The Differences Between Class 2 and Class 3 Scooters

One of the questions we are often asked by customers is “what is the difference between a class 2 and a class 3 mobility scooter?”.

This is a frequent question especially by people who are knew to the world of mobility, as from face view these two classes of scooter are exactly the same.

That’s why we hope this article will help answer this question for those of you who are still unsure.

What is the class system?

The class system is a set of regulations drawn up by the UK government to legislate the use of mobility scooters in Britain.

This took on the form of the use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 act. With the passing of this act, we now had 3 classes of ‘invalid carriage’ in the UK.

Class 1 invalid carriages cover manual wheelchairs, which are restricted to pavements for obvious reasons.

But what about class 2 and class 3 invalid carriages?

Class 2 Invalid Carriages – 4mph Mobility Scooters

A class 2 invalid carriage is the category given to a mechanically propelled mobility vehicle with a maximum top speed of 4mph.

As such this class covers 4mph scooters, lightweight pavement scooters, boot scooters or folding mobility scooters.

These lightweight and compact scooters are restricted to use on pavements and walkways, only being permitted on a road surface when at a pelican crossing.

This makes them ideal for trips down to the shops and for travelling around urban areas and shopping districts.

In addition, the class 2 categorisation also covers electric power chairs such as the Rascal and Ezi Fold.

Class 3 Invalid Carriage – 8mph Mobility Scooters

Class 3 invalid carriages cover scooters and that are legal for road use. These vehicles are capable of a top sped of 6 – 8mph on roads and are not suitable for indoor use.

As such the rules and regulations regarding class 3 scooters are much stricter than their class 2 counterparts.

To begin with all class 3 scooters and other invalid carriages must be registered with the DVLA to be recognised as road legal. This can be done by filling out the V55/4 registration form for new vehicles, or the V55/5 form for used vehicles.

It must also be noted that no one under the age of 14 can operate a class 3 8mph mobility scooter. Furthermore class 3 vehicles are not permitted to use these scooters in bus lanes, cycle lanes or motorways.

Now to ensure the safety of both the user and fellow road users, class 3 scooters must abide by the following design specs.