Mobility scooters provide users with mobility issues the freedom and independence to live their lives. When it comes to mobility scooters, speed might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but for many users, it’s a key factor in getting around efficiently and confidently. Whether you’re navigating busy town centres, enjoying a ride through a park, or running errands, knowing how fast your scooter can go can make all the difference.
In this post, we’ll cover everything from legal limits to determining what you need your mobility scooter for, so you can find the perfect balance between safety and swiftness for your mobility needs.
What are the different types of mobility scooters?
Before we look into the speed of mobility scooters further, we should have a look at the different types. There are two main categories of mobility scooter:
Class 2 mobility scooters are mostly used for travel on the pavement. These are often used for shorter journeys from the home to a desired destination in the area.
Class 3 mobility scooters are scooters that can be legally driven on the road but must have certain safety features, including hazard warning lights, indicators, good brakes, lights, a horn as well as a rearview mirror, and should have a maximum width of 0.85 metres. If these features are not working, you could be stopped by the police.
How fast can mobility scooters go?
Class 2 scooters have a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour and Class 3 scooters have a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour. Most manufacturers add a speed limiter to Class 3 mobility scooters so they cannot go faster than this on a flat surface.
How fast can a mobility scooter go on the road?
On the road, the class 3 mobility scooter has a maximum speed of 8 miles per hour, depending on the weight of the scooter and the terrain. However, if you have a class 3 scooter and need to go on the pavement, you can only drive at 4mph to ensure the safety of other pedestrians.
What can affect the speed of a mobility scooter?
Many factors can affect the speed and overall functionality of a mobility scooter, these include:
Terrain
If the pavement or road you are driving on is bumpy then this can impact your overall speed. It can also harm your tyres and other parts of your mobility scooter. If you travel over a particularly bumpy surface, inspect your scooter when home to ensure there is no damage
Weight
If you are out shopping or adding any extra weight to your scooter, this can slow down its speed.
Battery
The battery is a big factor in the performance of your mobility scooter. If the battery is running low or if the battery is low, it will not be functioning at its best. Always ensure your battery is well charged before you head out and if the battery isn’t holding as much charge as it used it, it might be worth looking into replacing it. We have another helpful blog on mobility scooter battery charge.
How to choose the right mobility scooter
If you are looking at buying or renting a mobility scooter to help you get around with ease, you should think about what you plan to use it for:
Class 2 mobility scooters are perfect for small journeys to local shops or to travel around town. They have a range of around 15 -25 miles per charge, so are ideal for small trips.
Class 3 mobility scooters have a range of around 35 miles per charge, so are ideal for users who live a bit further away from local amenities or plan to venture out of town for longer periods.
Stay safe on your scooter
Staying safe should be a top priority for mobility scooter users. Whilst 8mph might not seem that fast, without being careful, losing control at that speed could cause serious injury or damage to other vehicles. Here are a few easy tips to help you stay safe when on the move:
Maintain: Ensure your scooter is well maintained to ensure you do not have any issues when travelling
Stay visible: Wear visible clothing and test your lights before you go out to check they are working if you are driving in the dark.
Watch your speed: Although most scooters have a limiter, if you are going downhill you might gain a bit more speed. However, you must stick to the speed limit on the pavement or road for the safety of yourself and pedestrians.
Blue Badge Mobility Insurance
If you have a mobility scooter, it is recommended that you get mobility scooter insurance to cover you when you are out and about on your scooter. Blue Badge Mobility scooter insurance includes up to £2M public liability, theft, damage and loss, 90 days holiday cover, and puncture and recovery insurance, which can also be added as an optional extra.
Get your free quote online today!
