Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (36 to 46)

Rules for powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, including on pavements and on the road.

Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (rules 36 to 37)

Rule 36

There is one class of manual wheelchair (called a Class 1 invalid carriage) and two classes of powered wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters. Manual wheelchairs and Class 2 vehicles are those with an upper speed limit of 4 mph (6 km/h) and are designed to be used on pavements. Class 3 vehicles are those with an upper speed limit of 8 mph (12 km/h) and are equipped to be used on the road as well as the pavement.

Rule 37

When you are on the road you should obey the guidance and rules for other vehicles; when on the pavement you should follow the guidance and rules for pedestrians.

On pavements (rules 38 to 40)

Rule 38

Pavements are safer than roads and should be used when available. You should give pedestrians priority and show consideration for other pavement users, particularly those with a hearing or visual impairment who may not be aware that you are there.

Rule 39

Powered wheelchairs and scooters MUST NOT travel faster than 4 mph (6 km/h) on pavements or in pedestrian areas. You may need to reduce your speed to adjust to other pavement users who may not be able to move out of your way quickly enough or where the pavement is too narrow.

Rule 40

When moving off the pavement onto the road, you should take special care. Before moving off, always look round and make sure it’s safe to join the traffic. Always try to use dropped kerbs when moving off the pavement, even if this means travelling further to locate one. If you have to climb or descend a kerb, always approach it at right angles and don’t try to negotiate a kerb higher than the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

On the road (rules 41 to 46)

Rule 41

You should take care when travelling on the road as you may be travelling more slowly than other traffic (your machine is restricted to 8 mph (12 km/h) and may be less visible).

Rule 42

When on the road, Class 3 vehicles should travel in the direction of the traffic. Class 2 users should always use the pavement when it is available. When there is no pavement, you should use caution when on the road. Class 2 users should, where possible, travel in the direction of the traffic. If you are travelling at night when lights MUST be used, you should travel in the direction of the traffic to avoid confusing other road users.

Rule 43

You MUST follow the same rules about using lights, indicators and horns as for other road vehicles, if your vehicle is fitted with them. At night, lights MUST be used. Be aware that other road users may not see you and you should make yourself more visible - even in the daytime and also at dusk - by, for instance, wearing a reflective jacket or reflective strips on the back of the vehicle.

Rule 44

Take extra care at road junctions. When going straight ahead, check to make sure there are no vehicles about to cross your path from the left, the right, or overtaking you and turning left. There are several options for dealing with right turns, especially turning from a major road. 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
negotiate the turn as a pedestrian, i.e. travel along the pavement and cross the road between pavements where it is safe to do so. Class 3 users should switch the vehicle to the lower speed limit when on pavements.

If the junction is too hazardous, it may be worth considering an alternative route. Similarly, when negotiating major roundabouts (i.e. with two or more lanes) it may be safer for you to use the pavement or find a route which avoids the roundabout altogether.

Rule 45

All normal parking restrictions should be observed. Your vehicle should not be left unattended if it causes an obstruction to other pedestrians - especially those in wheelchairs. Parking concessions provided under the Blue Badge scheme (see Further reading) will apply to those vehicles displaying a valid badge.

Rule 46

These vehicles MUST NOT be used on motorways (see Rule 253). They should not be used on unrestricted dual carriageways where the speed limit exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h) but if they are used on these dual carriageways, they MUST have a flashing amber beacon. A flashing amber beacon should be used on all other dual carriageways (see Rule 220).

Author's Explanation

Understanding Rules for Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters (Rules 36–46)

The Highway Code recognises that powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters provide essential independence for many people. However, users must understand where their vehicle can be used and follow different responsibilities depending on whether they are travelling on pavements or on the road.

Class 2 mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are mainly designed for pavement use, while Class 3 vehicles can be used both on pavements and roads. When using pavements, mobility scooter users should behave considerately towards pedestrians, while on roads they must follow relevant vehicle rules and remain aware that they may be slower and less visible than other traffic.

Safety depends on careful positioning, good visibility and planning ahead. Junctions, roundabouts, busy roads and poor visibility conditions require extra attention. Users should always choose safer routes where possible and avoid situations where their vehicle may create danger for themselves or others.

Real-Life Examples

Example 1: A mobility scooter user travelling along a busy pavement reduces speed near pedestrians and gives extra space to someone with limited sight or hearing.

Example 2: Before leaving a pavement and joining the road, a powered wheelchair user checks traffic carefully and uses a dropped kerb instead of attempting to climb a high kerb.

Example 3: A Class 3 mobility scooter user travelling on the road wears reflective clothing and uses lights at night to improve visibility for drivers.

Example 4: Instead of attempting a difficult multi-lane roundabout, a mobility scooter user chooses a safer alternative route using quieter roads and crossings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 mobility scooters?

Class 2 vehicles are limited to 4 mph and are mainly designed for pavements. Class 3 vehicles can travel up to 8 mph and may be used on roads as well as pavements when suitable.

Can mobility scooters be used on pavements?

Yes. Pavements are usually the safer option and should be used when available. Users must travel carefully and give priority to pedestrians.

Do mobility scooter users need lights at night?

Yes. If the vehicle is fitted with lights, they must be used at night. Reflective clothing or markings can also help other road users see the vehicle more easily.

Can mobility scooters use motorways?

No. Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters must not be used on motorways. They should also avoid certain high-speed dual carriageways unless specific safety requirements are met.

Where should mobility scooter users be extra careful?

Extra care is needed at junctions, roundabouts, road crossings and places where visibility is limited. Planning a safer route can help avoid difficult situations.