Mobility scooters - Pavement mobility scooters (UK class 2)

Most mobility scooter owners will confine the use of their scooter to the pavement or sidewalk and, in the UK, this means that the maximum speed of the scooter will be restricted to 4 mph. This is the only definition of a pavement-only mobility scooter.

Dual use scooters, i.e. those that can also be used on highways, have two top speed settings in the UK. The first is for pavements (4 mph) and the second (8mph) is for road use only. See our "Road-able mobility scooters" page (road worthy mobility Scooter) for more information about these class 3 type scooters.

This 4 mph speed limit is determined to be fast enough to keep pace with any pedestrian, yet not so speedy as to cause serious injuries in the event of colliding with a pedestrian or an inanimate obstacle.

In all other respects the only differences between pavement and road-use scooters will be determined by the manufacturer, the model, and the number of features and extras that are specified by the buyer.

Lights, a horn, battery charge displays etc are not necessarily determined by the intended use of the scooter, although certain features, e.g. side indicators, are only required for road-use mobility scooters. Baskets, seats and features like mini storage trays will be manufacturer and model particular and not related to the roadworthiness or otherwise of the mobility scooter.

A pavement-only scooter will generally have a greater distance coverage per battery charge than an equivalent and faster dual use scooter (although road scooters often have higher capacity batteries). This distance coverage will be more than sufficient to cater for the typical slopes and ground surfaces that most owners will encounter during pedestrian use. This means that pavement mobility scooters are still popular models.

Pavement scooters (sometimes called pedestrian scooters) are available in three, four or five wheel formats. In the case of the five wheeled option, the fourth and fifth (front wheels) act more as stabilisers than normal functioning drive or direction wheels. Similar options are also seen on the road-able scooters.

As to how many wheels are best? That is a question that is determined by specific scooter model and owner preference. Many three wheeler scooters are extremely stable and can offer superior handling to some of the cheaper four wheeled models. Indeed, many of the most expensive and highly regarded mobility scooters are three wheeled models and this configuration is one that is seen on road scooters and trikes. Four wheeled scooters do however remain the most popular sellers.

Regulations and restrictions

A pavement-only scooter does not require any form of road tax disc (in the UK) and there is no legal requirement for insurance. Insurance coverage is however advisable to cover theft, damage, and injury to the owner or a third party in the event of an accident. It is important to remember that, in the event of an accident when driving a mobility scooter on a pavement or sidewalk, you may be legally liable if it is determined that you were at fault.

Class 2 (pavement only) mobility scooters cannot be used on the road in the UK.

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