January 2024 - Monarch Mobility

Currently, in the UK, 20% of the population either uses a mobility scooter or knows a relative or friend who does. For many older individuals who rely on mobility scooters for everyday mobility, scooters play a crucial role in enhancing independence and assisting in movement when otherwise unable to.

However, using mobility scooters has its own set of rules. Users must first become acquainted with mobility scooter laws to easily face busy streets, pavements and roads for their own safety and the safety of those around them. The main mobility scooter regulation is that they should only be used in a public space if you have been medically advised to or if you have a physical disability that impacts your ability to walk.

If you are a new mobility scooter user, you may benefit from reading our article ‘Tips for first time mobility scooter users‘.

Understanding mobility scooters

Mobility scooters are categorised into two groups: ‘Class 3 mobility scooters,’ which are designed for road use, and ‘Class 2 mobility scooters’, such as foldable scooters and pavement scooters, which typically don’t reach high speeds and are not designed for roads.

The first step to understanding mobility scooters is to differentiate the different types and how you intend to use them.

For example, foldable mobility scooters can offer many travel benefits with their quick fold-up fold-down capabilities, meaning they can fit into your car boot for easy storage and transportation. Likewise, road-legal scooters offer great independence as they can get on the road with speeds up to 8mph, and quick trips to the shops and back can be easily achieved. Only Class 3 mobility scooters, registered as road-legal, are allowed on the road.

If you are looking for a scooter option that lets you experience nature and shops up close, pavement scooters are a popular choice for tackling public walkways and spaces at a brisk walking pace of 4mph.

When considering a mobility scooter, it is important to research which key features you will need the most as some scooters may be more practical than others. Consider your lifestyle and what suits you and your budget best to choose the right mobility aid. It may be that your living location is more pedestrian-friendly and close to the shops, in which case a pavement scooter may be preferable if there is no need to opt for a larger road-legal scooter.

Are mobility scooters allowed in shops and supermarkets?

Pavement and portable mobility scooters are allowed in public spaces such as shops and supermarkets. These spaces already account for disability users through the Equality Act 2010. This law impacts all UK businesses and allows equal access to mobility scooter users with inclusive features, such as ramps and lifts, legally required where necessary.

As a result of this Act, when navigating shops, there should be plenty of aisle space to move around at your leisure. Additionally, retail staff will be more than happy to assist with reaching products in-store and packing or carrying your shopping at the checkout.

Are mobility scooters allowed in hospitals?

Yes, mobility scooters are allowed in hospitals. However, the size of your mobility scooter may impact the areas you are allowed to access in the hospital due to space limitations. Lightweight mobility scooters may be the best choice for regular hospital use, as there should be no issues with space or any potential weight restrictions in lifts.

Aside from this, some hospitals also offer specific scooter parking areas. In some instances, you may need to contact the hospital ahead of time to ensure they allow mobility scooter parking and to find out their mobility scooter policy. If not, you can ask for an alternative and they should provide you with a wheelchair or cart substitute.

Hospital policies can differ, so researching your hospital’s mobility scooter policy in advance will help assure you that you will be appropriately catered to upon arrival.

Are mobility scooters allowed in pubs and restaurants?

Yes, mobility scooters are allowed in pubs and restaurants in the UK. However, it’s a good idea to check with the pub or restaurant in advance to confirm that there are no space restrictions; they can set limits if there are safety concerns.

When inside, you should make sure that you do not block exits or walkways.

Are mobility scooters allowed on public transport?

Mobility scooters are allowed on public transport and are ideal for travelling in all forms. However, in some instances, heavy mobility scooters may be denied access due to weight limitations, so a portable or lightweight mobility scooter may be more compliant with strict public transport limits.

The UK accommodates mobility scooter users on buses, trains and trams,with designated disability seating and spaces for mobility scooters or wheelchairs. They also have trained staff that can assist you with ramps and any schedule queries if you need help getting on and off on your journey. It’s always recommended to research and enquire ahead of your travels to make sure you will be properly accommodated.

With trains, you can book assistance (such as Passenger Assist with National Rail) via telephone/app/website to help with your luggage, and additionally enquire about the transport company’s policy, as they may be different across various train or bus services. When travelling by train, you may also be eligible for a free Disabled Persons Railcard, which can be beneficial as it offers discounts and savings on ticket prices for mobility users who meet the appropriate criteria.

Even abroad, your public transport methods are limitless as you can bring a mobility scooter on a plane or on a cruise ship if it meets airport weight regulations and is portable. With no restrictions on your holidays, you can easily bring along your mobility scooter to get around wherever you are.

Using mobility scooters on the pavement

Before you begin using a mobility scooter on the pavement, you will first have to become familiar with the mobility scooter rules and legal guidelines for scooter usage with consideration for pedestrian safety.

Legally, the UK Government states all mobility scooters must travel at a maximum of 4mph on footpaths or in pedestrian-friendly areas and you cannot park a scooter on a public walkway as this interferes with other pedestrians.

As a mobility scooter user, you are allowed to use your scooter in pedestrian areas, however, you cannot drive in cycle paths as this is designated for cyclists only for safety reasons. If, on your travels, you encounter any damage caused to your mobility device, it’s best to have insurance that will cover you against any potential claims caused by or to your scooter.

Using mobility scooters on the road

Mobility scooters designed for the road are classified as ‘Class 3’ road-legal mobility scooters and they come with their own set of highway code rules and road regulations for safe usage. The road rules for mobility scooters are essential to know, as these ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers. By keeping to the appropriate speed limits and avoiding restricted areas on the road, you can be cautious and travel with traffic laws and signals in mind.

Ensure you also know the UK laws for drink driving and mobility scooters to stay safe.

Use an electric wheelchair? Discover the rules for using a powerchair.

Find the right mobility scooter for your needs

The UK is becoming an increasingly inclusive environment for scooter users and continues to make getting around easier for those with walking impairments.

To begin enjoying the benefits of transportation freedom and independence, use your mobility scooter safely and effectively by understanding mobility scooter laws and following proper road and pedestrian etiquette.

At Monarch Mobility, we have over twenty years’ worth of experience and expertise as one of the UK’s leading mobility specialists. We understand the demand for disability aids and how it can be a lifeline to many individuals who need the extra support.

With our diverse range of mobility equipment and scooters available across the whole of the UK Mainland, we can help find the right mobility scooter for you. We also offer advice on mobility grants, and how to finance your mobility scooter to spread out the cost.

Explore our full range of mobility scooters today or contact us today for personal recommendations tailored to your mobility needs.

The PIP Mobility Scheme offers solutions and benefits to those who need support with a long-term disability or ill health condition, especially in the cost-of-living crisis, and it is one of the many ways you can receive funding for your mobility scooter. Securing PIP can open doors to a multitude of benefits for individuals eligible, including getting a mobility scooter or mobility equipment for a reduced or no cost. This payment enhances the quality of life and helps disabled people manage expenses.

Learn about the intricacies of PIP and discover if you’re eligible for this life-changing support in this article.

What is PIP Benefit?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit which can assist those with long-term mental or physical disabilities, mental health conditions and those with difficulty doing everyday tasks because of an illness. This payment is not considered as compensation for ill health but rather as financial support to offset the additional living expenses for people with long-term health conditions or cognitive/physical disabilities.

How much you receive from your PIP depends on how complex everyday tasks are and mobility. These assessed routine tasks are in two ‘parts,’ labelled ‘Daily Living’ and ‘Mobility,’ which are then evaluated by a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) professional to see how much you qualify for. Each part is paid at different rates, ultimately influencing the amount you will receive for your claim.

PIP is suitable for …

Those who need additional support and fall under the State Pension age.
Those still working, but you will need to add appropriate reasoning to your claim and why you qualify for PIP despite having a job.

Who is eligible to claim the PIP Mobility scheme?

You’ll be eligible to apply for the PIP Mobility scheme if you are awarded a higher rate for the ‘Mobility’ part of PIP with at least 12 months left.

Can you claim PIP if you have already received most other benefits?

You can additionally claim PIP even if you have already received most other benefits. If eligible, PIP can sometimes offer ‘benefit top-ups,’ such as housing benefits, job seekers’ allowance and more.

How to apply for PIP

Before you apply, double-check you are eligible for PIP and not another benefit that would suit your condition or age better.
Phone the ‘PIP new claims line’ about your claim request, and following this call, you will receive a form asking you to review your condition in an assessment.
Fill in the form honestly and return it to the address indicated.
If more details are required, you may need an assessment from a health professional for the Department for Work and Pensions. This assessment will assess your everyday activities and reflect on the two parts of PIP: ‘Daily Living’ and ‘Mobility.’ All health professionals conducting the evaluation are registered practitioners, and the assessment process investigates the claimant’s health and functional ability against the criteria of each part. The outcome of this assessment will then dictate the total PIP rates you may receive and if you are eligible for PIP.

During your claim, you can …

Ask someone else to call on your behalf, either in person or added to the call on a non-textphone. You’re still required to be present during the assessment.

How to make a PIP claim if you have 12 months or less to live

If you have 12 months or less to live, there is an alternative way to make a claim more quickly. For instance, if you are over the age of 16 and a medical professional has said you may have 12 months or less to live, you will qualify for PIP faster.

Phone the ‘PIP claims line’ about your claim request.
Ask your medical professional for an SR1 form, which they will send directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or you to send yourself.

What should you do if your PIP application is unsuccessful?

If your claim was unsuccessful and you are unhappy with the outcome, you can have your claim reconsidered. If, after the reconsideration, the results are still unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal to HM Courts Tribunals Service.

Components of PIP and payment rates

The ‘Daily living’ part of PIP

You may be entitled to the ‘Daily Living’ part of PIP if you need assistance with the following…

Preparing food
Eating and drinking
Managing your medicines or treatments
Washing and bathing
Using the toilet
Dressing and undressing
Reading
Managing your money
Socialising and being around other people
Talking, listening and understanding

The ‘Mobility’: Part of PIP

You may be entitled to the ‘Mobility’ part of PIP if you need assistance with the following…

Working out a route and following it

Do you need extra help getting around? Do you have a reliable route to access transport without hassle? This component of the mobility part is not exclusive to individuals with a physical disability. For example, if you have cognitive disability or mental health condition, such as anxiety, that is preventing your routine from being sustainable, you could qualify for this component.

Physically moving around

Is physically moving difficult and impacting your quality of life? Do you suffer from walking impairments? Is it painful to move around? You could be eligible for this component based on physical disability requiring additional everyday support.

Leaving your home

Are you able to leave your home for extended periods? Are you physically able to go outdoors for exercise or social purposes? You could qualify for this component if you are afraid to leave your home because of a condition or if it is unsafe to leave your house without supervision.

What benefits can I claim on the PIP Mobility Scheme?

PIP Mobility Grants

With the mobility grants available under the scheme, getting a mobility scooter with PIP has never been easier. These equipment grants can be for mobility aids such as mobility scooters, vehicle adaptations and even home alterations to suit your upgraded lifestyle.

PIP Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme allows individuals with PIP to lease everything from mobility equipment to a new car as part of their ‘worry-free package.’ With this scheme, you can enjoy having more freedom to get around and a new level of independence in your routine with your new transport options.

Discounted Public Transport

If you qualify for PIP and travel by public transport, you immediately qualify for a Disabled Person’s Railcard. As a result, you’ll get a third off on rail fares, which you and a friend can enjoy for more accessible travel plans. You may qualify for free local bus travel, depending on your local council. If you contact your local council, they will be able to inform you of what benefits are available to you in your local area, as these amenities vary on location.

Blue Badge for Parking

Travelling by car can now have extra advantages, allowing you to enjoy transport freedom and a guaranteed parking space. With PIP, you may be eligible for a Blue Badge for parking, which offers free or discounted parking on streets or in car parks, depending on your local council.

Increased housing benefit

As PIP is not a means-based benefit, it does not deduct any amount from the benefits you already receive. PIP increases your housing benefits if you have a child who still lives at home (aged 16-20). However, this also depends on what is available, as stated by your local council.

Road tax discount

If you are eligible for PIP, you may also be entitled to a discount on road tax through the Motability scheme. You can enjoy a 50% discount on vehicle tax with a standard PIP rate mobility, meaning more savings for your household and future travels in the car.

PIP Payments

Depending on the amount of the ‘Daily living’ or ‘Mobility’ part of PIP you are qualified for, you will be entitled to set weekly payment amounts to assist you with the costs of living that your condition or ill health impacts. Whether you have a high or lower rate of the two parts will impact the total amount of PIP payments you will receive.

Daily Living Part:	PIP amount each week:
Lower rate of ‘Mobility’ part	£26.90
Higher rate of ‘Daily living’ part	£101.75
Lower rate of ‘Daily living’ part	£68.10
Mobility Scheme:	PIP amount each week:
Higher rate of ‘Mobility’ part	£71.00

Why you should apply for the PIP Mobility Scheme?

Acquiring mobility equipment is now more accessible and affordable with the PIP mobility allowance and grants as part of the PIP mobility scheme. When you qualify for a higher rate of the ‘Mobility’ PIP part, you can automatically enhance your lifestyle with the right mobility aid. Through the impact of the PIP Mobility scheme, those in the UK who suffer from a long-term health condition or disability no longer fear the higher cost of living, which has improved the lives of many individuals dramatically.

Similarly, the Motability scheme has helped enable those who have struggled with mobility to have a new lease on life with a mobility alternative. Those on the scheme can independently manage their routine and move around more easily, with leases available for new mobility equipment and cars.

With Monarch Mobility, the UK’s leading mobility specialist, you can acquire high-quality mobility scooters and powerchairs through the Motability scheme on PIP alongside our expert Motability advice. We use our high-quality expertise to help our customers choose the right mobility aid and improve their lifestyles.

Contact us today with any enquiries about getting a mobility aid on the PIP mobility scheme, and our mobility specialists can assist you in finding equipment tailored to your requirements.

Browse our full range of mobility products today.

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