Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters Flashcards
How many classes of manual wheelchair are there?
1
What is the 1 class of manual wheelchair called?
Class 1 invalid carriage
How many classes of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are there?
2
What are the characteristics of manual wheelchairs and class vehicles?
Those with an upper speed limit of 4mph (6km/h) and are designed to be used on pavements
What are the characteristics of class 3 vehicles?
Those with an upper speed limit of 8mph (12km/h) and are equipped to be used on the road as well as the pavement
What rules should people using powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters adhere to?
When they 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
What should users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters use; pavement or road?
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
What must powered wheelchairs and scooters NOT do?
Powered wheelchairs and scooters must not travel faster than 4mph (6km/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 you way quickly enough or where the pavement is too narrow
What should powered wheelchair and scooter users do when moving off the pavement onto the road?
Should take special care
Before moving off, always look round and make sure its 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 manufacturers recommendations
What should powered wheelchair and scooter users do when on the road?
You should take care when travelling on the road as you may be travelling more slowly than other traffic (your machine is restricted to 8mph (12km/h) and may be less visible)
When on the road what should Class 3 vehicles do?
Should travel in the direction of the traffic
What should Class 2 vehicles do in regards to the road?
Should always use a 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
What must users of powered wheelchairs and scooters do?
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
What should powered wheelchair and scooter users do at junctions?
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, right, or overtaking you and turning left
The 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
1) stop on the left hand side of the road and wait for a safe gap in the traffic
2) 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
3) if the junction is too hazardous, it may be worth considering an alternative route. Similarly, when negotiating major roundabouts (i.e with 2 or more lanes) it may be safer for you to use a pavement or find a route which avoids the roundabout altogether
How should powered wheelchair and scooter users handle parking?
All normal parking restrictions should be observed
Your vehicle shouldn’t be left unattended if it causes an obstruction to other pedestrians, especially those in wheelchairs
Parking concessions provided under the Blue Badge scheme will apply to those vehicles displaying a valid badge
