Mobility scooters - what you need to know
Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (invalid carriages) are exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) but are subject to the Road Vehicles Registration and Licensing Regulations.
Do I need to register my invalid carriage?
Depending on which categories of invalid carriage you have, you may be required to complete the registration process. The three categories are:
Class 1
Manual wheelchairs which are self-propelled or attendant propelled, not electrical propelled. There is no requirement for these to be licensed or registered for road use with the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA).
Class 2
Powered wheelchairs and scooters – intended for footway use only with a maximum speed of 4mph and an unladen weight not exceeding 113.4 kgs. These are not required to be registered with DVA.
Class 3
Mechanically propelled invalid carriages that are constructed or adapted to be capable of exceeding a speed of 4mph but incapable of exceeding a speed of 8mph on the level under its own power (generally powered wheelchairs and other outdoor vehicles including scooters are intended for use on public roads/highways).
They must be fitted with a device capable of limiting the maximum speed to 4mph when used travelling on footways. The unladen weight must not exceed 150 kgs. These are required to be registered and licensed with DVA.
How do I apply to register my Class 3 invalid carriage?
Class 3 invalid carriages need to be registered for road use, be licensed in the “disabled” taxation class and display a nil duty tax disc. Unlike ordinary cars, invalid carriages do not need to provide evidence of VED exemption when licensing in the disabled class. Also, they are exempt from paying the first registration fee and are not required to display registration plates.
In order to register and license a class 3 invalid carriage the user will need to complete form V55/5 (for used vehicles) or V55/4 (for new vehicles) and take or send it to their nearest DVA local office, or request one by telephoning 0845 402 4000.
Evidence of the vehicle’s age (if available) will need to be submitted with the application together with documentation confirming the keeper’s name and address.
Should I have insurance?
Although it is not a legal requirement, it is strongly advised to have insurance. Suitable schemes are not too expensive and are available to cover your personal safety, other people’s safety and the value of the vehicle
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