Mobility Scooter Info

Staying Safe - You and Your Mobility Scooter

Congratulations on choosing to buy your mobility scooter from Buy As You View! To help keep you safe and to get the best from your scooter please take some time to read the guidelines below before you make your purchase.

Independence

Whilst Mobility Scooters give you a sense of freedom and offer an excellent way of keeping your independence, remember a mobility scooter, like any motorised product, could cause considerable harm to the user, pedestrians and other road users if not used safely and responsibly.

Definitions

There are 3 types of mobility products that cannot be used on the roads. These are defined in ‘The Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988’

• Class 1 – Manual Wheelchairs. These are not electrically powered, they require the use of your arms and legsto move forward and allow another person to push you.

• Class 2 – Powered Wheelchairs and Scooters. These are only suitable for riding on pavements or footpaths and have a top speed of 4mph. The Go-Go Elite Traveller 4 and the Colt Twin available from Buy As You View both fall into this category.

• Class 3 – Powered Wheelchairs and other outdoor powered vehicles (including Scooters). Suitable for riding on roads and have a top speed of 8mph and must not weigh more than 150kg without the driver and any load. These also have a switch to limit the top speed to 4 mph on pavements and footpaths. Class 3 vehicles are not defined as a motor vehicle and a driving license of driving test is not required. However, they can only be used by a disable person aged 14 or over or by a person who is demonstrating the vehicle before sale, training a disabled driver or driving the vehicle to and from a place for maintenance or repair.

Registration

Classes 1 and 2 of the ‘invalid carriages’ do not have to be registered with the Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Class 3 vehicles must be licensed in the disabled taxation class and display a disabled taxation disc. There is no charge for this license and the vehicle does not require registration plates. To register and license a Class 3 vehicle you are required to complete a V55/4 (new vehicles) or V55/5 (used vehicles) and this must be sent to the DVLA. Forms are available from main Post Offices or online. For further information contact http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/index.htm or telephone 0870 243 0444

Medical Advice

Before purchasing your scooter check with your Doctor that you are fit and able to use a scooter

If you are taking medication ask or GP or Pharmacist about side effects that may impair your ability to drive a scooter

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, ensure you wear these when driving

Have your eyesight tested regularly

Allow plenty of time for your journey and plan your route in advance

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you insure your vehicle for a minimum of Third Party insurance and fire, theft and damage

Basic User Advice

• Select a scooter that is appropriate for your needs, size, height and weight
• Get professional advice before buying.
• First Time Users – it is strongly recommended that you attend a training course – details can be found from your local Disability Living centre
• Familiarise yourself with all the controls before going out
• Make sure your scooter is properly maintained and the battery is fully charged. The distance you can travel will depend on the condition and charge of the battery and the weight you place on the scooter. Remember travelling on uneven surfaces and up-hill will reduce battery power.
• Maintain and Service your scooter regularly

Using Your Scooter

• Wear suitable clothing such as fluorescent and reflective materials and ensure that you have fluorescent markings on your scooter. Contact your local Road Safety Team for further advice
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or medication. Consult your GP if in doubt
• Wear appropriate clothing. Scarves and long coats can become easily caught in the wheels
• Do not carry passengers
• Do not use a mobile phone while driving
• Avoid carrying pets on your scooter
• Do not overload with shopping
• Do not hang bags from the handles of your scooter as the vehicle will become unstable
• Always turn off your scooter before dismounting
• Always be aware of pedestrians and other road users
• Always look behind before reversing
• Beware on corners etc, especially when you cannot see ahead clearly.
• Beware of slippery surfaces or uneven roads – pay attention on hills and slopes
• Be careful going up and down kerbs. Do not go up and down kerbs that are higher than those recommended. Refer to your manufacturers handbook for further details
• Slow down in plenty of time
• Always use pedestrian crossings
• Class 3 vehicles must be switched to 4mph setting when being used on a pavement or footpath
• Pedestrians have a right of way. The top speed allowed on pavements and footpaths is 4mph.
• Ensure there is sufficient space available for you to travel when entering crowded shops and shopping precincts

Using Your Scooter on the Road

• Your scooter must have headlights and rear lights, flashing indicators, wing mirror and horn to be able to drive on a road
• The vehicle must have a maximum speed of 8mph
• Never use your scooter on a motorway
• Always follow the highway code
• Do not drive in bus and cycle lanes
• Always obey traffic lights and other road signs
• Always use your lights at night
• Always look behind before turning
• Be sure you have plenty of time to carry out your actions

VAT relief for disabled people

Under current VAT laws tax relief is provided for people who are chronically ill or disabled. This means that VAT will not be charged on certain goods.

Do you qualify?

You can only qualify for VAT relief on mobility scooters if you are “chronically sick or disabled”

Your are classed “chronically sick or disabled” if:

• You have a physical or mental impairment which has long term sustainable adverse effect upon your ability to carry out everyday activities
• You have a condition which a medical professional treats as a chronic sickness
• You are terminally ill

It does not include a frail elderly person who is otherwise able bodied or any person who is temporarily disabled or incapacitated.

You will be asked to provide a written statement with each purchase confirming that you fulfil all criteria for eligibility.