Rules for Users of Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters Flashcards
What are the rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters also called?
Invalid Carriages in law.
What are the different types of classes for a manual wheelchair and powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters?
Class 1 Invalid carriage - Manual Wheelchair Pavement ONLY
Class 2 - Vehicles with an upper speed limit of 4mph (6 km/h) Pavement ONLY use
Class 3 - Vehicles are those with an upper speed limit of 8mph (12 km/h) Road OR Pavement use.
How should users of a manual wheelchair or mobility scooter behave on the roads and/or pavements?
When on the road you should obey the guidance and rules of other vehicles using the road and when on the pavement you should follow the guidance and rules for pedestrians.
How should users of a manual wheelchair or mobility scooter behave on pavements specifically?
Pavements are safer than roads so should be used when available. Give pedestrians priority and show consideration for other pavement users. Particularly those with hearing or visual impairment (may not be aware you are there).
What is the required speed limit on pavements or in pedestrian areas for powered wheelchairs and scooters?
Powered wheelchairs and scooters MUST NOT travel faster than 4mph (6km/h).
Adjust speed to other pavements users who may not be able to move out of the way quick enough or if the pavement is too narrow.
How should users of a powered wheelchairs and scooters behave when moving from pavement to the road?
Powered wheelchairs and scooters must take special care.
- Look around and make sure it is safe to join the traffic.
- Always use a dropped kerb where possible even if you have to travel further.
- When climbing or descending a kerb approach at a right-angle
- Don’t try to negotiate a kerb higher than the vehicles manufacturer’s recommendations.
What is the required speed limit on the road for powered wheelchairs and scooters?
You should take care when travelling on the road as you may be travelling slower than other traffic.
Machines are restricted to 8mph.
How should users of a powered wheelchairs and scooters behave in terms of the direction of the traffic on the road?
Class 3 (upper speed limit of 8mph) vehicles should travel in the direction of traffic.
Class 2 (upper speed limit of 4mph) should use the pavement where available. If there is not one Class 2 must also travel in the direction of traffic to not confuse other road users.
At night if travelling, lights MUST be used.
How should users of a powered wheelchairs and scooters behave in terms of the rules of the road regarding the use of lights?
You MUST follow the same rules regarding use of lights, indicators and horns as other road users, if vehicle fitted with them.
Be aware other road users may not see you and so in poor daylight wear reflective gear and at night this is a MUST.
How should users of a powered wheelchairs and scooters behave at road junctions when going straight ahead?
Taking extra care, users must make sure there are no vehicles about to cross your path from the left, right or overtaking you and turning left.
How should users of a powered wheelchairs and scooters behave at road junctions when making a right turn?
If turning off a major road to make a right turn:
- stop on the left-hand side of the road and wait for a gap in traffic.
- Negotiate the turn as a pedestrian. Along the pavements and cross the road between pavements.
How should users of a powered wheelchairs and scooters behave at road junctions when it is too hazardous to cross?
It may be worth considering an alternative route. This could also apply to roundabouts with two or more lanes. Using a pavement or an alternative route altogether.
How should users of a powered wheelchairs and scooters behave in terms of parking?
Parking restrictions should be observed in conjunction with other road users. Your vehicle should not be left unattended if it causes obstruction to other pedestrians.
Parking concessions under the Blue Badge scheme will apply to those vehicles displaying a valid badge.
How should users of a powered wheelchairs and scooters behave in terms of motorways?
These vehicles MUST NOT be used on motorways. They should not be used on unrestricted dual carriageways as the speed limit exceeeds 50mph.
If they are used on dual carriageways the MUST have a flashing amber beacon on all other dual carriageways.
