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Mobility
Scooters
Using a mobility
scooter or powered wheelchair
You have to follow the rules of the Highway Code, whether you are using the footpath
or the highway. Following some safety tips and keeping your scooter in good condition
are also important points.
Training
If you are using a powered vehicle for the first time, or if it has been a while
since you have driven on the road, you should get some training. For details of
courses, contact your nearest Disabled Living Centre or Mobility Centre, or your
local council's Road Safety Unit. |
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Rules and safety tips
You have to follow the rules of the Highway Code. You should look at a current
edition of the Highway Code and become familiar with the various traffic signs
and signals you may come across when you are driving.
There is no legal eyesight requirement, but you should be able to read a car's
registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 feet). You must monitor
your ability to do this regularly while you use a class 3 vehicle.
The vehicle's horn should not be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am or when the
vehicle is not moving, unless there is danger from another moving vehicle. Only
use the horn to warn other road users that you are there – do not use it as a
greeting or to show anger.
If the vehicle has a lap belt fitted to it, always use it - even for short journeys.
You should wear fluorescent clothing during the day and something reflective at
night.
This will help others to see you. Do not wear dark clothes at night. Plan your
journeys carefully. This may help you to avoid major roundabouts or busy roads.
If the situation on the road becomes too daunting, you can always switch to footpath
mode and move to the pavement.
On footpaths
Show consideration for and give way to pedestrians.
Although class 3 vehicles can legally travel at 4 miles per hour (mph) on footpaths
or in pedestrian areas, it is not always safe to travel at this speed. Adjust
your speed according to the circumstances.
You can take advantage of pelican and zebra crossings when in 4 mph mode in order
to cross from one footpath to another.
When moving off the footpath on to the road, take special care. Before moving
off, always look round and make sure it is safe to join the traffic. Watch out
for cyclists in particular.
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. Give way to pedestrians
who are crossing at junctions or pedestrian crossings.
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.
Bear in mind that other drivers may not be able to see you easily. As a class
3 vehicle driver, you are in a similarly vulnerable position to cyclists, especially
at roundabouts and junctions.
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 right, 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 by switching to pavement
mode and travelling between footways.
When negotiating major roundabouts, it may be safer to stay in the left-hand lane,
even when you are carrying on, and treat each exit you cross as a junction. Alternatively,
it may be safer to switch to pedestrian mode and use the footway or to find a
route which avoids the roundabout.
Parking
All normal parking restrictions apply.
Your vehicle should not be left on the footways unattended if it causes an obstruction
to other pedestrians. This includes wheelchair users and those with prams or pushchairs.
Parking concessions provided under the Blue Badge Scheme apply to class 3 vehicles
displaying a valid badge.
Keeping your vehicle roadworthy
It is essential that you keep your vehicle in good working order in line
with the manufacturer's recommendations. Your vehicle should undergo a thorough
safety check at least once a year.
If the vehicle has a battery, make sure that it is kept in good condition. Keep
lighting equipment clean and in good working order. Windows, windscreens and mirrors
should also be clean and clear of obstructions for good all-round vision.
Vehicle suppliers should be able to answer any questions you might have about
the maintenance of specific models of class 3 vehicle.
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