Published 4 June 2026 · Last updated 22 June 2026
The Department for Transport launched a major 12-week consultation on 6 January 2026 to modernise 40-year-old laws governing powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The consultation, which closed on 22 April 2026, covers fundamental questions about where powered mobility devices can be used, speed and weight limits, age requirements, and whether two-person tandem devices should be permitted on UK pavements and roads.
Under current legislation, powered mobility devices are split into two categories. Class 2 devices are intended for pavement use only and are limited to a maximum speed of 4mph. These are typically smaller mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs used for short trips to local shops or around the home. Class 3 devices, by contrast, are permitted on both pavements and roads, with a maximum speed of 4mph on pavements and 8mph on roads. Class 3 devices must be registered with the DVLA, display a registration mark, and have lights, indicators, and a horn fitted.
The current law governing powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters still relies on language set in the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 and the Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988. The continued use of the term “invalid carriage” has drawn criticism from disability campaigners who argue the language is outdated and offensive. The GOV.UK consultation page acknowledges this terminology is no longer appropriate and proposes replacing it with modern, person-centred language.
For the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs for daily independence, these proposed changes could have a significant impact. Advocacy groups have put forward recommendations to more than double the existing 8mph road speed limit, arguing that current speeds make it dangerous for users to share the road with motor vehicles. There are also proposals to increase the maximum weight allowance to approximately 300kg, which would accommodate heavier battery packs needed for longer-range devices and allow for more strong construction.
The consultation also considers whether new categories of powered mobility device should be created, including tandem or multi-seat vehicles for users who need a companion. Questions around minimum age requirements, mandatory training, and insurance are also on the table. As reported by THIIS Magazine, trade bodies within the mobility sector have broadly welcomed the review while cautioning that any new regulations must balance safety with the fundamental right to independent movement.
Industry analysts at the Disability Health Shop have highlighted that the current weight and speed restrictions effectively prevent manufacturers from developing more advanced powered devices with longer battery life, improved suspension, and enhanced safety features. Modernising these limits could unlock a new generation of mobility equipment that better serves users with a wider range of needs.
The Department for Transport is expected to publish its response and proposed legislative changes later in 2026. Any new regulations would need to pass through Parliament before coming into force, meaning real-world changes may not take effect until 2027 or 2028. In the meantime, existing Class 2 and Class 3 rules remain in place, and users should continue to follow current speed and usage restrictions.
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Published 4 June 2026 · Last updated 22 June 2026