Code of practice for Class 3 vehicle users

What is a Class 3 vehicle?

Three types of 'invalid carriage' are defined in 'The Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988':

Class 1 - manual wheelchair, i.e. self-propelled or attendant-propelled, not electrically powered;

Class 2- powered wheelchairs and scooters, for footway use only with a maximum speed limit of 4 mph;

Class 3- powered wheelchairs, and other outdoor powered vehicles, including scooters, for use on roads/highways with a maximum speed limit of 8 mph and facility to travel at 4 mph on footways.

Where can Class 3 vehicles be used?

They can be used:

On footpaths, pavements, bridleways and pedestrian areas at a maximum speed of 4 mph;

On most roads at a maximum speed of 8 mph;

They cannot be used on motorways, cycle lanes or in bus lanes (when in operation). Nor is it advisable to use them on unrestricted dual carriageways (i.e. those with a speed limit of over 50 mph). If they are 4-wheeled vehicles, then they must use an amber flashing light for conspicuity when used on dual carriageways.

What are the legal requirements?

A Class 3 vehicle is not legally defined as a motor vehicle and, therefore, the user is not required to have a driving licence or to take a test. The vehicles themselves are not subject to Vehicle Excise Duty ('road tax') or mandatory insurance requirements. However, they need to be registered with DVLA and display a 'nil duty' tax disc.

Further information can be obtained from DVLA.

The law also states that:

• a Class 3 vehicle can only be used by a disabled person aged 14 or over, or by an able-bodied person who is demonstrating a vehicle before sale, training a disabled user or taking the vehicle to or from a place for maintenance or repair.

The vehicle must have certain construction features, including:

• a maximum unladen weight of 150 kg (330 lbs);
• a maximum width of 0.85 metres (2'9");
• a device to limit its speed to 6.4 kmph (4 mph);
• a maximum speed of 12.8 kmph (8 mph);
• an efficient braking system;
• front and rear lights and reflectors, and direction indicator which are able to operate as a hazard warning signal;
• an audible warning instrument (horn);
• a rear view mirror;
• an amber flashing light if a 4-wheeled vehicle is used on a dual carriageway.
• If these conditions are not met, you are liable to prosecution by the police.

Back to top