The ultimate goal of a mobility scooter is that it helps anyone who needs one to go anywhere that they want or need to, with their powerful motors, long-lasting batteries, comfortable seats and easy operation making them usable for a wide variety of journeys.
As everyone has different mobility and lifestyle needs, there is a wide range of mobility scooters available, from road-legal and off-road scooters for relatively long journeys to convenient foldable mobility scooters that can fit in the boot or back of a Motability scheme vehicle.
A common question that people have when they first use a mobility scooter, particularly if they live near a city or major metropolitan area, is whether they are allowed to take their scooter onto public transport, particularly buses, trains and trams.
All public transport must be accessible for disabled people, which means that there will be priority seating, wide doors and spaces for wheelchairs.
In many cases, mobility scooters can also be used, but there are sometimes restrictions and limitations that vary from operator to operator. It may be worth getting in touch with the bus or train operator first to make sure that there are no issues.
With that in mind, here are some of the most common transport solutions, what arrangements may need to be made and which mobility scooters are approved for use.
Can You Take A Mobility Scooter On A Bus?
There is no legal requirement for a bus or coach operator to take a mobility scooter, but in practice, many major bus operators such as Stagecoach, Arriva, FirstBus and National Express follow the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK Code of Conduct.
If your local bus operator is not on the CPT list, check their website or call them for more information. Bee Network in Manchester, for example, has its own policy when it comes to approved mobility scooter dimensions, permit applications and assessments.
Similarly, the RIDC Scooter Search is extremely helpful for determining which mobility scooters can be taken on which types of transport.
The vast majority of buses will have a designated space for suitable mobility scooters, with a policy that typically one mobility scooter can ride at a time in the dedicated spot, with other customers and pram users asked to move to accommodate this.
Can You Take A Scooter Onto Trams?
With a growing number of cities operating trams, light rail or underground networks, travelling via the metro can be one of the easiest ways to travel around a city quickly, but the exact process can vary depending on which service you use.
The London Underground, for example, operates what they describe as a “turn up and go” service, where staff will assist people with a mobility scooter without prior arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Manchester Metrolink, as part of the Bee Network, follows a more bus-like approach, where applications, training and a permit are required.
Many modern tram networks are designed with step-free transport in mind and dedicated wheelchair and mobility scooter entrance points, but get in touch with your local operator if you have any questions.
Can You Take A Scooter Onto The Train?
You typically can ride a mobility scooter on any train, although the specific requirements and restrictions for which types of scooters are allowed can vary by operator.
Helpfully, National Rail Enquiries has a useful list of the country’s railway operators, the rules surrounding the types of mobility scooters allowed and where to apply for a scooter permit if one is required.
Many operators have a passenger assistant service to help not only book a space for the scooter and arrange ramps, but also guide you through the station.
Can You Take A Mobility Scooter On A Flight?
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, you have a right to take a mobility scooter with you free of charge as one of two free mobility items, although each airline will have its own policies when it comes to suitable mobility scooters.
Typically, only folding mobility scooters, compact scooters or those designed specifically for travel will be allowed, and it is recommended that you get in touch with your airline as soon as possible to make the arrangements to disassemble and pack it as safely as possible.
Many airlines will have specific arrangements for mobility scooters, as well as assistance with disassembling and reassembling any necessary parts, transportation to help you get around the airport and assistance to board the plane.
You will typically board the plane using a transfer chair that will take you to your designated seat, whilst the scooter is typically secured in the hold or occasionally the overhead compartment in the case of very compact scooters.
