A Highway Code for Mobility Scooter Users
It's common knowledge that there is a highway code for motor vehicles. Have you ever heard of the one for mobility scooters? With electric scooters and mobility scooters being more popular than ever, it is important to be safe while using your mobility scooter. Below is some useful information we've taken from A Highway Code for Mobility Scooter Users.
Three Main classes of mobility carriage
Class 1 Manual wheelchairs are not electrically powered. Anything where you are using your hands or are pushed by another person.
Class 2 Powered wheelchairs and scooters are suitable for riding on pavements and footpaths with a top speed of 4mph.
Class 3 Powered wheelchairs and other outdoor powered vehicles, including scooters, are suitable for riding on roads and have a top speed of 8mph.
Watch where you're going!
Even if you're cruising along at a slow pace, a mobility scooter (of all classes) has the potential to cause damage to all parties involved if a collision happens. That's why we'd always recommend that if you're a new mobility scooter user or lack confidence, then you book onto a new starter course.
Try before you buy!
It's important that you buy a mobility scooter to meet your needs. A good mobility showroom will provide a demonstration and a mobility assessment to make sure that your chosen scooter is the right fit. At Lightweight Scooters, our showroom is your home. To ensure that you are confident using your mobility scooter, our professional staff will show you what all the buttons, levers, and switches do during your home demonstration.
Out and About
The same as when you are driving a car, you should never attempt to operate a mobility scooter if you are under the influence of alcohol or have taken any medication that could affect your ability to safely drive your mobility scooter.
If you've been prescribed medication then check with your doctor, or if you're using over-the-counter medication then read the information booklet to make sure it doesn't cause drowsiness.
If you're planning to take your lightweight mobility scooter out in the dark, then it must be fitted with lights. Road class mobility scooters should have these as standard.
Wearing fluorescent material is a good way to be seen by other road users, especially in the dark or in adverse weather conditions.
Other important advice to consider
- Loose-fitting clothes like scarves or belts should be tucked away to avoid them getting caught in the wheels.
- Overloading your scooter can make it difficult to control.
- Going around corners too fast can result in the scooter tipping over.
- Pedestrians always have right of way.
- If you want to drive your scooter on the road, it should be fitted with headlights, rear lights, and a horn. It must also be able to travel up to 8mph.
- Do not carry another person (adult or child) on a mobility scooter.
- You are not allowed to use a bus or cycle lane.
In this article, we have picked out a few important bits of information that will be useful when using a lightweight mobility scooter, road class scooter, or powerchair in places where there are other road users and pedestrians. It is important to remember that mobility scooters are there to provide more freedom for people with limited mobility, and by keeping to the highway code for mobility scooter users everyone will be safer.
If you're looking for a lightweight mobility scooter then either fill in our enquiry form, or call us on 0333 414 1881.
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