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Mobility Scooters Rules of the Road

What 'Rules of the Road' Should I Follow?

The following guidelines or Code of Practice for people driving Motor Scooters was developed by the William Merritt Disabled Living Centre

Some obvious rules are of course that Class 3 vehicles should not be used if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that may affect your driving ability. If you are in any doubt, consult your doctor.

1. On Footways

Show consideration for pedestrians, particularly elderly people or those who are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing.
Although Class 3 vehicles can legally travel at 4 mph on footways or in pedestrian areas, it is not always safe to travel at this speed if pedestrians are not able to move out of the way quickly enough, e.g. in a crowded shopping precinct.
You can take advantage of pelican and zebra crossings when in 4 mph mode in order to cross from one footway to another.
When moving off the footway on to the road (to use the vehicle in 8 mph mode), take special care. Before moving off, always look round and make sure it is safe to join the traffic and watch out, in particular, for cyclists.

2. On the Road

When on the road, drive with due care and attention, always travelling in the direction of the traffic, obeying traffic signs and signals and give way to pedestrians who are crossing at junctions or pedestrian crossings. Keep a special look out for children crossing roads because they may lack the skills and experience to negotiate traffic safely. Remember that, in comparison with the majority of other vehicles on the road, a Class 3 vehicle is not powerful or conspicuous. As a Class 3 vehicle driver, you are often in a similarly vulnerable position to cyclists - especially at roundabouts and junctions. Direction indicators must always be used to indicate manoeuvres on the road.

Always use the front and rear lights in the dark or when visibility is poor due to adverse weather conditions.

The vehicle's horn should not be used when the vehicle is stationary (unless there is danger due to another moving vehicle) or between 11.30 at night and 07.00 in the morning. When the vehicle is moving, the horn should be used to warn other road users that you are there - it should not be used as a rebuke.  Watch out for obstructions in the road ahead, such as drains, pot-holes and parked cars. When passing parked cars, watch out for doors being opened in your path or the vehicle moving off without indicating.

3. Road Junctions and Roundabouts?

Take extra care at junctions. When going straight ahead at road junctions, check to make sure there are no vehicles about to cross your path. When turning left, watch out for other vehicles overtaking, prior to turning left across your path. There are several options for dealing with right turns, especially turning from a major road. If moving into the middle of the road is difficult or dangerous, you can stop on the left hand side of the road and wait for a safe gap in the traffic. You can also negotiate the turn as a pedestrian, i.e. switching to pavement mode and travelling between footways. If the junction is too hazardous, it may be worth considering an alternative route.

Similarly, when negotiating major roundabouts, eg roundabouts with two or more lanes, it may be safer to stay in the left hand lane, even when you are turning right or taking the last exit and treat each exit you cross as a junction. Alternatively, it may be safer to use the footway or find a route which avoids the roundabout altogether.

4. Parking & Keeping your Scooter Roadworthy


All the normal parking restrictions should be observed. Your vehicle should not be left on the footways unattended if it causes an obstruction to other pedestrians - especially those in wheelchairs or those with prams or pushchairs. Remember too, to look out for blind or partially sighted people when parking. Parking concessions provided under the Orange Badge Scheme will apply to all Class 3 vehicles displaying a current badge. If you think you are entitled to a badge, you can apply to your Local Authority Social Services Department or to the Chief Executive of your local Regional or Island Council if you live in Scotland. It is essential that you keep your vehicle in good working order in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Vehicle suppliers should be able to answer any questions you might have about the maintenance of specific modes of Class 3 vehicle. In general, if the vehicle has a battery, make sure that it is kept in good condition. Lighting equipment should be kept clean and in good working order.

Windows, windscreens and mirrors should also be clean and clear of obstructions for good all-round vision. It is important that your vehicle undergoes a thorough safety check at least once a year.