Many seniors or people with disability looks for mobility scooters that are lightweight and portable to allow them to move around in different situations. The Class 2 scooters are the perfect choice for them. Many class 2 models are lightweight and fold up easily, making them portable and easy to transport or store.
What is Class 2 Mobility Scooters?
There are many factors that determine whether a mobility scooter is a class 2. They must also meet or exceed the requirements set forth by law surrounding their specifications and use. Class 2 mobility scooters are those mechanically propelled mobility vehicles with a top speed of 4mph or less. They are designed to be driven on pavements as they travel just a bit faster than average walking speeds.
Many latest Class 2 mobility scooters comes with a battery that allows you to travel reasonable distance in a single charge. They can only be driven on pavements. You may not be used these scooters on roads except where it is necessary, such as crossing roads or circumventing obstructions to your access to pavement, like skips and inconsiderately parked cars. A Class 2 mobility scooter is exempt from tax and you don’t have to get insurance.
Main features of class 2 mobility scooters:
- Top speed of 4mph
- Not required to register and exempted from tax
- Lightweight, compact and small
- can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Many models can be folded or disassembled to easily fit into a car boot
- Basic driving controls
- Shorter battery life
What is Class 3 Mobility Scooters?
Class 3 mobility scooters weigh more than those of Class 2 and are built to look like a small car. These mobility scooters are designed to be used mainly on roads, but can also be used on pavements. Class 3 mobility scooters requires to have a maximum speed of 4mph off the road, and 8mph on the road. To drive a class 3 mobility scooter, you must be at least 14 years old
Because they can reach speeds of 8 mph, Class 3 mobility scooters are often called Road Class Scooters. They may also be called 8mph mobility scooters, which is a distinction from the lower-powered models. They can be used on pavements. However, pedestrians should not be inconvenienced. You can’t use them at speeds greater than 4 mph on pavements. Also, you cannot use Class 3 mobility scooter in bus lanes or cycle lanes. For extra safety, they can be used on dual carriageways that have speeds below 50 mph. However, flashing amber lights must be installed before.
You can not also leave Class 3 mobility scooter on a footpath or pedestrian area, if its come in the way of other pedestrians, such as
people with wheelchairs or prams. While neither Class 2 or Class 3 mobility scooters require tax, all Class 3 scooters must register with the DVLA. If you are purchasing a new mobility scooter or a used model, you will need to complete a V55/4 registration form.
If your Class 3 mobility scooter doesn’t have below features, you could be stopped and questioned by police.
- Maximum weight of mobility scooter: 150kg
- Maximum width: 0.85 meters or 33.46 inches
- Top speed of 8mph
- Controls to limit the maximum speed to 4mph
- Efficient and working braking system
- Comprehensive lighting systems: Front and rear lights and also reflectors
- Direction indicators
- Horn
- Rear view mirror
- Amber flashing light if it’s used on a dual carriageway
Read also: Best Mobility Scooters for Seniors in UK
Class 2 or Class 3 Mobility Scooter – Which is best?
Your need and lifestyle will determine which type of mobility scooter is best for you. A Class 2 model is best if you plan to travel in a car, or any other vehicle with your mobility scooter. The lightweight, portable and foldable design makes it easy to transport and store. But they are not suitable for long distance and does not carry much weight.
A Class 3 8mph mobility scooter is the best choice if you plan to rely on it as your primary mode of transportation. It is larger and heavier. They come with powerful battery and can travel to sufficiently long distance like 30 miles in a single charge. They also provides more comfort and space, but takes up larger space and are bulky and heavier.