A Guide to Electric Mobility Scooters
Do you own an electric mobility scooter? Are you thinking of buying one? Are you planning to move into Three Valleys' property and wondering how to accommodate your scooter?
Before you buy a mobility scooter or consider moving home, please ask yourself the following questions:
Can I store the mobility scooter safely and charge the battery?
This is very important. At present, we only provide safe and secure mobility scooter storage for the residents at Aston Court in Ilkeston. At all our other properties the storage and charging facilities are the resident’s responsibility.
We do not carry out any adaptations associated with mobility scooters (these include ramps, paths and shed bases).
Where can I store my mobility scooter?
If you live in a flat, we require your mobility scooter to be stored safely outside, preferably in a shed or lockable container specially designed for that purpose. Mobility scooters cannot be stored in stairwells or other communal areas of flats.
We have to consider the needs of all our residents in blocks of flats and the Fire Service may take action against us if we allow escape routes to become blocked.
We will look at the feasibility of allowing outside storage where requested, however you will be asked to show that you can get to it and charge your scooter safely.
If there is room we may allow you to provide your own shed (and associated path and electrics). If you make such a request, we will consult other residents before we issue a permit. For more information, please call us on 0844 7703500.
If you live in a bungalow or a house, your mobility scooter should be stored outside, preferably in a shed with its own power supply. We do not provide ramps for mobility scooter access to individual bungalows and houses.
There are health and safety risks associated with the indoor storage of mobility scooters and for that reason Three Valleys Housing strongly recommend that you consider how you will store your mobility scooter before you buy.
You should also think carefully about whether you can manoeuvre a mobility scooter up your path – is it wide enough - are there steps to the garden if you are wanting to store it in a shed at the back of the property? Don’t forget that this may be extra expense on top of buying the mobility scooter.
Most reputable companies will let you ‘try before you buy’. Take advantage of this and think about access and storage. Also, most builders will visit you and give you a free estimate if you need any work doing. If you choose to buy a shed and have a power supply connected, make sure you use a qualified electrician. We will need to see the certificate of compliance to ensure that the job has been done properly.
What about insurance for theft or damage or if I have an accident in which someone is injured?
There is no legal requirement for you to take out insurance but there are companies that provide it. We strongly recommend you take out insurance, especially if you are intending to use the mobility scooter on the road or if you live in a sheltered housing complex where there may be a risk to other people. A claim could be made against you if you run into somebody or cause damage to property, for example, knocking into things in shops.
You need to make sure your scooter is adequately insured against theft. It may not be included in your home contents insurance policy, including any you may make via Three Valleys Housing. You are advised to contact your insurers and make suitable arrangements.
Applying for a permit
Contact us on 0844 7703500 for further advice and to request a permit application form. When you have demonstrated that your mobility scooter can be stored safely, you will be issued with a permit.
We will be happy to discuss the storage of your mobility scooter with you and guide you through what you need to do to comply with the regulations.
Mobility Scooters and the law
Is your Mobility scooter Class 2 or Class 3? Class 2 mobility scooters are intended for footway use only with a maximum speed of 4mph and an unladen weight not exceeding 113.4Kgs. These are not required to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Class 3 mobility scooters are required to be registered with the DVLA. Your mobility scooter is Class 3 if it has been constructed or adapted to be capable of exceeding a speed limit of 4mph but incapable of exceeding a speed of 8mph on the level under its own power (generally mobility scooters intended for use on roads/highways). They must be fitted with a device capable of limiting the maximum speed to 4mph for use when travelling on footways. The unladen weight must not exceed 150Kgs.
If you are unsure which Class your mobility scooter comes under, you should speak to the company you are intending to purchase from, or have purchased from, or the DVLA. They can be contacted on 0870 240 0010 or via their website at www.dvla.gov.uk.
How do I look after my mobility scooter?
It is important to look after your mobility scooter, just as you would look after a car. You don’t want to be stranded so it makes sense to check regularly that:
• Tyres are inflated and not bald
• The mirrors are adjusted correctly
• Front and rear lights work
• Indicators work
• The horn works
• The battery is charged up for long enough to get you back home
• The floor mat is fitted securely
• The seat belt is secure
• Keep a copy of your manufacturer’s instruction manual in a safe place and follow their guidelines.
Also think about having a mobile phone just in case your mobility scooter breaks down and you need to call for help.
Mobility scooter safety
Although accidents involving mobility scooters are rare, you can be more vulnerable driving a mobility scooter than a car, so please drive carefully. Double check vehicles aren’t approaching too fast; that there are no pedestrians in your way when crossing the road and make sure your eyesight is checked regularly just as if you were driving a car. Please think of your safety and that of others.
Updated 29 April 2008 (PC)