DVLA Guide to Mobility Scooters

Your Mobility Equipment – DVLA Guide

Mobility Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs

According to DVLA website Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are defined as single-seat vehicles with a battery. They’re designed to help if you have trouble walking.

Who can use mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs;

You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if one of the following applies:

  • you have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition.
  • you’re taking the vehicle to or from maintenance or repair.
  • you’re the manufacturer testing the vehicle.
  • you’re demonstrating the vehicle before it’s sold.
  • you’re training a disabled user.

If none of these applies to you and you have an accident, you may be given the same penalty as if you were driving a car. You can go to prison, get a driving ban or get an unlimited fine.

Classes of mobility scooter and powered wheelchair

Type of vehicle

Specification of the vehicle

Do I need to tax and register the vehicle?

Manual wheelchairs

Manually propelled

No, you don’t need to tax and register the vehicle

Class 2

Maximum speed of 4mph or less

No, you don’t need to tax and register the vehicle

Class 3

Maximum speed of 8mph

Yes, you need to tax and register the vehicle

You do not need to pay vehicle tax if your vehicle is registered with DVLA as a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair

you can register the vehicle yourself by filling in form V55/MV

Not in a class

it can go more than 8mph

it’s wider than 0.85 metres

it weighs more than 150kg (or 200kg if you need any equipment attached to it - for example, medical equipment)

Yes, you need to tax and register the vehicle

You do not need to pay vehicle tax if your vehicle is registered with DVLA as a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair

you can register the vehicle yourself by filling in form V55/MV

Key Features of Class 2 Scooters

Class 2 mobility scooters can only be used on footpaths, pavements, and when crossing roads. can be used indoors

  • small, lightweight and compact
  • basic driving controls
  • some can be dismantled or folded up to fit into a car boot
  • shorter battery life means they travel shorter distances

Key Features of Class 3 Scooters

Class 3 mobility scooters can be used on roads and pavements. The maximum speed limit of these vehicles is 4mph on the pavement and 8mph (12.8kph) on the road. You must be 14 years old or over to drive a class 3 vehicle.

  • for outdoor use
  • large and robust
  • equipped with a rear-view mirror and reflectors, plus extra controls for driving on roads: indicators, headlights, a horn and hazard lights
  • require a ramp or lift to get them into a vehicle
  • longer battery life and tougher tyres means they can travel longer distances

Key Features of ‘Not in a Class’ Scooters

  • you can only use on roads and you cannot use on pavements or any other pedestrian areas and cycle lanes or cycle tracks
  • a maximum speed of at least 8mph
  • an efficient braking system
  • a clear view of the road and traffic ahead
  • front and rear lights and reflectors
  • direction indicators that can be used as a hazard warning signal
  • a rear view mirror
  • an audible horn
  • you need to get a valid driving licence to drive one
  • you may need to insure your vehicle – Please refer to Insurance Banner on the front page

You could be stopped by the police if your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair does not have these features.

If you need any further information please visit DVLA website on Using mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: Driving on the road - GOV.UK