40
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
CLASS 3 VEHICLE USERS
WHAT IS A CLASS 3 VEHICLE?
WHERE CAN CLASS 3 VEHICLES BE USED?
WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS?
Three types of 'invalid carriage' are defined in The
Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations
1988':
Class 1 - manual wheelchair, i.e. self-propelled or
attendant-propelled, not electrically
powered;
Class 2 - powered wheelchairs and scooters, for
footway use only with a maximum speed
limit of 4 mph.
Class 3 - powered wheelchairs, and other outdoor
powered vehicles, including scooters, for
use on roads/highways with a maximum
speed limit of 8 mph and facility to travel
at 4 mph on footways (see also definition
page 4 of this manual).
They can be use:
On footpaths, pavements, bridleways and pedestrian
areas at a maximum speed of 4 mph.
On most roads at a maximum speed of 8 mph.
They cannot be used on motorways, cycle lanes or in
bus lanes (when in operation). Nor is it advisable to
use them on unrestricted dual carriageways (i.e.
those with a speed limit of over 50 mph). If they are
4-wheeled vehicles, then they must use an amber
flashing light for conspicuity when used on dual
carriageways.
A Class 3 vehicle is not legally defined as a motor
vehicle and, therefore, the user is not required to
have a driving licence or to take a test. The vehicles
themselves are not subject to Vehicle Excise Duty
('road tax') or mandatory insurance requirements.
However, the law does say that:
a Class 3 vehicle can only be used by a disabled
person aged 14 or over, or by an able-bodied person
who is demonstrating a vehicle before sale, training a
disabled user or taking the vehicle to or from a place
for maintenance or repair.
The vehicle must have certain construction features,
including:
- a maximum unladen weight of 170 kg (380 Ibs);
- a maximum width of 0.85 metres (2'9");
- a device to limit its speed to 6.4 kmph (4 mph);
- a maximum speed of up to 12.8 kmph (8 mph);
- an efficient braking system;
- front and rear lights and reflectors, and direction
indicators which are able to operate as a hazard
warning signal;
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
CLASS
3 VEHICLE USERS
WHAT IS A CLASS 3 VEHICLE?
WHERE
CAN CLASS 3 VEHICLES BE USED?
WHAT
ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS?
- an audible warning instrument (horn);
- a rear view mirror;
- an amber flashing light if a 4-wheeled vehicle is
used on an unrestricted dual carriageway. i.e. a
dual carriageway road having a maximum speed in
excess of 50 mph.
If these conditions are not met, you are liable to
prosecution by the police.
Although it is not a legal requirement, an insurance
policy is strongly advised. Suitable schemes are not
too expensive and are available to cover your
personal safety, other people's safety and the value
of the vehicle.
If you are using a powered vehicle for the first time,
or if it is a while since you have driven on the road,
you are strongly advised to get some training. For
details of courses, contact your local Disabled Living
Centre, Mobility Centre or your local authority's
Road Safety Unit, or contact the Department of
Transport's Mobility Unit. Useful addresses are listed
at the end of this booklet.
Carefully read the owners instruction manual for
your Scooter before driving. Please make
certain it is in full working order.
In addition to this booklet, you should also look at a
current edition of the Highway Code and become
familiar with the various traffic signs and signals you
may come across when you are driving.
Although there is no legal eyesight requirement, you
should be able to read a car's registration number
from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 ft).
It is essential that you monitor your ability to do
this regularly throughout your time as a Class 3
vehicle user.
It is advisable to wear fluorescent clothing during the
day and something reflective at night. This will help
others to see you in daylight or poor visibility. The
leaflet 'Be Safe. Be Seen', which is available free from
the Department of Transport, gives advice on
clothing. But above all don't wear dark clothes at
night.
Your Scooter has a lap belt fitted to it,
always use it - even for short journeys.
As a general rule, plan your journeys carefully. This
way, you could reach your destination without having
to negotiate major roundabouts, rush-hour traffic, or
busy roads. However, if the situation on the road
does become too daunting, you can always switch to
pavement mode (4 mph) and move to the footway
until you feel confident enough to rejoin the traffic.
Freerider
Freerider
Should I have insurance?
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE MYSELF FOR
THE ROAD?
Should I have insurance?
WHAT
SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE MYSELF FOR
THE
ROAD?
Freerider
Freerider
