Friday Mar 29, 2024

What is different about class 2 and class 3 scooters?

One of the questions that commonly comes up in terms of mobility scooters is “what is the difference between a class 2 and class 3 mobility scooter?”.

This is a question that is asked often even by those who are familiar with the world of mobility, as on face value, the two classes of scooters seem exactly the same.

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What is the class system?

This class system is a set of rules made by the British government to regulate the use of mobility scooters in the UK. The classes first appeared in the Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations Act of 1988. With the passage of this act, we now have three classes of ‘invalid carriage’ in the UK.

A Class 1 invalid carriage covers manual wheelchairs, which are restricted to the pavement, for obvious reasons.

So, what are the class 2 and class 3 invalid carriages?

Class 2 – Mobility Scooters of 4mph

A 2nd class is given to the vehicle category of mechanically driven mobility aids with a 4mph top speed.

As this class includes the 4mph scooter, lighter pavement scooters, portable and folding scooters. A class 2 is a lightweight and compact scooter restricted to use on pavements and walkways, only being allowed on the road surface at the intersections of pedestrian crossings. This makes them ideal for trips to the shops and for travel around city or town centres and retail centres. For a supplier of Mobility Scooters Bristol, visit a site like https://www.pearcebrosmobility.co.uk/

In addition, the class 2 categorization also includes electric chairs as the Rascal and Ezi Fold.

Class 3 – Mobility Scooters of 8mph

Class 3 includes mobility scooters that can be legally used on public highways. This vehicle is can reach a maximum speed between 6 and 8mph on the roads.

Thus, the restrictions and regulations surrounding these class 3 scooters are more stringent than they are for the class 2 scooters.

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The first step is that all class 3 scooters and other mobility carriages must be DVLA registered to be used legally. This is acheived by completing the registration form V55 / 4 for a new vehicle, or form V55 / 5 for a used vehicle.

It should also be noted that no one under 14 can operate a class 3 8mph mobility scooter. It’s also important to note that class 3 vehicles should not be used in cycle or bus lanes or motorways.

Now to ensure the safety of both the user and his fellow road users, class 3 scooters must comply with the following design specifications.

A 150kg maximum weight without user

A maximum 0.85m width

Must have 4mph speed limiter on pavement and off-road surfaces

A maximum speed of 8mph

A braking system that is fully functional and responsive

front and rear lights

indicator

Hazard warning lights

A working horn

A rear mirror

A flashing yellow (if used in jams)

When purchasing your scooter make sure that it meets all of these requirements. Without them the scooter will not meet the class 3 regulations.

 

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