Following a parliamentary campaign by the MP Hugh Bayley, the laws relating to mobility scooter use in the UK may be about to change. The key modification to current laws will be making it mandatory for mobility scooter users to have insurance before taking to the streets on their vehicles.
Mr Bayley has been campaigning for this change in regulations due to a number of accidents involving mobility scooters and pedestrians, notably, a recent incident where pensioner Margaret Maclagen was badly injured after a collision with a mobility scooter outside her home in North Yorkshire.
Although a number of mobility scooter users already have insurance, it is not currently a compulsory requirement for driving such a vehicle. Mr Bayley recognises how important mobility scooters are to those with disabilities or limited mobility, enabling them to get out and about independently. However, like any other vehicle, he believes more needs to be done to ensure they are used safely and that both users and pedestrians are financially or otherwise protected.
As part of the legislation review to take place this coming week, the government is also considering introducing formal training courses for mobility scooter users, so that everyone will be aware of the best and safest way to operate their vehicles.
