- 40-year-old laws on powered mobility devices to be brought up
to date to better support those who use electric wheelchairs and
mobility scooters.
- Consultation seeks to review size, speed and usage rules to
better reflect modern technology and improve safety.
- This forms part of the Government's wider mission to break
down barriers to opportunity and make transport more inclusive
and accessible for all.
Laws around powered mobility devices, including electric
wheelchairs and mobility scooters, could be modernised, as the
Department for Transport launches a 12-week consultation today (6
January 2026).
The government is inviting users, accessibility organisations,
industry and the public to share views on how outdated rules
should evolve to reflect modern technology and improve safety.
Current legislation, which dates back nearly 40 years, does not
reflect the technological advances that have transformed these
devices. For example, some modern wheelchairs used by adults and
children exceed the current maximum legal weight limit, meaning
they can only legally be used on private land.
The consultation seeks views on how regulations should evolve to
better support people who rely on powered mobility devices, while
ensuring safety for everyone that uses our roads and pavements.
MP, Minister for Roads and
Buses said:
“Powered mobility devices give people independence and freedom,
and the law should enable their safe use.
“This consultation is a chance for users and organisations to
help us modernise these outdated rules and ensure they meet
today's needs.”
Throughout this consultation, powered mobility device users,
accessibility organisations, industry and other members of the
public will be able to make their views heard on a variety of
areas critical for updating these laws. These include:
- Updating terminology in law, replacing outdated terms such as
“invalid carriages” with language that reflects modern attitudes
and respect for users.
- Clarifying where powered mobility devices can be used – on
roads, pavements, or other spaces.
- Reviewing size, speed, and age requirements for larger
devices.
- Considering whether two-person tandem devices should be
permitted on UK pavements and roads.
- Exploring whether other devices, such as powered
transporters, should be allowed on public roads or pavements when
used by disabled people or those with reduced mobility.
Sir MP, Minister for Social
Security and Disability, said:
“We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity for
disabled people and improving access to assistive technology, as
well as making sure that the laws around its use are up to date,
is essential to this.”
“I encourage disabled people to respond to the Department for
Transport's consultation so their views and voices are used to
shape this policy.”
Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing,
said:
“We are delighted to see the Department for Transport consulting
on modernising laws on “powered mobility devices”. Over 10
million people in the UK have mobility-related impairments and
existing laws create confusion, restrict market innovation and
limit Disabled people's freedom to travel.
“New high-quality regulations that meet Disabled people's needs
will enable millions more Disabled people to legally use a
growing range of existing and innovative safe, convenient,
cost-effective, low-carbon mobility devices to move around our
communities.
“This has the potential to improve the independence, physical and
mental health, employment, educational and social options of
Disabled individuals and our families across the UK.”
Nick Goldup, CEO, Wheelchair Alliance CIC,
said:
“The Wheelchair Alliance wholeheartedly welcomes this government
review of powered wheelchair legislation. For too long,
wheelchair users have been sidelined by outdated legislation and
offensive terminology. Many individuals using wheelchairs over
150kg have been left feeling anxious and worried about breaking
the law.
“Having worked closely with MP for over a year, we are
beyond proud that our campaigning has secured this commitment to
change. We will continue to amplify the voices of our community
to ensure this review delivers a fairer, more inclusive future
for all.”
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and will close on 31 March
2026 and a government response will be published soon after.
