Important Information about Mobility Scooters and Power Chairs

General Information

The actual maximum mileage range of a mobility scooter varies from the advertised figures depending on the size, type and age of the batteries; terrain; tyre condition; load; weather conditions and so on. 

Powered Mobility Equipment and the Law

You do not need a driving licence for a mobility scooter or powerchair.

Insurance is not required by law, but we strongly recommend it.

The larger and faster Class 3 (6 or 8 mph) mobility scooters and powerchairs must be registered with the DVLA. A registration number is issued, but a number plate does not need to be fitted to the scooter or powerchair.

Furthermore, if you have an insurance policy for your Class 3 scooter or powerchair and it is not registered and taxed with DVLA then this may invalidate your insurance policy.

Class 2 (4 mph) mobility scooters and powerchairs can only travel on the road where there is no alternative such as a pavement. Class 3 road-legal machines must have lights, reflectors and rear view mirrors fitted.

Tandem or 'two person' mobility scooters are NOT allowed to be used on the pubic highway (i.e. pavement or road). They can only be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.

Click here for the 'Highway Code' for mobility scooters.

Maintenance

We recommend that a scooter is serviced every year. Some insurance companies will not pay out on an insurance claim without proof that the scooter has been serviced annually. 

Scooters like to be used. If left unused, things can seize up.

Being electronic, they don't like getting wetter than can be helped. They like to be protected from the rain, but equally we sometimes see problems generated by condensation, frost and driving through snow and water. Inadequately protected scooters being transported on trailers and similar can be highly vulnerable to water damage.

New products generally come with a 12 month warranty. The warranty covers for components which have a manufacturing fault and for factory mis-assembly. Warranty does not cover mis-use, breakages, accident damage and similar subsequent to delivery. Mechanical or electrical failure through lack of maintenance, over-loading, water damage and so on is not covered by the warranty.

We regularly have to deal with punctures where it is obvious that low tyre pressures have been the primary contributory cause. To considerably reduce the risk of getting a puncture, maintain tyre pressures at the recommended level.