MOBILITY SCOOTERS...CLASS 3

CATHYB

SORRY FOR CAPS. EYESIGHT NOT. GOOD AT THE MOMENT. I HAVE A CLASS 3 DISABILITY SCOOTER WHICH I USE IN A SMALL TOWN TO DO MY SHOPPING, GP APPOINTMENTS. ETC.  I HAVE BEEN STOPPED 3 TIMES NOW BY AGGRESSIVE PEOPLE TELLING ME THAT I SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD.. THE LATEST INCIDENT WAS FROM A BUS DRIVER, TELING ME THAT I SHOULD BE ON THE PAVEMENT., AND THAT I SHOULD HAVE A REGISTRATION, IF ON THE ROAD. I DO USE A PAVEMENT WHEN IT IS SAFE.   I ALSO GO TO THE SIDE TO ALLOW CARS TO OVERTAKE ME. AS A PREVIOUS DRIVER I DO KNOW THE HIGHWAY CODE, AND ADHERE TO IT.  I AM REALLY UPSET BECAUSE THIS IS THE ONLY WAY I CAN SAFELY LEAVE THE HOUSE.  BUS TRAVEL IS DIFFICULT BECAUSE I HAVE DIFFICULTY GETTING ON AND OFF THE BUS.CAN ANY ONE ADVISE A WAY FORWARD, PLEASE? I CAN SEE MY INDEPENDENCE JUST CLOSING.  I LIVE IN SCOTLAND.

L_Volunteer

Hey @CATHYB. You have done so well in reaching out to us. Firstly, you don't deserve to be treated with such aggression  as you said, if it was safe to be on the pavement, you would be and you move over to allow cars through. Is there anything that might help you to feel safer on the pavement? You deserve your independence just as much as anyone. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything we can do to help. We are all here with you

Jimm_Scope

Hey @CATHYB . If you're having trouble reading this just let me know okay! If you do not have a text-to-speech software I can try making it larger.

I'm so sorry you've had people become so aggressive towards you. I'm amazed people lack such empathy. I'm not surprised when I get yelled at for cycling on the road despite it being perfectly fine, I know some motorists take issue with cyclist. But mobility scooter users? I'd have never imagined people lacking that much empathy.

Mobility class 3 scooters used on the road should indeed be registered, that does not excuse what you've had to go through however. People should never act like that towards other human beings. 

If your scooter is not registered I can signpost you to where you can register your scooter if that would make you feel more comfortable on the road. You can also use pavements that are not cycle lanes as you have done when you feel it is safe to do so. What are the causes that make you feel unsafe using pavements or is it a matter of when there are no viable pavements. I know as a pedestrian that's a common issue.

While you are using the road it is important to have knowledge of the Highway Code the most relevant portion for you are parts 36 to 46. The Highway Code - Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (36 to 46) - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

I tried my hardest to find a large print of the Highway Code but it unfortunately does not seem to exist! You think it would be standard, some people struggle to read but can still see fine far away too.

If you have any other questions or if there's anything I can do to make this easier for you to read please let me know. I know what it's like to not feel comfortable travelling. How frustrating and devastating it can be to feel like your freedom is gone for something out of your control. I'd love to help you feel comfortable and  free to travel.

CATHYB

THANK YOU, JIMM, THAT IS REALLY HELPFUL. THE FIRST LARGER PRINT IS BETTER FOR ME.  WHERE DO I REGISTER MY SCOOTER PLEASE? I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS.I WILL RE-READ THE HIGHWAY CODE. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THE COMMENTS I HAVE RECEIVED HAVE BEEN THAT THE SCOOTER IS TOO SLOW. I BELIEVE THAT I AM COURTEOUS, ALWAYS WATCH MY WING MIRRORS FOR TRAFFIC BEHING ME, AND PULL INTO THE FIRST AVAILABLE SPACE.

THE ISSUE I HAVE WITH THE PAVEMENTS IS THAT I LIVE IN WHAT WAS ONCE A FISHING VILLAGE. NOW LONG EXTENDED, THE OUTLYING AREAS HAVE GOOD PAVEMENTS, BUT MANY OF THEM DO NOT HAVE LOWERED KERBS WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO CROSS ROADS. IN  THE TOWN, THE STREETS ARE A MIXTURE OF PAVERS, COBBLE STONES AND SMOOTH AREAS. THE PAVEMENTS ARE ALSO VERY NARROW AND BUSY. RECENTLY, MY WHEEL CAUGHT ONTO AN UNEVEN PART OF THE PAVEMENT, AND I BOUNCED ONTO THE ROAD IN FRONT OF A CAR. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER'S RESPONSE WAS VERY QIUCK, THUS AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT.

 ALL OF THES ISSUES ARE UPSETTING, MAKING ME RELUCTANT NOW TO VENTURE OUT.  I HAVE WORKED OUT THE EASIEST/SAFEST WAY TO GO DOWN TO THE TOWN. AMONG OTHER DISABILITIES, I HAVE LOWER BACK PAIN, WHICH RULES OUT SHOPPING BY BUS.I AM TRYING TO THINK THROUGH ALTERNATIVES. NOW I FEEL THAT I AM ON A DOWWARD SPIRAL.PERHAPS, I NEED TO STOP USING  THE SCOOTER, I JUST DON'T KNOW.

poppy123456

If it's registered then you should have a "log book" V5C. This should have been done by either the dealer or manufacturer. If it's registered and you don't have a V5C then you can get one from DVLA by filling out a V62 form. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-vehicle-registration-certificate

 

If it's not registered then you'll need to fill out the V55/5 form for a used vehicle. see link. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-a-used-vehicle-for-the-first-time-v555

Full details here. https://www.gov.uk/mobility-scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs-rules/vehicle-tax-registration-and-insurance

Ideally you should have insurance (but it's not essential) because this will protect you and other people.

CATHYB

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR ADVICE.  I KNOW HOW TO MOVE FORWARD NOW.

Jimm_Scope

Hey @CATHYB, I'm really glad you feel more certain now. If you have any other questions or run into any other issues you can always ask us here. I hope it's sorted out quickly and you soon feel much more comfortable and safe travelling around on your scooter. Keep us updated!

CATHYB

Thank you. i bought my scooter in Spain and brought it back to Scotland. They are not registered in Spain and I wronly assumed it was the same here. I think my best option is to move into the town, and find safe pavements until then.  Thanks again.

duc749

If you have a class 3 scooter and it’s registered and taxed then your fine to use on most roads. There’s no need for insurance and no need to display a registration plate. Insurance highly recommended for the low cost it is. You should know no your registration number if required in an accident.

I always use my breeze S4 on the road and never use the pavement. The main reason is that there is a max speed of 4 mph on pavements. On roads there is a maximum speed of 8 and as an ex motorcycle rider I feel confident in doing so. I always have lights on and additional blinking lights to make myself as visual as possible. 

It’s not OK to be picked on by car drivers and especially bus drivers. There is no need to display a reg number so the clueless bus driver wouldn’t have any idea if the scooter is registered. So sorry you are having these issues. 

Have a good day

jason

CATHYB

MANY THANKS JASON

Jimm_Scope

As a cyclist I find some motorists seem to suddenly lose any empathy as soon as they're behind a steering wheel. Any slight possible impediment slowing them down by seconds is suddenly the worst thing that has ever happened to them and deserves vitriol. I don't understand it personally.