Scooters

Is a mobility scooter appropriate for you?

Over the last few years scooters have become an increasingly popular choice for people with limited mobility. There's now a huge range of models available, from small lightweight scooters to heavier, sturdier machines.

However, the legislation affecting scooter use in the UK is minimal, leaving scooter users to make important decisions about whether a scooter is a safe, practical solution for them.

To help you decide whether a mobility scooter might be appropriate, we've put together some suggestions as well as a brief overview of the laws which apply to scooter use in the UK:

• If your sight is impaired, you should think about whether you could quickly recognise and react to hazards around you if you were on a scooter. Even though there's currently no legal standard of vision for scooter users (as there is for motorists), you shouldn't interpret this as a guarantee that people with sight impairments can drive a scooter safely

• Even lightweight scooters can cause serious or even fatal accidents, so it's your responsibility to make sure that you're not posing a hazard to pedestrians or other road users. Decide for yourself whether you think you would be able to control the scooter and don't necessarily rely on the salesperson's advice - after all, they want to make a sale!

• Assessments and training are available from a range of organisations, including Mobility Assessment Centres and Independent Living Centres. The Department for Transport has a Mobility Unit which can also provide information and advice, and your local authority may also be able to help through the local road safety unit

• Before taking a scooter out, always take some time to practice in a quiet area in order to familiarise yourself with the controls. Make yourself aware of your stopping distance and turning circle

• Compared with people in cars or on cycles, scooter users are relatively low down, and most machines are almost silent. So bear in mind that the pedestrians around you may not see or hear you coming. Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way!

• The legal speed limit for using a scooter on footpaths and pavements is 4mph, but this doesn't mean it's always safe to travel at this speed

• It may be necessary to use your bell or horn to alert others to your presence, but don't rely on them to jump out of the way. People with impaired mobility or who are hard of hearing may not be able to do so in time, and small children are often less aware of hazards around them

• Although it's not a legal requirement to take out insurance, we recommend that all scooter users insure their vehicles, not only against theft or damage but also to cover the potential legal costs of being involved in an accident. There are many specialist scooter policies available

"Get Mobile" is a guide to scooters and powered wheelchairs produced by RADAR: the disability network. Call them for a copy (in various formats) on 0207 250 3222 or download RADAR free

A Highway Code for users of mobility vehicles including scooters is available