Tax disc for mobility scooter

zaksmum

Do you need to get a nil tax disc for an 8mph mobility scooter even if you never take it on the road, only the pavement?

datostar

Theoretically, yes. Pavements are legally part of the road, A registration number is also issued which appears on the tax disc. You are not obliged to display a number plate, though.

pauliboo

You can only ride an 8mph (Class 3) scooter on the pavement if it's set at 4mph, anything over that and it needs to be on the road.
Either way you need to get tax and register with the DVLA, the tax disc is free though.

Class 3 invalid carriages need to display a ‘nil value’ tax disc and be registered with DVLA. You must be 14 or over to drive a class 3 invalid carriage.

https://www.gov.uk/mobility-scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs-rules

zaksmum

Thanks pauliboo and datostar. I'd have no intention of riding it on the road!

Do you think this is rigidly enforced? Would there be likely to be any checks made? How would a police officer, for example, know by looking at a scooter whether it's an 8mph or 4 mph model?

Richie-from-the-Boro

zaksmum wrote: »

Thanks pauliboo and datostar. I'd have no intention of riding it on the road!

Do you think this is rigidly enforced? Would there be likely to be any checks made? How would a police officer, for example, know by looking at a scooter whether it's an 8mph or 4 mph model?

HiYa zaksmum,

Because, its a two minute phone call to a dedicated DVLA number by the bobby to find out what's written on the 555 or 554 form - if s/he chooses:

- class 3's are required by law to be registered with DVLA
- form V55/5 [used vehicle] and V55/4 [new vehicle]
- the application form also has the keeper’s name and address
- pavement rules

zaksmum

What a palaver.

Think I'll just stick with the 4mph one then!

nannytone_2

so at 8 mph they have to be registered?

but there is no compulsion to have insurance ...

i think all mobility scooters should have to carry insurance.

i live in an area where there are a lot of mobility scooter users, and you wouldnt believe the number of people that are run down by them!

mazza111

I agree with you nannytone but in the same respect, people really need to watch where they are walking. My dd has mobility problems and no matter whether she's on crutches or in the scooter, people either almost knock her over or almost get knocked down by her due to them not looking where they are going.

I agree that some drive like nutters on them.

nannytone_2

i am registered blind, so watching where i am going isnt reaally an option!

mobility scooter users need to be aware that other people may have far less visable disabilities, and not expect everyone to move out of their way.

even at 4mph, if one hit a kiddie, it could do serious damage

zaksmum

mazza111 wrote: »

I agree with you nannytone but in the same respect, people really need to watch where they are walking. My dd has mobility problems and no matter whether she's on crutches or in the scooter, people either almost knock her over or almost get knocked down by her due to them not looking where they are going.

I agree that some drive like nutters on them.

Very true, when I'm out on mine you wouldn't believe the number of people who back into me, even when I'm at a standstill.

Then gawp at me as if they never saw a mobility scooter before.

Once I had a woman who was on her phone walk straight into me and ended up sprawled right across me. Unbelievable.

Richie-from-the-Boro

nannytone wrote: »

i am registered blind, so watching where i am going isnt reaally an option!

mobility scooter users need to be aware that other people may have far less visable disabilities, and not expect everyone to move out of their way.

even at 4mph, if one hit a kiddie, it could do serious damage

- its in their rules .. .. scooters on the pavement should give pedestrians priority
- and your visual disability is expressly mentioned in the 'pavement rules' for scooters

Because insured powered scooters are available from Motability, I agree 100% on your insurance point.