Laws on mobility scooters and wheelchairs set for review
The UK Government has launched a consultation on updating laws covering powered mobility devices, including electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
The 12-week consultation, published on Tuesday 6 January by the Department for Transport, is seeking views on how legislation dating back almost 40 years could be modernised to reflect advances in technology and improve safety.
Ministers say current rules no longer reflect how powered mobility devices are used today.
Some modern electric wheelchairs used by adults and children exceed existing legal weight limits, meaning they can only be used lawfully on private land.
The consultation will consider whether regulations around size, speed and where devices can be used should be updated, alongside a review of age limits and whether tandem, two-person devices should be permitted.
The government is also asking for views on updating legal terminology, including replacing outdated language such as “invalid carriages”, and exploring whether other powered devices could be used legally by disabled people or those with reduced mobility.
Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Roads and Buses, said: “Powered mobility devices give people independence and freedom and the law should enable their safe use.”
“This consultation is a chance for users and organisations to help us modernise these outdated rules and ensure they meet today’s needs.”
The review forms part of the government’s wider plans to improve accessibility and inclusion across the transport system.
Sir Stephen Timms MP said: “We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for disabled people and improving access to assistive technology, as well as making sure that the laws around its use are up to date, is essential to this.”
“I encourage disabled people to respond to the Department for Transport’s consultation so their views and voices are used to shape this policy.”
Accessibility organisations have welcomed the review. Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, said: “We are delighted to see the Department for Transport consulting on modernising laws on ‘powered mobility devices’. Over 10 million people in the UK have mobility-related impairments and existing laws create confusion, restrict market innovation and limit disabled people’s freedom to travel.”
“New high-quality regulations that meet disabled people’s needs will enable millions more disabled people to legally use a growing range of existing and innovative safe, convenient, cost-effective, low-carbon mobility devices to move around our communities.”
Nick Goldup, chief executive of Wheelchair Alliance CIC, said: “The Wheelchair Alliance wholeheartedly welcomes this government review of powered wheelchair legislation. For too long, wheelchair users have been sidelined by outdated legislation and offensive terminology.”
“Many individuals using wheelchairs over 150kg have been left feeling anxious and worried about breaking the law.”
The consultation will run until 31 March 2026, with a government response expected later in the year.
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