Where Can Scooters Be Used

TYPES OF CLASS 2 SCOOTERS

Legally these scooters can travel up to 6.4kph (4mph) on pavements and
are allowed on the road to cross from one side of the road to the other.

TYPES OF CLASS 3 VEHICLES

The main difference between Class 3 and Class 2 vehicles is that

Class 3 vehicles tend to be larger and can be used on the roads
where they can travel up to 12.8kph (8mph).

It is usually possible to drive at 6.4 kph (4mph)and switch to
12.8kph (8mph).

Class 3 vehicle users do not require a driving license but should
obey the highwaycode at all times.

This includes complying with
relevant eyesight requirements and not driving under the influence
of alcohol, drugs etc.

Class 3 vehicles are not allowed on motorways, bicycle tracks or
bus/cycle lanes.

Although legally allowed on dual carriageways, this is not
recommended.

Speed

Two speed settings, usually changed by a switch.

12.8kph - maximum speed
Permitted only on the road. Not for use on the pavement or footpath.

6.4kph - 4mph maximum speed
Permitted on the pavement or footpath.

Lights/indicators/horn/rear view mirror/rear reflectors
The law requires class 3 vehicles to be fitted with
all these features.

Flashing beacon
Optional - can be used when driving on the road to warn other road

users of their presence, and must be used if driving on a dual
carriageway although we do not recomend this.

Insurance is not legally required for any powered vehicle in
either category, Class 2 for pavement use or Class 3 for
pavement and road use.

However, it is recommended that the purchaser have
at least public liability Insurance, covering accidental damage
to other people and property.
See our information page on Scooter Insurance.

The legislation governing vehicle registration, licensing and the payment of

vehicle excise duty (VED) is contained in the Vehicle Excise and Registration
Act 1994 (VERA)(as amended).

Under the provisions of VERA, all mechanically
propelled vehicles used on a public road must be licensed (i.e. display a tax
disc) and registered.

However, because class 2 invalid carriages have limited
road use, the Department exempts them from these requirements on an
extra-statutory basis.

No such exemption exists for class 3 invalid carriages.

Schedule 2 to VERA, exempts from the payment of VED any vehicle which does not
exceed 508kgs unladen and which is adapted, and used or kept for use, for an
invalid.

The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 provides the
requirements for displaying registration plates. Vehicles that meet the
definition of an invalid vehicle within these regulations are exempt from
displaying registration plates. “Invalid vehicle” within these regulations
means “a vehicle, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 254kgs and which
is specially designed and constructed, and not merely adapted, for the use of a
person suffering from a physical disability and solely used by that person.”

In short, this means that class 2 invalid carriages are exempt from the
requirement to be licensed and registered. Class 3 invalid carriages, however,
should be registered for road use, licensed in the exempt “disabled” taxation
class and display a nil duty vehicle licence (tax disc).

There is no requirement
to produce a VED exemption certificate when licensing an invalid carriage.

In order to first register and license a class 3 invalid carriage, the user
needs to complete form V55/5 (for used vehicles) or V55/4 (for new vehicles) -
and take or send it to their nearest DVLA local office (addresses can be found
in DVLA’s information leaflet V100 - available from post offices that issue tax
discs - and on the DVLA website). Evidence of the vehicle’s age (or newness)
needs to be submitted with the application together with documentation
confirming the keeper’s name and address.

Link to DVLA What you need to know about Mobility Scooters Page

Link to more information from the Department of Transport

We now register all class three scooters sold direct with the DVLA saving you the trouble.
and yes you get a tax disc .

Electric Mobility Scooters - What to look for...

Electric mobility scooters are available as three or four wheeled machines. Three wheelers have a smaller turning circle but four wheelers may offer more stability.

Some mobility scooters now have four wheels but the front wheels are closer together then a true four wheeled scooter, these scooters sometimes offer more stability then a three wheeler and more manaurvrability then a true four wheeled scooter.

Remember that a smaller mobility scooter that folds very small may not have as much leg room.
Check the weight limit for the scooter, does it have the capacity to carry you?

Your mobility scooter will need regular charging so you must have access to electricity. If you are charging your machine outside a plug-in circuit breaker will provide extra safety.

You will need to keep your machine somewhere safe and dry . Inside a garage or house is ideal, although many people quite successfully keep them outside under a waterproof rainproof cover.

Charging most electric mobility scooters indoors is extremely simple, plug it in, just as you would a kettle.

With some mobility scooters you can also charge the batteries on there own (off of the scooter, this is often found on travel scooters). This is ideal if you are keeping a mobility scooter in a car for use on days out.

Consider what you want the scooter to do for you. Do you want it to take you up very high kerbs and over rough ground, or just normal pavements and smooth grass? If you wish to go over rough ground you should look at the larger type of machines with larger wheels. These can be more difficult to store because of their size and will cost more than smaller machines.

How does an electric mobility scooter operate?

You make an electric scooter 'go' by pushing a small lever called a wig-wag.

It is shaped like a teaspoon with two handles. Push the right lever with your thumb, and you ease forward, push the left lever and you very gently move backward. When you push the lever in just a little you move very slowly. Push in more and you go faster. Some of the electric scooters featured on this site will have this reversed offering finger control this may be preferred and is just as smooth, look for a electric scooter with master speed control, a dial that restricts how fast the scooter will go no matter how far you push the wig-wag.

You steer a mobility scooter just like a bicycle - by turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go. On a electric scooter, the handlebars and instruments are incorporated into a unit called the tiller. For ease of use, the tiller is adjustable so it can best fit your height and arm length

You make a mobility scooter stop by doing nothing. As soon as you stop pressing the wigwag, the brakes automatically activate and bring the scooter to a gentle stop. This is called passive braking, and it works even if all the power to the electric scooter is cut off. It is the safest braking system possible and will stop the scooter even on a steep hill.Some scooters will also come with an emergency brake (most class three scooters have this)

You can learn to operate an electric scooter in five minutes, and design features that make it easier to use will let you enjoy riding it for years to come.

Electric mobility scooters come with a freewheel lever to permit easy rolling of the scooter when there is no power; long range batteries, so you can travel longer and further without running out of power; non-marking tyres, so you don't mark floors; larger wheels for greater outdoor traction and ground clearance, a tiller mounted recharge plug so you don't have to bend down to plug in the power cable; and colour indicator lights to tell you the status of the battery.

Riding electric scooters can improve your safety. When you ride a mobility scooter you don't have to worry about tripping or losing your balance, or getting tired and having to sit down.

Most models have an anti-tip device behind the back wheels for increased safety on steep gradients. They have a powerful electric motor to give you the power you need for going uphill. Make sure the motor drives the rear wheels for maximum traction.

Some other safety features to look for and consider:

• Master key operations so no-one can ride your scooter except you.
• A locking seat and tiller for better stability when riding.
• Reflectors so you'll be seen in low light conditions.
• Front bumpers to absorb minor impacts without damage.

Electric scooters must remain comfortable not just for a few minutes, but over several hours of operation. Some seats are made from orthopaedic foam for maximum comfort and support. Most seats can be adjusted both up and down and back and forth. They may also rotate into four positions for easy entry and exit, then lock in the straight ahead position for safety while riding. Armrests are often adjustable for width.

Once you think you know what type of scooter you require, Shop around at your local showrooms or shopmobility scheme to select a scooter which suits your needs. You can always ask friends or neighbours about their machines, even strangers can be keen to give you information about their scooters or maybe even encourage you to have a try.

Insurance

• Mobility products open up whole new avenues of opportunity in both the ability to get out and about to become more mobile around your home.
  

• It is therefore of the greatest importance that you are comprehensively protected against any eventuality such as having an accident, your product stolen, damaging someone else's property or even bumping into them causing injury. The financial consequences of such an incident can sometimes be substantial and you could be held liable for legal claims and costs made against you.

• Public awareness and incidence of such cases has dramatically increased as a result of the recent spate of media advertising.

• Premier Care takes of any such instances and leaves you free to enjoy complete peace of mind when making the most of your mobile product.

• Mark Bates Ltd, an independent intermediary, has built a reputation for excellence in providing quality care and attention to our customers by being able to identify and understand their needs, dealing with putting matters right when they go wrong, quickly, fairly and without fuss.
  

Premier Care Insurance Benefits

Key Insurance Benefits
Accidental Damage , Fire , Theft & Storm
30 Day extension of World Wide Cover
Up to £100 "get you home" expennses in the event of an accident or breakdown
Personal Liability Cover up to £2 Million
Personal Effects & Injury Cover
No Claims Bonus
No Excess
Customer Helpline
Instantcover Available

1 year £62.50
2 Year £112.50
3 Year £165.50

To comply fully with the new FSA regulations we are at the moment not able to sell insurance on line.

Please call us on 08000 96 12 96 to find out more or to take out a policy

Insurance Cont

Premier Care and Premier Care Plus

INTRODUCTION

Our Premier Care and Premier Care Plus policies are designed for owners of mobility scooters and power chairs valued at up to £7000. Premier Care offers a wide range of standard cover, with Premier Care Plus providing additional benefits for customers requiring truly comprehensive insurance protection.

This document includes a general summary of the insurance provided by both of these policies. For precise details of cover, including the conditions and exclusions that apply, the policy documents should be referrd to. A copy will be supplied upon request.

For mobility equipment purchased new, you will have the option of insuring for 12, 24 or 36 months. For used mobility equipment, you will normally be allowed to take out this insurance for a period of 12 months only. Prior to expiry, all policies will be offered renewal for a period of 12 months only.

POLICY SUMMARY

Premier Care £62.50

The Policy is broken down into two separate Sections of cover – Material Damage and Personal Liability.

Material Damage

Loss or destruction of or damage to the mobility equipment by any accidental cause (including fire, theft and malicious damage) whilst in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and elsewhere in the world (subject to prior notification) for up to 30 days in any one year of insurance.

Basis of Settlement

Insurers will pay in respect of the mobility equipment:

(1) less than 2 years old at their option the cost of repair to or replacement of the mobility equipment in either case to a condition equivalent to or substantially the same as but not better or more extensive than its condition when new

(2) more than 2 years old the cost of repair or replacement on the basis of indemnity.

The maximum amount payable will not exceed the sum insured, which, unless specially agreed, will be the purchase price.

Exclusions

A number of exclusions apply, the ones most specific to the mobility equipment being as follows:
Loss, destruction or damage due to:

(a) manufacturing defect wear and tear gradual deterioration electrical or mechanical breakdown defective workmanship or misuse
(b) scratching or denting unless such loss or damage affects the normal operation of the mobility equipment
(c) any process of cleaning altering servicing or repairing
(d) delay confiscation or detention by customs officials the police or similar authorities
(e) atmospheric or climatic conditions.

Loss destruction or damage whilst the mobility equipment is in the possession or control of airport authorities baggagehandlers or on an aircraft.
Loss or destruction of or damage to tyres by application of brakes or by punctures cuts or bursts.
Loss, destruction or damage by theft or malicious persons:
(a) due to obtaining the mobility equipment by deception
(b) occurring whilst the mobility equipment is unattended unless the starter key has been removed from the mobility equipment
(c) of or to mobility equipment left unattended (other than whilst stored in a locked and secure building) for more than one hour unless
secured to an immovable object by a good quality padlock and chain
(d) of or to mobility equipment stored overnight in an unattended motor vehicle unless such vehicle is parked in a locked and secure
building
(e) of or to accessories unless the mobility equipment is stolen at the same time.

Loss, destruction or damage by any cause whatsoever to mobility equipment whilst left in the open
(a) for more than 12 hours
(b) overnight

Any claim resulting from:
(a) racing pace making time or reliability trials in any organised sporting event or whilst practicing for any of them
(b) the use of the mobility equipment by any person other than you
(c) or caused during the carriage of passengers.

Extensions

In addition to the above, the following additional covers are provided:

“Get You Home” - up to £100 for the costs of getting you and the mobility equipment back home following breakdown or insured damage excluding:

(1) loss or destruction of or damage to tyres (including punctures or bursts) or battery failure (including loss of charge)

(2) more than three claims in any one year of insurance.

Loss of Keys - if, whilst using the mobility equipment away from your home address, you should lose its starter key(s), this insurance will pay up to £50 for:

(1) the cost of replacement key(s)

(2) the reasonable costs incurred by you in returning you to your home address to obtain a spare key and back again in
order to recover the mobility equipment

(3) the reasonable costs incurred by you in arranging for a third party to recover the mobility equipment and have it taken to your home address if it is not possible for you to
recover the mobility equipment yourself

not exceeding two claims in any one year of insurance.

Personal Accident – a benefit of £1000 will be paid if, at the same time as incurring insured damage to the mobility equipment, you suffer bodily injury resulting within
12 months in death,
loss of limb by physical severance above the hand or ankle or total loss of sight in both eyes.

Personal Effects - up to £100 if at the same time as incurring insured damage to the mobility equipment you suffer loss of or damage to personal effects (other than money
stamps tickets documents or securities).

Temporary Mobility Equipment - cover includes any similar mobility equipment whilst temporarily on hire or loan as a replacement following loss or destruction of or

damage to the mobility equipment, subject to prior notification.

Hire Costs - the cost of hiring similar mobility equipment pending replacement or repair to the mobility equipment following insured loss, destruction or
damage, excluding the first 7 days of hire and subject to a maximum of £5 per day and £100 in any one year of insurance.

Hospitalisation Benefit - Insurers will pay up to £5 per day for additional expenses incurred by you following hospitalisation as the direct result of insured loss or damage
to the mobility equipment whilst in use, excluding the first 7 days of hospitalisation and subject to a maximum of £125 in any one year of insurance.

Mugging Benefit - up to £100 for loss of personal effects (other than money stamps tickets documents or securities) or cost of convalescence in the event that you are mugged,
provided that a copy of a police and doctor’s report has been obtained.

Personal Liability

All compensation and claimants’ and defence costs and expenses for which you are legally liable as a consequence of actual bodily injury or accidental loss of or damage to property, arising in connection with the ownership, possession or use of the mobility equipment by you,upto£2,000,000 in any one year of insurance.

This is a ‘claims made’ insurance, which means that an indemnity will only be provided for incidents first notified to you during the current year of insurance.

Cover is provided within the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and up to 30 days worldwide (excluding USA and Canada) in any one year of insurance.

A number of exclusions apply, the ones most specific to this cover being as follows:

(1) bodily injury to you or any of your employees
(2) loss of or damage to property belonging to you or for which you are responsible
(3) any event occurring prior to the inception of this policy
(4) an award of any court outside the United Kingdom the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Cover extends to include damages and taxed costs awarded to you arising out of your ownership, possession or use of the mobility equipment should that amount
remain unpaid in full or in part after 3 months, provided that

(1) the award is not the subject of an appeal

(2) the incident giving rise to the award occurred

(a) in the United Kingdom the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

(b) after the inception of the Policy

(3) you shall assist the insurer to enforce your rights of recovery

(4) the limit of liability shall not exceed £2,000,000.

The above is a summary of the cover provided by our
PREMIER CARE MOBILITY INSURANCE POLICY.

The following enhancements are provided by our
PREMIER CARE PLUS MOBILITY INSURANCE POLICY:

Premier Care Plus £86.50

Basis of Settlement

The period stated is increased from 2 years to 3 years.

Extensions

Improvements are made to the following Extensions:

‘Get You Home’ – paragraph (1) is restated as follows:

(1) following breakdown due to lack of charge in the battery caused by normal usage

Personal Accident – the benefits payable in the event of your death will be the original purchase price of the mobility equipment or £1000 whichever is the greater

Hire Costs – the limit in any one year of insurance is increased from £100 to £250.

Hospitalisation Benefit – the maximum payable in any one year of insurance is increased from £125 to £250.

Mugging – the payment limit is increased from £100 to £250.

The following additional Extensions are included:

Legal Expenses - legal expenses incurred in negotiating for your legal rights to obtain compensation from a third party in respect of your death or bodily
injury or loss of or damage to your property arising directly as a result of your use of the mobility equipment up to a maximum of £25,000 in any one year of insurance.

Manual Wheelchair - any manual wheelchair belonging to you up to a maximum value of £1000 provided that full details have been lodged with Insurers

Alternative Mobility Equipment - if, at the same time as the mobility equipment is damaged you suffer bodily injury, which makes mobility equipment unsuitable for
your future use, you will be provided with a suitable replacement up to an amount not exceeding £3000 above the sum you have insured the mobility equipment for.

Any Driver – the equipment may be used by any adult with your express permission.

Notification of Claims

If you need to notify insurers of a claim, or of any circumstances or incident that may cause a claim, you should contact us at:

Mark Bates Ltd Premier House Harlaxton Road Grantham NG31 7JX Telephone: 01476 593887

You should immediately report to the police any incident involving theft, malicious damage, vandalism or loss of property.

The policy document provides full details of the action you should take in the event of a claim.

Language

The policy and associated documentation and all information relating to this insurance communicated to you shall be in the English language.

Law

There is a choice of law applicable to this insurance, but unless otherwise agreed between you and insurers, English Law will apply.

Insurers

The following insurers underwrite the insurance described herein:

Cedar Insurance Company Ltd in respect of Material Damage.

The Underwriting Members of Wellington, Syndicate 2020 at Lloyd’s in respect of Personal Liability.

Cancellation

If, on perusal, you decide that you do not wish to accept the policy, you may return it within 14 days of receipt and we will refund the premium.

Otherwise, you may cancel the policy at any time and insurers will allow a refund of premium paid in accordance with its short period rates in force
at the time of cancellation.