Forum Topic

Mobility Scooter and Cycle Lane

Can the modern mobility scooter use a cycle lane. The DVLA  still classifieds a class 3 scooter as an invalid  carriage, it has a maximum speed depending on the manufacture of 6 to 8 mph, so they are registered with the DVLA , issued with a registration number, and V5 document and registered for vehicle tax, and should be insured.These scooters are road legal so using them on a road with plenty of room isn’t a problem. But now a road like Chiswick High Road is down to one Lane each way, so if a scooter travelling at 6 or 8 mph along a busy road, you going to end up being a rolling obstruction.This will increase the danger of a scooter driver as there will be no space for a vehicle to pass, when the road had 2 lanes before.So you may get a Class 3 Mobility Scooter heading for the cycle lane at short notice if the traffic gets very heavy.A class 3 Scooter can, at a flick of a switch down grade itself to a class 2 , Which reduces the maximum speed to 4 mph and use the pavement to travel along a road, which will increase the amount of scooters using payments and driving between pedestrians who are lead to believes it is safe to walk anywhere and not be endangered by any moving vehicle in a LTN neighbourhood.At the moment there doesn’t seem to be any new legislation regarding disabled transport and LTN areas, but no doubt there will when a pedestrian walks out in front of mobility scooter and gets hurt.

Bernard Allen ● 2174d4 Comments

Hello BernardNo, it is not legal to drive a scooter in a cycle-only lane.I don't know if you are a scooter driver yourself ? I am not but there are a few of my fellow in-mates who are.  Over morning coffee your comment "rolling obstruction" and the suggestion of scooters hitting pedestrians has raised a few eyebrows.It is important that the infirm are empowered to get out as independently as possible and if this involves slowing traffic for a short time then so be it.

David Grantley ● 2174d

DavidMy normal transport is adapted with a hoist and a folding class2 scooter and I also have a class 3 scooter.The reason I have been asking about using the new Cycle lanes is because the road width left for motor vehicles is becoming narrower and narrower.So if you use certain roads that are having the bus lane converted to a cycle lanes, which makes  all the traffic that uses the road to use  one lane.So if we use this lane at 8 mph in my mind we are going to become a rolling obstruction as there is know-where for other traffic to pass, this surly will make it more dangerous for the disabled person in charge of the scooter.As once you have stated to drive down a road like this it will not be for a short distance until you reach a junction.So if somehow, a scooter driver got into a problem it would mean the only escape off the vehicle lane will be through the Cycle lane to reach the safety of the pavement, Hence why I asked the question using the cycle lane.Lots of Battery powered bikes have got quicker, I believe an electric bike can travel at 15 mph and an a fit cyclist can travel quiet fast, so pulling into a cycle at 8 mph is potentially going cause a problem. So maybe its time to for disability organisations to push for the speed of Class 3 mobility scooters to be increased to 15 mph to give us a chance in today's roads. Have any of your residents encountered some of the new safer streets around Brentford and Chiswick? They are meant to be safer roads for pedestrians and cyclists, so wont be expecting a Mobility scooter  appearing on the scene, so it could be likely that a pedestrian just walks across the road without looking (as they have been told there safe|) and connect with you, mind you it could be a fast Cyclist.At the moment disabled people in my book are being ignored by the new temporary road designers, and that needs to be challenged.

Bernard Allen ● 2174d

Morning BernardI take your points.  One resident made the point this morning "all the more reason to own the road" by which she means not allowing cars etc to force her into the gutter while trying to pass.  Of course there are risks with this approach.  I was out with my carer during the school run this morning and the driving of the 4WD brigade is atrocious. Generally the residents here are in a wait and see mood about the changes.There are some concerns about the zebra crossings, especially when crossing North to South.  A refuge between the road and the cycle lanes would be beneficial so there is somewhere safe to stop and make sure the cyclists have seen you.That said ... and I know it's a common refrain but sadly true ... the majority of cyclists do not stop at zebra crossings.Lets wait and see.  Stay healthy and safe.

David Grantley ● 2173d

Speaking as a car driver, if you are driving a scooter at 8mph and holding up traffic behind you then so be it - it's not like you are likely to be on a main road for miles and miles, and it's probably not much fun for the scooter driver either. And, I'd consider myself fortunate that I can drive a car rather than needing to use a scooter.The speed limit on a lot of roads is 20mph these days as well.

Andrew Jones ● 2173d