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Written question asked by Lord Berkeley (Labour) on Thursday, 19 November 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 December 2020. It was answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 November 2020 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Mobility Scooters

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to review and update the document 'Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: the rules' (1) to permit all classes of invalid carriage to use bus lanes and cycle-only lanes on roads, (2) to permit all classes of invalid carriage to use cycle-only tracks and paths, and (3) to replace the term 'invalid carriage' with a different description.

Answer

Mobility scooters can be used on footways, footpaths, bridleways or pedestrianised areas, provided that they are used in accordance with prescribed requirements. Larger mobility scooters, capable of going up to 8mph, are permitted to use the road. The Government does not have any current plans to review and update the places where mobility scooters are permitted to be used.

The term ‘invalid carriage’ is the legal definition of a mobility scooter as laid out in the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. It means a vehicle, whether mechanically propelled or not, constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of one person, being a person suffering from some physical defect or disability.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL10502
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Mobility scooters Public footpaths Roads
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk