Factsheet 31 – February 2005

Mobility scooters and power chairs

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Most mobility scooters and power chairs are battery powered and have three or four wheels.

Laws that apply to mobility scooters and power chairs

Mobility scooters and power chairs are legally defined as 'wheeled mobility devices'.

You don't need a driver licence to operate a wheeled mobility device, and they are not required to have a warrant of fitness or registration. There are, however, some important legal safety requirements you need to know about:

• You must operate your mobility scooter or power chair in a careful and considerate manner.
• You must use the footpath, when it is readily accessible, and stay close to the side of the road when a footpath is not readily accessible.
• When on the footpath, you must not travel at a speed that endangers others.
• It's illegal for you to ride, or let any person ride, your mobility scooter or power chair in a way that may cause you or them injury.
• If you are involved in a crash, you must stop to see if anyone is injured, help anyone who is injured, and report the crash to the Police within 24 hours.

For more information about legal requirements for mobility scooters and power chairs, see the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (PDF 200 KB).

Penalties for breaking the law

It's important to be aware that careless use of a mobility scooter or power chair carries legal implications.

For example, operating a wheeled mobility device carelessly, inconsiderately or at a hazardous speed can result in a fine of up to $1000.

If you cause a crash where someone is injured or killed, you could be convicted of careless or inconsiderate use of a vehicle, and face a fine of up to $4,500, or up to three months imprisonment.

Safety hints for mobility scooters and power chairs

Your mobility scooter or power chair should be serviced by a qualified service technician regularly. Some manufacturers recommend that mobility scooters and power chairs are given a safety check similar to a warrant of fitness every six months. This includes getting the brakes, electronics and controls serviced, and the tyre pressure and battery checked.

Remember to always do the following:

• Ride your mobility scooter or power chair sensibly.
• Adjust your speed to the conditions.
• Use a lower speed when turning abruptly.
• Plan your travel so you miss peak time pedestrian traffic and places where there could be a lot of people.
• Keep to the side of the footpath as much as possible, to give pedestrians room to pass you.
• Keep your speed down when riding on the footpath.
• Use your indicators, if your vehicle has them. If it doesn't, use hand signals.
• Try not to startle pedestrians if you use a warning device (eg a horn).
• Use pedestrian crossings. If you can't find one, avoid travelling over kerbs and don't cross the road without first checking carefully that the way is clear.
• Slow down if you're driving in a hazardous area, so you can avoid potential dangers.

There are a number of safety accessories available, such as indicators, lights, horns, reversing beepers, warning flags and rear view mirrors.