Use of mobility scooters on the roads, or pavements, carries some risks. To others, as well as the user of the scooter. For insurers in this sector this paper is worth downloading. Here’s the word;
PACTS has today published a new briefing paper highlighting the need for greater understanding, clearer policy and stronger evidence to support the safe use of powered mobility devices, including mobility scooters and powerchairs.
Powered mobility devices play a vital role in supporting independence, mobility and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people across the UK. However, despite their growing use, the road safety challenges associated with these devices remain poorly understood. The briefing estimates that there may currently be between 500,000 and 850,000 powered mobility device users in the UK.
Over recent years, collisions involving powered mobility devices, including those resulting in serious injuries and fatalities, have increased significantly. Yet this group of road users has received limited attention within transport safety policy and research. The briefing identifies several key challenges:
• Increasing use and collision numbers: Powered mobility device use is substantial and growing, with collision data indicating a significant increase since 2014.
• Complex and unclear policy: The current legal framework is difficult to navigate, with powered mobility devices classified as “invalid carriages” in legislation and treated as pedestrians within the Highway Code.
• Limited and inconsistent training: While training can support safer use, evidence suggests that only around one third of users have received training, and provision remains inconsistent.
• Gaps in evidence: More research is needed to understand how powered mobility devices are used, the risks users experience and what interventions are most effective.
The briefing calls for a coordinated approach to improve data collection, clarify policy and develop evidence-based guidance and training resources. It also highlights the need for powered mobility devices to be better represented within the Highway Code, including clearer information for all road users and consideration within the Hierarchy of Road Users.
Prof Duncan Guest is Professor of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University and a leading researcher in mobility scooter safety. He and his team are currently leading a Road Safety Trust-funded research programme designed to improve the safety, confidence and wellbeing of mobility scooter users, supported by insurance intermediary Surewise.
Prof Duncan Guest, Nottingham Trent University, said: “Users of powered mobility devices are one of the most overlooked groups on our roads. These devices are vitally important for many people in the country, yet we know little about how they are used and about safe use. This report shines a light on this and represents a call to action for us to improve what we know and to improve safety for this road user group”
Margaret Winchcomb, PACTS Deputy Executive Director, said: “Powered mobility devices play an important role in supporting independence and enabling people to make everyday journeys. As technology develops, more people are able to access a wider range of devices, which can provide vital mobility support for those who may otherwise face barriers to travelling independently. However, there are still important challenges to address.
This report makes important recommendations for better data collection and evidence will help us develop the right support and ensure journeys made using powered mobility devices are safe and accessible.”
The briefing concludes that as powered mobility devices continue to develop and overlap with wider micromobility trends, policy must evolve to support safe and predictable interactions between all road users.
The full briefing paper is available here.
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