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).
Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: Key Rules for the Theory Test
The key principles are simple: use the pavement when appropriate, give pedestrians priority, take extra care when joining traffic and understand the difference between pavement and road use.
Know where the vehicle belongs
The Highway Code distinguishes between different classes of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Their permitted use differs between pavements and roads.
Think about where you are
On the pavement, follow the guidance that applies to pedestrians and show consideration for other pavement users. On the road, follow the relevant rules for road users.
What changes between road and pavement?
A common test concept is that the rules and guidance you follow depend on whether you are using the pavement or travelling on the road.
Give pedestrians priority
Pavements are generally safer than roads and should be used when available. Users of mobility vehicles should take particular care around pedestrians who may have difficulty hearing or seeing them.
Slow down when people need more time
Do not assume pedestrians can quickly move out of your way. Narrow pavements and people with visual or hearing impairments may require you to reduce speed and give them more space.
What is the key pavement rule?
Remember the principle rather than a number: give pedestrians priority and adjust your speed to the situation.
Take care when joining traffic
Before moving from a pavement onto the road, look around and make sure it is safe. Where possible, use a dropped kerb and approach kerbs safely.
Make yourself visible
Other road users may not see a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair easily. Use the vehicle's required equipment and take steps to make yourself more visible.
What about lights at night?
If the vehicle is fitted with the relevant equipment, the rules for lights, indicators and horns must be followed. At night, required lights MUST be used.
Junctions need extra care
Check carefully for traffic crossing your path, overtaking or turning. A difficult right turn may require a safer alternative rather than attempting a hazardous manoeuvre.
Choose the safer route
If a major junction or roundabout feels too hazardous, consider using the pavement or choosing a route that avoids the hazard where appropriate.
What is the safest response to a difficult junction?
The test may reward the safer option: do not take an unnecessary risk simply to continue on the same route.
Parking and restricted roads
Normal parking restrictions still apply. Do not leave the vehicle where it obstructs pedestrians, especially wheelchair users. These vehicles also have restrictions on motorways and certain high-speed roads.
Think about obstruction
A vehicle can be legally parked in one sense but still create a serious obstruction for someone using a wheelchair. Keep pedestrian access clear.
Can these vehicles use motorways?
No. Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters covered by these rules must not be used on motorways.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
The most common mistakes come from confusing where the vehicle should travel and which rules apply in each situation.
Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters: Theory Test FAQ
Can mobility scooters use the pavement?
Yes, pavement use is an important part of the rules for powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. When using the pavement, users should give pedestrians priority and take care not to obstruct or endanger them.
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 mobility vehicles?
Class 2 vehicles are designed for pavement use, while Class 3 vehicles are equipped for use on both the pavement and the road. The Highway Code gives different guidance depending on where the vehicle is being used.
Do mobility scooter users have to give way to pedestrians?
On pavements, users should give pedestrians priority and show consideration for other pavement users, particularly people who may have difficulty seeing or hearing the vehicle.
What should you do before moving a mobility scooter from the pavement onto the road?
Look around carefully and make sure it is safe to join the traffic. Where possible, use a dropped kerb rather than attempting to negotiate a high kerb.
What should mobility scooter users remember at junctions?
Take extra care and check for vehicles crossing your path, overtaking or turning. If a right turn or roundabout is particularly hazardous, consider a safer alternative route.
Can powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters be used on motorways?
No. These vehicles MUST NOT be used on motorways.
Do mobility scooters need lights at night?
Where the vehicle is fitted with the relevant equipment, the applicable rules for lights must be followed. At night, required lights MUST be used.
Can a mobility scooter be parked anywhere on the pavement?
No. Normal parking restrictions still apply, and the vehicle should not be left where it obstructs pedestrians, particularly wheelchair users.
Which direction should a Class 3 vehicle travel on the road?
Class 3 vehicles should travel in the direction of the traffic when on the road. The Highway Code also contains specific guidance for Class 2 users in situations where pavement use is unavailable.
What is the most important Theory Test principle for mobility scooters?
The safest answer usually starts with the same principle: know whether you are on the pavement or road, follow the rules for that environment, give priority and consideration to pedestrians, and avoid unnecessary risks.