what are the speed restrictions on use of mobility scooters on public highways?

Question

i have obtained a mobility scooter for my personnal use as i need to get around more, the top speed is 8mph. I am informed that the minimum speed should be at least 10mph to use it on the road 4mph on footpaths. How do people manage in rural districts where there are no such things as footpaths?

Answer 1

I`m thinking there is no legislation on these things...I have seen these scooters on major roads...crossing really busy roads thinking traffic had to stop for them etc..they really worry me I honestly feel its only a matter of time before we have a fatality with one...then maybe we will get some legislation and they will have to be taxed and insured like any other motor vehicle...

Answer 2

From the British Healthcare Trades Association's guide to safe use of scooters: "some wheelchairs/scooters can only be driven safely on the footpath, except for crossing roads. Others are so designed that they can be driven safely on the road. This does not always make it SAFE to do so. To drive safely on the road it
is advisable to have a vehicle capable of doing 6/8 miles an hour, equipped with headlights, rear lights, flashing indicators and a horn. Even with all this you may not use dual carriageways unless you also have an additional flashing beacon light and you are not permitted to use bus lanes or cycle tracks."

Answer 3

Not above 70 on the Mways (don't even THINK about it!), but generally the top speed you can do is allowed wherever you are, whatever the road, surely?

Answer 4

4mph max. Walking pace on footpath.

Go cross country in rural districs I'd say. (But I am a muppet).

Answer 5

Please do the motorist a favour and stay on the pavement unless absolutely necessary. Far too easy to almost run one of these things over unless they're showing lights of some sort.

Answer 6

Just go everywhere flat out, police equipment doesn't go down that low!