comply with a rigorous set of safety and administrative requirements. In the UK, it is estimated that there are at least 100,000 Class 3 mobility scooter users registered with the DVLA.
However, older data from Parliament showed that the number of Class 3 vehicles in use far exceeded the number registered, a gap that experts believe has widened, meaning tens of thousands of users are technically operating unregistered vehicles, reports Plymouth Live.
A Class 3 scooter can reach up to 8mph, while a class 2 will only reach 4mph. A Class 3 should also be fitted with indicators and brakes, while a class 2 probably won’t – although it may have lights and a horn.
Daniel Swain, a mobility expert at Seacroft Mobility, said: “It’s a really common problem, as many people assume, ‘I don’t pay road tax, so there’s no paperwork.’ That’s incorrect. The two key risks we see are simple to fix but often ignored. Firstly, every road-going Class 3 scooter must be registered with the DVLA using a V55 form, or you’re essentially driving an illegal vehicle.
“Secondly, it must be road-ready with working lights, indicators, brakes, and a horn. If any of that mandatory equipment is faulty, a police officer can stop you, as your scooter is no longer road legal, and you risk a penalty for operating an illegal vehicle.”
The ‘invisible’ form check
- Action: If you use your Class 3 scooter on the road (up to 8mph), you must check if it is registered with the DVLA.
- How to fix it: If your scooter is new or used and unregistered, you must complete and send off the relevant DVLA form, which is typically Form V55/MV (or V55/4 for new, V55/5 for used).
- Result: The DVLA will send you a V5C logbook (registration certificate). While this is free, failing to complete this step leaves you using an unregistered vehicle.
The essential safety feature check
The law requires a Class 3 scooter to have the following safety features in full working order to be used on the road:
- A working braking system.
- Front and rear lights and reflectors.
- Direction indicators.
- An audible horn.
If any of these essential features are broken, you should treat the scooter as a Class 2 (pavement-only) model until the repair is complete.
Extra tips from the mobility expert
Mr Swain said that even though you can use the road, use the pavement or footpath whenever it is available, switching your scooter into its 4mph limit mode. Beware, dual carriageway users, also. If you’re planning to use a dual carriageway where the speed limit exceeds 50mph, your Class 3 scooter must be equipped with an amber flashing light for visibility.
Insurance is strongly advised, he said. While insurance isn’t legally required for a Class 3 scooter, it’s highly recommended. A comprehensive policy can cover theft, accidental damage, and crucially, third-party liability if you cause damage or injury.
