Powered Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters
Safety first: Whether using the pavement or the road with a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair it is a good idea to get familiar with the highway code. Certainly if you are going to use the road then it would be essential to get some training, the local council's Road Safety Unit would be a good place to start.
If you are going to use the road then you should become familiar with the current traffic and road signs and signals. You should also make sure that your eyseight is adequate, for instance you should be able to read a car number plate at 40 feet or 12.3 metres distance.
Using the horn between 11:30pm and 7:00am or when the vehicle is not
moving is not allowed, unless there is a danger from another moving vehicle.
The horn is only for use to let other road users know that you are there.
Some people use the horn to show anger but this is simply a form of road
rage and should not be done.
Always use a safety belt or harness if your wheelchair or scooter has one fitted even for short journeys, it could save your life or at least from serious injury one day.
Always wear high visibility clothing while using a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter or some other form of a disability vehicle, whether during the day or night, at night time it should also be reflective. This will help to keep you safe. Keep in mind that your wheelchair, mobility scooter or disability vehicle may not be vary large so may not be as visible to other road users and they may not see you until it is too late if you are not wearing high visibility clothing.
When using a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter try to avoid very busy road areas such as roundabouts or main roads. If you are unsure of busy roads with your powered wheelchair or disability scooter then you can always switch to using the pavement, remembering that safety is paramount for you but also for pedestrians. Again while using a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter even on the pavement high visibility clothing will help others to see you.
When you need to park your wheelchair or mobility scooter normal parking restrictions will apply so do remember to leave it where it will not cause an obstruction.