What is Vehicle Class?
Vehicle classification refers to the size, speed, weight, and number of wheels a vehicle has. When it comes to vehicle classification for mobility scooters or other mobility devices such as powerchairs, it’s important to know what class your device is. This will help you know what surfaces you are allowed to drive on, what eyesight requirements you must meet, and if you need to register the mobility vehicle with the DVLA. The manufacturer or mobility specialist who supplied you with your scooter will be able to tell you what class your vehicle is, but we have broken down the three main classifications you need to know about.
What is a Class 2 Mobility Vehicle?
As a general rule of thumb, if your scooter has a maximum speed of 4mph or less, it is deemed a class 2 vehicle. If your mobility scooter is a class 2 vehicle, you can drive it on pavements and other pedestrian areas, and cycle tracks (which are different from cycle lanes).
You do not need to register your class 2 mobility scooter with the DVLA or have any form of license, but you must be able to read a car’s registration from 12.3 meters away (40 feet).
What is a Class 3 Mobility Vehicle?
If the maximum speed of your mobility scooter is 6mph or 8mph, it is more than likely a class 3 vehicle. You can drive your class 3 scooter on pavements, pedestrian areas, cycle tracks, and on the road. You cannot drive in bus lanes, cycle lanes, or on motor ways in your powerchair or mobility scooter.
Your class 3 mobility scooter will need to be registered with the DVLA to drive on the roads, and must feature the following to be deemed road-safe:
- Audible horn
- Rearview mirror
- Reflectors and lights (front and rear)
- Efficient braking system
- Indicators that can be used to signal hazard warning
Not only must you follow The Highway Code when using your mobility scooter on the road, you also need to be able to read a car’s registration plate from 12.3 meters away (40 feet).
Unclassed Mobility Vehicles
If your mobility scooter weighs more than 150kg (or 200kg if you need additional medical equipment attached), is wider than 0.85 meters, and can exceed 8mph, it cannot be classified. This means that you can only use it on the road, avoiding all cycle tracks or cycle paths, pavements, and other pedestrian areas.
To operate a non classified mobility scooter, you must own or obtain a valid driving license, register the vehicle with the DVLA, and it is also advisable to insure your vehicle. In regards to eyesight, operating a non classified vehicle requires that you are able to read a car’s registration plate from 20 meters away (65.5 feet).
As the speed capability of your mobility scooter increases, so do the features it must include. For example, if your scooter’s maximum speed exceeds 15mph it must have two dipped beam headlights, and a speedometer if the maximum speed is over 25mph.
Shop insurance for your mobility device with our partner Mark Bates LTD; The Home of Premier Care.
Why Does Vehicle Class Matter?
Vehicle classification is vital to know, as it informs if your mobility scooter needs to be DVLA registered, what surfaces you are allowed to drive it on, if you require a driving license to operate the scooter, and what requirements in terms of vehicle specification and driver eyesight you need to abide by.
Finding Your Vehicle Class
Check with your mobility specialist/the seller of your mobility scooter to determine the class of your mobility scooter. Alternatively, you can search online for the make and model of the scooter to try and find more information, and maybe reach out to the manufacturer to confirm the class if you are still struggling to discover the classification.
Using the information above such as maximum speed, width, and weight should also be able to help you ascertain the classification of your vehicle.
If you have purchased a mobility scooter with Modern Mobility and would like to confirm the class of your device, please feel free to reach out to our friendly experts who will be more than happy to help!
First Class Scooters and Service
For exceptional customer support, expert advice, and a wide range of mobility scooters, look no further than Modern Mobility.
Whether you’re new to owning a mobility device, a Motability customer, or a returning client, we can’t wait to help you find the mobility solution that’s right for you.
