Class 2 mobility scooters Mobility Scooters
If you suffer from mobility problems due to arthritis in the joints, or maybe you just don’t find yourself to be quite as agile as you once were, mobility scooters can be an empowering piece of kit to own.
They will enable you to move around in shopping centres and on pavements whilst remaining seated, providing you with the freedom and independence you crave.
However, one of the most frequent questions asked by people who are researching mobility scooters is “what is a Class 2 mobility scooter?”.
For many who are knew to the world of mobility scooters, it can be a complicated issue as purely by looking at a Class 2 scooter, it will not seem any different from any other class.
In short, the mobility scooter class system is a set of regulations drawn up by the UK government to legislate the use of mobility scooters in Britain.
This took on the form of the use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 act. With the passing of this Act, we now have 3 classes of ‘invalid carriage’ in the UK.
For example, Class 1 ‘invalid carriages’ cover manual wheelchairs. But what about Class 2 scooters?
A Class 2 scooter is the category given to a mechanically propelled mobility vehicle with a maximum top speed of 4mph (6.4 kmph). Class 2 mobility scooters can only be used on footpaths, pavements, and when crossing roads.
Importantly, these lightweight and compact scooters are strictly restricted to use on pavements and walkways, only being permitted on a road surface when at a pelican crossing.
This makes them ideal for trips down to local shops and for travelling around lightly populated urban areas.
Before buying a Class 2 mobility scooter, always remember to read reviews online and visit in-store to try before you buy.
What’s more, speaking face to face with experts and suppliers will facilitate your decision-making process and assist you in finding a mobility scooter at the right price for you.
It’s always worth ask yourself the following questions:
- Where do I want to use my scooter?
- Will I need to use it on the road?
- How far will I need to go, on an average trip?
- Do I want to take it with me in the car, or on public transport?
- Where will I store it?
Simply by knowing the answers to these questions can help you decide whether you want a Class 2 scooter or something in a different category.
Key features of Class 2 mobility scooters:
- can be used indoors
- small, lightweight and compact
- basic driving controls
- some can be dismantled or folded up to fit into a car boot
- shorter battery life means they travel shorter distances
There is no need to tax a Class 2 mobility scooter and it isn't a legal requirement to have insurance. However, it is advisable to take out insurance, as you never know what's going to happen.