This section looks at keeping yourself safe when using a mobility scooter. Mobility scooters can greatly enhance the quality of people's lives by giving them back some independence.
In the last five years, 12 people have died nationwide and more than 100 have been injured (19 seriously) in crashes involving mobility scooters.
Some tips for a safe journey
As a general rule, you should behave in the same way as a pedestrian.
See and be seen
Remember you are nearer the ground so it is harder for drivers to see you. Wear brightly coloured clothes or a high-visibility fluorescent jacket. Fit a flag to your scooter at a height of at least a metre off the ground.
Use rear vision mirrors to see hazards coming up behind you.
Always check over your shoulder when changing direction.
Always listen and watch for vehicles coming out of driveways.
If your scooter has indicators, use them.
If weather conditions are overcast, use your headlights.
Safety and courtesy
Adjust your speed to the conditions.
Don't travel faster than surrounding pedestrians.
If you're travelling slowly, move to one side of the footpath so others can pass.
When you stop the scooter, turn off the key or take your hand off the power control.
Always watch for cars reversing out of driveways. Remember they might not always see or hear you.
Smooth manoeuvring
Take particular care when manoeuvring on sharp corners or slopes.
Be careful when on uneven surfaces.
Approach kerbs head-on.
Reduce your speed when going down a slope.
Avoid steep slopes.
Don't let anybody stand or sit on your scooter while you're using it.
Cross roads with care
Where possible, cross roads at pedestrian crossings or controlled traffic lights or at an intersection with stop or give way signs. Where this is not possible, take particular care and ask for assistance if you need to.
Always look for controlled crossings. Remember that you have pedestrian rights and not only is this safer, but it is also less stressful.
Always check very carefully that the way is clear before crossing a road.
Use the shortest possible path across the road.
Only cross where you can see the oncoming traffic.
Before crossing, always check that you will be able to get back onto the footpath on the other side.
Take particular care at intersections and roundabouts – cross as a pedestrian would, from footpath to footpath.
More information
Read our booklet Ready to ride – keeping safe on your mobility scooter
Keeping mobile – how to safely use your mobility scooter. If you currently use a mobility scooter or power chair, or are considering using one in the future, this booklet contains practical advice.
Check out our page on mobility vehicles.