Reviewing the Law on Powered Mobility Devices: Have Your Say Before April 2026

Debbie North
3 days ago
3 min read

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a major public consultation on the future of powered mobility devices, including powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. This review looks at how current laws—many dating back to 1970—can be modernised to better reflect today’s technology, language, and the needs of disabled people. reviewing-the-law-for-powered-m…

The consultation invites individuals, organisations, and mobility device users to share their views on how these devices should be regulated on roads, pavements, and other public spaces.

Two people outdoors; one standing, one in a mobility vehicle. Cloudy sky, grassy path, and hilly landscape. Both smiling, wearing jackets. — The TerrainHopper -all-terrain wheelchair

Why Is This Review Important?

Current legislation refers to mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs as “invalid carriages,” a term many now find outdated and inappropriate. It also limits where, how fast, and by whom these devices can be used.

With rapid advances in mobility technology, the government wants to ensure that the law:

Supports independence and dignity
Keeps pedestrians and users safe
Reflects modern devices and lifestyles
Uses respectful and inclusive language

This consultation presents an opportunity to shape the balance between mobility rights and public safety in the future.

A woman sitting in a wheelchair has a power wheelchair attachment. She is crossing a bridge — Power wheel attachment for the manual wheelchair

The Four Main Objectives

The government has proposed four guiding objectives for reform:

Access and Independence: Ensuring that people who need mobility devices can use them legally and freely.
Greater Choice: Allowing a wider range of devices that may improve quality of life.
Perceived Safety: Making sure the public feels safe around mobility devices, especially vulnerable pedestrians.
Actual Safety: Preventing new risks for users and others on roads and pavements.

Participants are asked whether they agree with these goals and to suggest alternatives if they do not.

Woman smiling on a gray mobility scooter with UK flag, on a rural path. Overcast sky, bare tree, and fields in background. — The Tramper - an all-terrain wheelchair

Key Issues Under Review

The consultation explores several important areas:

1. Language and Definitions

Replacing the term “invalid carriage” with “mobility device”
Updating how users are described in law to “disabled people or people with reduced mobility”

2. Where Devices Can Be Used

Pavements and pedestrian areas (currently limited to 4 mph)
Roads (Class 3 devices up to 8 mph)
Cycle lanes and cycle tracks

Respondents are asked whether mobility devices should be allowed in more shared spaces.

3. Weight Limits

Current maximum: 200 kg (including equipment)
Some modern devices exceed this
Safety and public transport access are key concerns

The government is considering whether these limits should change.

4. Speed Limits

4 mph on pavements
8 mph on roads

Views are sought on whether higher speeds should be allowed, especially in cycle lanes.

5. Minimum Age

No minimum age for Class 1 and 2 devices
Minimum age of 14 for Class 3 devices

Participants can suggest whether this should change.

6. Carrying Passengers

Currently not allowed
Some users want to travel with carers or family

The consultation asks if passengers should be permitted and under what conditions.

7. New and Emerging Devices

The review also looks at:

Power add-ons for wheelchairs
Handcycle and e-handcycle attachments
Adapted cycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters

The government wants to know whether these should be legally treated as mobility devices.

8. Enforcement and Fairness

There are concerns about:

Misuse of exemptions
Difficulty proving disability
Risk of disabled users being unfairly challenged

Participants are invited to highlight possible risks and solutions.

Data Protection and Accessibility

The consultation complies with UK data protection laws and includes optional questions about health and disability. This information is used to understand better how different groups are affected.

Participants are advised not to share personal information unless requested.

Closing Date

The consultation closes on:

📅 22 April 2026

All responses must be submitted before this date to be considered.

How to Respond

You can take part by completing the official Department for Transport online consultation form.

Steps to Respond:

Access the DfT online consultation survey
Provide your name and contact details
Indicate whether you are responding as an individual or organisation
Answer the multiple-choice and open-text questions
Submit any relevant evidence or documents (if applicable)
Submit your response before 22 April 2026

You will be asked about:

Your experience with mobility devices
Your views on safety, speed, and access
Your opinion on proposed changes
Any additional comments or suggestions

Responses can be brief or detailed—both are valuable.

Why Your Voice Matters

This review will shape how disabled people and those with reduced mobility travel in public spaces for years to come. Your feedback can help ensure that future laws: