Class 2 vs Class 3 mobility scooters

In the UK, mobility scooters fall into two legal categories. The distinction affects where you can travel, how fast, and what paperwork is involved.

Class 2

• Maximum 4mph
• Pavement use, and crossing roads
• No DVLA registration required
• Generally lighter and more compact

Class 3

• Up to 8mph on the road, limited to 4mph on pavements
• Road legal, and must be registered with the DVLA
• Must have lights, indicators, a horn, a rear-view mirror and a 4mph switch
• Minimum user age of 14
• Cannot be used on motorways, and should not use bus lanes or cycle lanes

Which should you choose?

If your journeys are short, local and mostly on pavements, a Class 2 scooter is usually easier to live with. If you need to cover longer distances, travel on roads, or handle rougher ground, a Class 3 scooter is likely to serve you better, provided you have somewhere suitable to store and charge it.

Insurance

Insurance is not legally required for either class, but it is widely recommended, and many providers include a trial policy with a new scooter.