Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
You have to follow the rules of the Highway Code, whether you are using the footpath or the highway. Following some safety tips and keeping your scooter in good condition are also important points.
If you are using a powered vehicle for the first time, or if it has been a while since you have driven on the road, you should get some training. For details of courses, contact your nearest Disabled Living Centre or Mobility Centre, or your local council's Road Safety Unit.
You have to follow the rules of the Highway Code. You should 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.
There is no legal eyesight requirement, but you should be able to read a car's registration number from a distance of 12.3 metres (40 feet). You must monitor your ability to do this regularly while you use a class 3 vehicle.
The vehicle's horn should not be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am or when the vehicle is not moving, unless there is danger from another moving vehicle. Only use the horn to warn other road users that you are there – do not use it as a greeting or to show anger.
If the vehicle has a lap belt fitted to it, always use it - even for short journeys.
You should wear fluorescent clothing during the day and something reflective at night. This will help others to see you. Do not wear dark clothes at night.
Plan your journeys carefully. This may help you to avoid major roundabouts or busy roads. If the situation on the road becomes too daunting, you can always switch to footpath mode and move to the pavement.
Show consideration for and give way to pedestrians.
Although class 3 vehicles can legally travel at 4 miles per hour (mph) on footpaths or in pedestrian areas, it is not always safe to travel at this speed. Adjust your speed according to the circumstances.
You can take advantage of pelican and zebra crossings when in 4 mph mode in order to cross from one footpath to another.
When moving off the footpath on to the road, take special care. Before moving off, always look round and make sure it is safe to join the traffic. Watch out for cyclists in particular.
When on the road, drive with due care and attention, always travelling in the direction of the traffic, obeying traffic signs and signals. Give way to pedestrians who are crossing at junctions or pedestrian crossings.
Watch out for obstructions in the road ahead, such as drains, pot-holes and parked cars. When passing parked cars, watch out for doors being opened in your path or the vehicle moving off without indicating.
Bear in mind that other drivers may not be able to see you easily. As a class 3 vehicle driver, you are in a similarly vulnerable position to cyclists, especially at roundabouts and junctions.
Take extra care at junctions. When going straight ahead at road junctions, check to make sure there are no vehicles about to cross your path.
When turning right, if moving into the middle of the road is difficult or dangerous, you can stop on the left hand side of the road and wait for a safe gap in the traffic. You can also negotiate the turn as a pedestrian by switching to pavement mode and travelling between footways.
When negotiating major roundabouts, it may be safer to stay in the left-hand lane, even when you are carrying on, and treat each exit you cross as a junction. Alternatively, it may be safer to switch to pedestrian mode and use the footway or to find a route which avoids the roundabout.
All normal parking restrictions apply.
Your vehicle should not be left on the footways unattended if it causes an obstruction to other pedestrians. This includes wheelchair users and those with prams or pushchairs.
Parking concessions provided under the Blue Badge Scheme apply to class 3 vehicles displaying a valid badge.
It is essential that you keep your vehicle in good working order in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. Your vehicle should undergo a thorough safety check at least once a year.
If the vehicle has a battery, make sure that it is kept in good condition. Keep lighting equipment clean and in good working order. Windows, windscreens and mirrors should also be clean and clear of obstructions for good all-round vision.
Vehicle suppliers should be able to answer any questions you might have about the maintenance of specific models of class 3 vehicle.
Facebook
Twitter
Google Buzz
StumbleUpon
Delicious
Reddit