Mobility Scooters Growth By lac It is a fact that in the UK we are seeing a vast increase in the percentage of our population aged over 65. Currently 15% of the population is aged over 65, compared to 11% in 1951 and many more people now live well into their eighties and nineties.
One of the more noticeable indications of this trend in our society is the increase in the number of mobility using our roads and pavements on a daily basis. It is now thought that there are well over 300,000 such vehicles in use in the UK today.
Mobility enable those who have difficulty walking to enjoy full independence to continue an active and self sufficient lifestyle. Such vehicles use battery power to give a range of up to 30 miles between charges and offer a user friendly vehicle to the elderly and disabled.
To date mobility have avoided much of the legislation that governs other motorised vehicles, however as the numbers of user’s increase they will undoubtedly become a focus for governmental taxation and safety legislation.
Currently the DVLA categorises mobility based on there ‘speed rating’ of either 4mph (Class 2) or 8 mph (Class 3). 4mph mobility are restricted to use on pavements, while 8mph (Class 3) can be used on the road. Many 8mph mobility have speed regulators which allow them to be used both on the road and pavement. Mobility that can operate up to 4mph to not have to be registered with the DVLA however class 3 vehicles need to be registered for road use, however no charges are made.
Surprisingly there is also no mandatory requirement to insure a mobility scooter
against
3rd party liability. Many owners do take out comprehensive insurance
policies, however this is normally to protect the substantial financial
investment they have made in the vehicle. Also there is no MOT style
test to access the ongoing mechanical safety of the vehicle.
Currently
there is no official test or assessment to gain a licence to operate
a mobility scooter and so there are no fundamental checks made on the
user’s knowledge or physical capability. Some see the introduction
of a basic test and demonstration to access user’s knowledge of the
Highway Code and quality of their eyesight as a necessity to ensure
the safety of operators, pedestrians and other road users. This could
also deal with many ‘grey areas’ such as the use of mobility by people with medical conditions that would prevent them driving a
motor car such as Epilepsy.
With the growth of ‘’direct sell’’ distribution
via the internet many users do not receive professional initial demonstration
and assembly of the product, as they would via the traditional retail network.
With
over 1000 accidents per year now involving mobility many people within the mobility industry are keen to see legislation
to better access people buying mobility products to ensure they receive the correct
product for their individual needs. Leading Iindustry bodies such as the British
Healthcare Trades Association are continuing to advocate improved licensing and
user assessments.
All content published on this web site is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the professional advice before making any decisions.
