Top tips for using public transport with a powered wheelchair or scooter

Travelling by train 

All trains in the UK have priority areas and seats for disabled passengers. The National Rail website has lots of information available, including a list of contact numbers of the train companies in the UK. With this, you can phone them and book any assistance you might need at the train stations you’ll be using and on the train itself. This assistance can include help with carrying luggage and providing ramps on and off trains.   

This assistance is still available if you turn up without booking in advance, but you will need to find a member of staff or use a help point located at the station. This may take a little longer, so it’s recommended to plan this before you set off for your journey.  

Most trains will fit a standard powered wheelchair or mobility scooter, but there are some older models that might not. It’s worth double-checking this before your journey.   

People who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter in London, Glasgow and Newcastle might have to use the Underground. Access in London is improving, but many stations still do not have step-free access or lift services. Using the TFL website, you can plan your journey and check ahead of travelling to find the best route. 

Cost-saving tip: You can save money on train tickets by applying for a disabled persons railcard. This gets you one-third off rail fares for you and someone else you are travelling with. 

Travelling by bus 

There have been many changes to improve the accessibility of buses over the years. Buses have assigned spaces for people who use wheelchairs and ramps to help you get on and off easily. The bus driver or conductor can also help if you need it. But if the wheelchair space is taken, your wheelchair is too big or heavy, or it’s not safe, then you will not be able to use the bus. You can find out more on the UK Government website. 

It’s important to know if your scooter can go on a bus. There are two types of scooters: Class 2 and Class 3. Class 2 scooters (which are lighter) can go on buses, but Class 3 scooters cannot. You also need to check if your scooter is the right size.  

There are special permits for people with mobility scooters to use on public buses. You should contact the bus company to see if they accept these permits. When you get on the bus, you should park your electric mobility scooter in the wheelchair space and turn it off. You can learn more about using your scooter on buses by visiting the First Bus website.  

Cost-saving tip: You can apply for a disabled person’s bus pass through the UK Government’s website to save you money on your bus travel. 

Travelling by tram 

Trams can be a great way to get around, offering step free access and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and scooters. Every tram network is a little different though, so it is worth taking a few minutes to check what support is available before you set off. 

Some operators, like in Edinburgh or Manchester, share clear information online about boarding points, accessible seating and what to expect on the platform. Some may ask you to apply for a scooter permit or follow size guidelines, so looking this up in advance can save you time and give you extra peace of mind. 

If you are not sure, you can also call the operator directly. They can explain what help is available on the day and reassure you about the journey. 

Travelling by coach 

The law says that coaches, like buses, must support disabled people. Companies like National Express have an accessible service where you can book your assisted travel in advance. You can also turn up on the day, but this may take a little longer, so it’s recommended to either call or email them in advance.  

If you need to use the wheelchair lift, you will need to do some checks to make sure your wheelchair is suitable for the coach. They also have a list of accessible stops in popular areas where the wheelchair lift can be used.  

Some buses and coaches do not have to follow the law. This includes vehicles with 22 seats or fewer, or those that are hired privately and do not run to a timetable. 

And some services, like home-to-school and rail replacement coaches, do not need to meet all the rules until Saturday 1 August 2026. 

Cost-saving tip: You can buy a Disabled Coachcard through the National Express website to save you money on your coach travel with National Express coaches. 

Travelling by taxi 

In many UK cities, licensed taxis must be wheelchair accessible. If you’re not sure about your local area or the area you will be travelling to, you can contact the local council to ask about accessible taxi services. There are also specialist disabled taxi companies around the UK that you can book in advance of your travels. 

Top tip: You can use Euan’s Guide to research different types of public transport and read other people’s reviews to help you with your planning.  

Keeping your scooter or wheelchair safe 

If you need to leave your powered wheelchair or scooter alone while you’re travelling, it’s important to keep it safe and secure against theft or damage. You can lock it securely to fixtures such as railings or gates, and you can contact your Scheme dealer for more information on locks. 

Could the Motability Scheme help you stay mobile? 

If you use public transport with a wheelchair or scooter, the Scheme could offer you more freedom and peace of mind. 

Quickly check if you’re eligible.