Discount Mobility Plus

At the moment you are not legally required to have insurance for driving your scooter on the road.

However, it would be a sensible precaution to take out an insurance policy to cover your mobility scooter against accidental damage, theft and third party liability, in case of damage or injury to someone else or their property. Mark Bates Ltd specialise in mobility insurance and they have many years of experience in dealing with all aspects of mobility liabilities. We have worked with them for over ten years now and have always found them to be very customer focused. We are very pleased to be able to offer you a 10% discount on all policies.

All you need to do to claim your discount is contact Mark Bates Ltd on: 01476 591104 and quote DMP 2005.

If you have a scooter which is not capable of more than 4 mph you do not need to hold any "road tax". However, if your scooter is capable of more than 4mph, you are obliged to apply for a tax disc from ther DVLA. The disc is free of charge and it is essentially a registering process for your machine.

Generally speaking mobility scooters can be driven (with care!) on public pathways and pavements and the larger scooters, the ones that go at 8 miles per hour, are legally allowed on the roads. However, experience has taught us that driving your scooter on public roads should be avoided wherever possible.

Do remember though that there are some obligations and restrictions as to where you can you use your mobility scooter.

CLASS 2 MOBILITY SCOOTERS

These scooters can legally travel up to 6.4kph (4mph) on pavements and are allowed on the road to cross from one to the other. Basically this allows you to drive anywhere you are permitted to travel on foot. The Class 2 category includes any 4 mph mobility and travel scooters.

CLASS 3 MOBILITY SCOOTERS

Class 3 category vehicles tend to be larger, than those found in Class 2, and can be driven on the roads where they can travel up to a speed of 12.8kph (8mph). Most class 3-mobility scooters have two speed settings, usually changed by a switch so it is usually possible to drive at 6.4 kph (4mph) and switch to 12.8kph (8mph).

Remember - 6.4kph (4mph) maximum speed is permitted on the pavement or footpath. 12.8kph (8mph) maximum speed is permitted only on the road. Not for use on the pavement or footpath.

You do not require a driving license to use a Class 3 vehicle but you should obey the Highway Code at all times, including complying with relevant eyesight requirements and not driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs etc.

Class 3 vehicles are not allowed on motorways, bicycle tracks or bus/cycle lanes. Although legally allowed on dual carriageways, with a compliant size, flashing beacon - this is not recommended.

The law requires all class 3 vehicles to be fitted with: lights, indicators, horn, rear view mirror, rear reflectors and a manual handbrake. A flashing beacon can be used when driving on the road to warn other road users of their presence, and must be used if driving on a dual carriageway.

Most transportable mobility scooter models have been designed so they can fit easily into most cars by either folding down or dismantling it into easily manageable pieces that are stowed in the boot or on the back seat.

You are also able to take apart some of the larger mobility scooter models, however, because of their size the component parts will be heavier to lift. Although larger scooters are more comfortable to use - they are less easy to transport.

If you have a people carrier or an estate car you may be able to get your scooter in using ramps. Although, this is fairly straightforward it is important that you select the right scooter and ramp combination.

If you don’t mind fitting your car with a hook and a pulley lifting system, you have the option of being able to hoist a mobility scooter into your car. Again it is important that you make sure that the car and scooter are compatible with a hoist system.

We are happy to advise you on these types of combinations, contact us for more information.

Fortunately modern mobility scooters are very reliable but it is a good idea to have an annual service, just to keep it in tip-top condition. Here are a few other tips to keep your scooter running smoothly:

Get into the routine of charging your batteries when you return from a journey. Not only will this help with the long term life of your batteries it will also reduce the chances of you running out of power and being stranded.

Try to keep it clean and tidy, and if possible avoid getting it wet. Of course, there will be times when you will probably get caught out in the rain so protect your scooter (and yourself!) with rain covers – you will find a range of these in our wet weather wear.

Do not overload your scooter with heavy items. Things like tinned food, bottled beverages and potatoes can be heavy – if you carry too much and overload your scooter it could affect its stability and performance.

Keep your mobility scooter clean. This will help prevent dirt and grime from getting into any moving parts and causing premature wear. Also check the scooter's underside every few weeks removing any obstructions you find and any build up of dirt, especially from around the steering rack and battery terminals.

Try to keep your mobility scooter dry. At some time you will get caught out in the rain, when you return home wipe down your scooter with a clean cloth, paying particular attention to the seat and upholstery, this will help stop any premature corrosion. You can easily protect your scooter from the elements by using a wet weather cover: see a range of these in our wet weather wear.

A sensible battery charging routine will help to ensure a good performance from your scooter and also prolong the life your battery. Always read your user handbook for a guide to battery charging.

If possible store your scooter in a clean and dry environment. Mobility scooters perform much better and run more smoothly if not subjected to extreme temperatures or damp. You can look in our scooter accessories section to find some storage ideas.

Here are a few basic rules to help you keep your batteries in tip-top condition:

Keep your batteries fully charged – a fully charged up battery runs very efficiently by releasing a small amount of power known as a "trickle charge". Every time you get back from a trip out put your scooter on charge, even if you only nipped down to the corner shop.

Keep your batteries clean – if you go out in the mud and rain wipe them down with a dry cloth before you put your scooter away, also try and make sure the terminals are greased.

Keep your batteries cool – don't store them near fires or radiators.

Wherever you store your mobility scooter it should be in a secure, clean and dry environment that is protected from damp and extreme temperatures (both hot and cold).

Some people store their scooters inside their homes, usually in the kitchen or hallway. Generally speaking, though, it is better to use an outdoor shed or garage with a power supply so you can charge your scooter after it has been used.

If you do not have access to a shed or garage, don’t worry, you can keep your mobility scooter under a cover. These are ideal if you only have a limited amount of space and want to keep it close to your home and you will be able to re-charge your scooter using an extension cable – only when it is safe to do so, of course!

Click here to see the available covers and store in our scooter accessories section.

There is a lot to take into account before buying a mobility scooter and you should take time to consider which type of scooter suits your needs best.

On journeys do you need to take your scooter out in the car with you?

Then a foldable scooter or a model that is easily dismantled and transported should be at the top of your list.

How big are you? What is your body size and weight?

These may be personal questions but, whether you have a big or a small build, you need to choose a scooter model that will best accommodate your size so that you find it comfortable to use.

Will you be mostly travelling on bad, cracked pavements and uneven ground?

Then you will probably require a four-wheeled mobility scooter to provide you with maximum stability.

Not got much space to manoeuvre a scooter in at home or around the shops?

Then you will need a scooter that offers excellent manoeuvrability, such as the three-wheeled models.

What about the access to your property? How wide is it?

You will need to pay attention to a scooters size and choose a model that you can get onto your property – it’s no good picking a mobility scooter and finding it is too wide to fit through your front gate!

Everyone has different needs and we are more than pleased to give you help and advice on mobility scooters, but we cannot advise in relation to specific cases.

Discount Mobility are proud to offer great range of mobility products and scooters that provide both great choice and superb value for money.

We understand that some people may be looking for a particular item and if you do not find it in our online shop then please contact us and ask – we are sure we will be able to supply you and at a considerably reduced price than you can find it on the high street!