Here are some tips for a safe journey.
As a general rule, you should behave in the same way as a pedestrian.
See and be seen
- Remember you are nearer the ground so it is harder for drivers to see you. Wear brightly coloured clothes or a highly-visible fluorescent jacket. Fit a flag to your scooter at a height of at least a metre off the ground.
- Use rear-vision mirror/s to see hazards coming up behind you.
- Always check over your shoulder when changing direction.
- Always listen and watch for vehicles coming out of driveways.
- If your scooter has indicators - use them.
- If weather conditions are overcast, use your headlights.
Safety and courtesy
- Adjust your speed to the conditions.
- Don't travel faster than surrounding pedestrians.
- If you're travelling slowly, move to one side of the footpath so others can pass.
- When you stop the scooter turn off the key or take your hand off the power control.
- Always watch for cars reversing out of driveways, remember they might not always see or hear you.
Smooth manoeuvring
- Take particular care when manoeuvring on sharp corners or slopes.
- Be careful when on uneven surfaces.
- Approach kerbs head-on.
- Reduce your speed when going down a slope.
- Avoid steep slopes.
- Don't let any other person stand or sit on your scooter while you're using it.
Cross roads with care
- Where possible cross roads at pedestrian crossings or controlled traffic lights or at an intersection with Stop or Give Way signs. Where this is not possible, take particular care and ask for assistance if need be.
- Always look for controlled crossings, remember you have pedestrian rights, not only is this safer, but it is less stressful.
- Always check very carefully that the way is clear before crossing a road.
- Use the shortest possible path across the road.
- Only cross where you can see the oncoming traffic.
- Before crossing always check that you will be able to get back onto the footpath on the other side.
- Take particular care at intersections and roundabouts – cross as a pedestrian would, from footpath to footpath.
For more information on ways to get around using mobility scooters see:
- Keeping mobile - how to use your mobility scooter or power chair safely. If you currently use a mobility scooter or power chair or are considering using one in the future this booklet has contains practical advice to keep you safe while out and about.
- Mobility devices such as mobility scooters and power chairs provide independence to a growing number of senior road users. However, these vehicles offer little protection to their riders. If you use a mobility scooter you need to take steps to ensure your safety when using them. Check our page on mobility vehicles.
