What’s the Difference Between Class 2 and Class 3 Scooters?
We hope the article below will assist in answering this question.
The class system is a set of regulations drawn up by the UK government to legislate the use of mobility scooters in Britain.
With the passing of this act: The use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 act , we now had 3 classes of ‘invalid carriage’ in the UK.
Class 1 invalid carriages cover manual wheelchairs, restricted to pavements use only.
Class 2 Invalid Carriages – 4mph Mobility Scooters
A class 2 invalid carriage is the category given to a mechanically propelled mobility vehicle with a maximum top speed of 4mph.
As such this class covers 4mph scooters, lightweight pavement scooters, Travel Scooters or Folding Mobility Scooters.
These lightweight and compact scooters are restricted to use on pavements and walkways, only being permitted on a road surface when at a pelican crossing.
This makes them ideal for trips down to the shops and for travelling around urban areas and shopping districts.
In addition, class 2 also covers all 4 mph Electric Power Chairs.
Class 3 Invalid Carriage – 6 – 8mph Mobility Scooters
Class 3 invalid carriages cover scooters and that are legal for road use. These vehicles are capable of a top sped of 6 – 8mph on roads and limited to 4mph for pavment use.
The rules and regulations for class 3 scooters are stricter than for class 2 scooters.
The law calls mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs that can be used on the road ‘class 3 invalid carriages’. They must have the following features:
- A maximum unladen weight of 150kg
- A maximum width of 0.85 metres
- A device to limit its speed to 4mph
- A maximum speed of 8mph
- An efficient braking system
- Front and rear lights and reflectors
- Direction indicators able to operate as a hazard warning signal
- An audible horn
- A rear view mirror
- An amber flashing light if it’s used on a dual carriageway
Vehicle tax, registration and insurance
You do not have to pay vehicle tax for any mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if it’s registered as a ‘class 3 invalid carriage’.
Insurance
You do not need insurance for a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, although it’s recommended.
If you wish to purchase insurance: Please Click Here
All class 3 scooters and other invalid carriages must be registered with the DVLA to be recognised as road legal.
This can be done by filling out the
For futher information please visit Gov.uk – Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: The Rules