Do you want to take your mobility scooter on a longer journey?
Smaller scooters are usually easier to travel with.
Getting your mobility scooter into a car
Some mobility scooters can be dismantled or folded up so that they fit in a car boot.
You can use our powered wheelchair/ mobility scooter search to find out which scooters do this.
Our car search will help you find out the size of your car boot.
To make it easier, look for a car boot with no sill Find out more about hoists that can lift your mobility scooter or wheelchair into a car boot
Going on public transport
- You may be able to take your mobility scooter on public transport
- It depends on the transport operator and the size of your mobility scooter
Buses
Some smaller scooters can now be taken on low-floor buses.
Find out how to get permission and which mobility scooters are suitable, contact your bus company.
Trains
Different companies have different policies about the size of scooters they can accommodate and regulations for travel, contact your train company. National Rail has the policy and contact information:
Train travel and your mobility scooter
Trams
Different companies have different policies.
Contact your local tram operator for further information.
Air travel and your mobility scooter
If you're travelling on a plane with a mobility scooter, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), the trade organisation representing the UK healthcare and assistive technology industry has useful information:
Air travel and your mobility scooter
Safety and insurance
Tips from our consumer panel - mobility scooter users - talking about driving your scooter safely:
- Don't take your scooter out until you've had enough training or practice to feel confident.
- Be aware of your surroundings - watch out for other pedestrians and vehicles.
- Turn your scooter off when you're not moving. Bags and clothing can easily catch on the accelerator lever.
- If going up slopes or kerbs, make sure you stay stable on your mobility scooter.
- Familiarise yourself with the relevant parts of the Highway Code, particularly if you'll be using a class 3 scooter on the road.
See the Department for Transport guide Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on the road - some guidance for users
Safety checks
It's important to keep your mobility scooter well-maintained. Repairs and maintenance are included if you get a scooter through Motability. Check with the retailer if you're buying privately.
To make sure that your scooter is safe to use, regularly check that:
- All plugs and wires are connected properly.
- No bare wires are exposed.
- Tyres are inflated to the correct pressure (if necessary).
- All locking pins and assembly mechanisms are locked.
- The seat is adjusted and locked in place.
- The battery is fully charged.
- The brakes are in working order.
Insurance
Legally, you don't have to insure your scooter but it's a good idea to get third party insurance, which covers for other people making a claim against you if you're involved in an accident or cause some damage. Other policies will also insure against injuries to yourself and loss or damage of your scooter.
Some companies that insure mobility scooters and wheelchairs include:
Get several quotes and check what the insurance scheme covers.
Useful website
Dept for Transport mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on the road guidance
