Denham: Mobility scooter driver sends a message to drivers

Jo Joyce spotted a man in a hi-viz jacket on a red mobility scooter whizzing through the Denham Roundabout.

The huge gyratory leads to and from the M40 and A40 among other roads.

The driver wore a warm hat and his legs were wrapped up in a blanket, but what caught Jo’s eye was a handwritten sign stuck on the rear of the vehicle.

The mobility scooter driver on the Denham Roundabout appeared to be kitted with all features required by law, plus his cheeky sign (Image: Jo Joyce)

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Meant for impatient drivers, the sign read “slow down, road legal, 8mph only, phone police if not happy”.

Jo said the sign did “make her laugh.”

The handwritten sign (Image: Jo Joyce)

She posted the image on social media, where it sparked a lively conversation over the rules around mobility scooters on roads.

What the law says about mobility scooters on roads?

Drivers of mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs can be driven without a licence. However, owners may have to register their scooter.

Only mobility scooters with 8mph maximum speed capability (class 3 scooter) can be driven on the road legally.

They must have 10 features, including a specific weight and width, a device to limit speed to 4pm and a maximum speed of 8mph, an efficient braking system, font and rear lights and reflectors, direction indicators able to operate as a hazard warning signal, an audible horn, a rear view mirror.

Mobility scooter drivers must use an amber flashing light if driving on a dual carriageway.

Mobility scooters cannot be driven on bus lanes, ‘cycle only’ lanes or motorways, and their use should be avoided on dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph, a government website on disability equipment and transport said.

Owners do not have to pay vehicle tax for any class 3 registered mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. The registration is usually done by the seller when buying a scooter or it can done via the DVLA. 

Mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs do not need to be insured, although it is recommended, the government said.