It’s important to follow the rules of the road and stay safe when driving your mobility aid in public. Here are our best driving tips for scooter and powered wheelchair users. Whether you’re on a busy road or a quiet path, these tips will help you have a safe and smooth trip every time.
You can go out and about with peace of mind when you lease a powered wheelchair or scooter with the Motability Scheme. Your all-inclusive package gives you access to insurance cover, servicing and repairs, and breakdown cover.
Even though you’re fully covered, it’s still important to know how to keep both yourself and your mobility aid safe and in good condition. Taking care of it helps ensure everything runs smoothly and lasts longer.
Watch your speed
Many Class 3 mobility aids can go as fast as 8mph, but you should only drive that fast on the road. The UK Government says that to use your mobility aid on the road, it must be able to go at least 8mph.
When you’re off-road, like on pavements, the speed limit is 4mph. Although 4mph may not seem fast, it’s quicker than the average walking speed, which is around 3mph.
Keeping your speed low when you’re off the road helps you stay in control and reduces the risk of accidents. This helps keep both you and others safe. Some scooters and powered wheelchairs have a speed limit setting to stop you from accidentally going too fast. Your dealer can let you know if your mobility aid has this feature.
Keep an eye on kerbs
When you choose your scooter or powered wheelchair, your dealer should have told you the maximum kerb height it can safely handle. If you’re not sure about this, ask your dealer or check the manufacturer’s manual that came with your mobility aid.
You should always be careful and slow down when you’re going up or down kerbs. Where possible, try and use a dropped kerb for ease.
Driving on the road
If you have a Class 3 or Class 2 scooter or powered wheelchair and want to drive on the road, make sure you follow the rules of the road and read The Highway Code. We recommend you read all the rules before you make your journey, but here are some of the key ones to know:
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Always travel in the same direction as the traffic with your Class 3 mobility aid
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If you have a Class 2 mobility aid, use the pavement where possible. If there’s no pavement, travel in the same direction as the traffic
- If you have lights, indicators, or a horn, use them when needed. If it’s dark, you should always use your lights
- You cannot drive your mobility aid on motorways or dual carriageways where the speed limit is over 50mph
- Always follow all road signs, signals, and traffic lights
- Make sure you visible by wearing bright, fluorescent clothing, even during the day.
What to do if you break down
Remember, your all-inclusive lease with the Scheme includes breakdown cover. If your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair breaks down while you’re out, or you have an accident, then Motability Assist are available to help. They’re open all day, every day, all year round. They’ll take you and your product home, then you’ll need to contact your dealer to arrange the repair.
The quickest way to report your breakdown is through the Motability Recovery app. Make sure to download it before you experience any issues, so it’s always ready on your smartphone. With the app, Motability Assist can quickly find your exact location and reach you, even if you’re unsure where you are.
Use the App Store or Google Play Store to download the app.
You can also call Motability Assist on 0800 953 5000. It’s a good idea to save their number on your mobile phone in case you need it.
You can also call Motability Assist on 0800 953 5000. It’s a good idea to save their number on your mobile phone in case you need it.
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