Guidance

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on the road: legal requirements

Updated 10 March 2015

Figure 1.1

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs must have certain construction features, including:

Constructions features Class 2 Class 3
Max unladen weight 113.4 kg (248 lbs) 150 kg (330 lbs
Max pavement speed 4 mph (6.4 kmph) 4 mph (6.4 kmph)
Speed device and speed indicator (i) Not applicable Required
Max width Not applicable 0.85 metres (2’9”)
Lights Lamps and reflectors required only if used between sunset and sunrise when used on the carriageway. (i) front and rear lights and reflectors, and direction indicator, which are able to operate as a hazard warning signal; (ii) an amber flashing light if used on a dual carriageway
Rear view mirror Not applicable Required
Audible warning instrument (horn Not applicable Required
Breaking requirement Must be capable of stopping in all conditions in reasonable time and distance, and of being held on a gradient of at least 1 in 5 Must be capable of stopping in all conditions in reasonable time and distance, and of being held on a gradient of at least 1 in 5.

This figure appears on page 7 of the document Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on the road: some guidance for users.