You do not need a licence to drive an electric wheelchair, but you may have to register it. Only certain types can be driven on the road. The law calls these types of vehicles 'invalid carriages'.
Rules for class 3 invalid carriages
The law calls electric 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
Driving on the road
You can only drive on the road in a class 3 invalid carriage. The maximum speed is 8mph.
You cannot drive on bus lanes, 'cycle only' lanes or motorways. Avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph.
You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 invalid carriage on a dual carriageway.
Eyesight requirements
There is no legal eyesight requirement to drive mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs, but you should be able to read a car's registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 feet).
You must check that you can still do this regularly.
Who can use them
You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if you:
· have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition
· are demonstrating the vehicle before it's sold
· are training a disabled user
· are taking the vehicle to or from maintenance or repair
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'.
Check whether a vehicle is registered as an 'invalid carriage' by asking the seller when you buy it.
Change the owner's details when you buy a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair
When you buy a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, the seller will make you the 'registered keeper'. This means the vehicle will be in your name. You'll get a new vehicle log book (V5C) in the post within 4 weeks of the sale.
If your electric wheelchair is not a registered vehicle
Most wheelchairs will already be registered by the dealer or manufacturer before you buy them.
If your vehicle is not registered, register it by filling in:
· form V55/4 for new vehicles
· form V55/5 for used vehicles
Why choose us
Kunshan Aoshida Electric Technology Co., Ltd, is located in Development Zone, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, China. Our company is a high-tech enterprise that combines our wheelchairs and scooters' R&D, manufacture, market and service. Our brand name is FreedomChair. If you are looking for a wheelchair merchandise, please contact us now!
The Rules of Using an Electric Wheelchair on the Road
You do not need a licence to drive an electric wheelchair, but you may have to register it. Only certain types can be driven on the road. The law calls these types of vehicles 'invalid carriages'.
Rules for class 3 invalid carriages
The law calls electric 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
Driving on the road
You can only drive on the road in a class 3 invalid carriage. The maximum speed is 8mph.
You cannot drive on bus lanes, 'cycle only' lanes or motorways. Avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph.
You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 invalid carriage on a dual carriageway.
Eyesight requirements
There is no legal eyesight requirement to drive mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs, but you should be able to read a car's registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 feet).
You must check that you can still do this regularly.
Who can use them
You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if you:
· have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition
· are demonstrating the vehicle before it's sold
· are training a disabled user
· are taking the vehicle to or from maintenance or repair
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'.
Check whether a vehicle is registered as an 'invalid carriage' by asking the seller when you buy it.
Change the owner's details when you buy a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair
When you buy a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, the seller will make you the 'registered keeper'. This means the vehicle will be in your name. You'll get a new vehicle log book (V5C) in the post within 4 weeks of the sale.
If your electric wheelchair is not a registered vehicle
Most wheelchairs will already be registered by the dealer or manufacturer before you buy them.
If your vehicle is not registered, register it by filling in:
· form V55/4 for new vehicles
· form V55/5 for used vehicles
Why choose us
Kunshan Aoshida Electric Technology Co., Ltd, is located in Development Zone, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, China. Our company is a high-tech enterprise that combines our wheelchairs and scooters' R&D, manufacture, market and service. Our brand name is FreedomChair. If you are looking for a wheelchair merchandise, please contact us now!
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