Shopmobility Renfrewshire has welcomed a new UK government consultation aimed at modernising legislation covering powered mobility devices such as mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.
The consultation seeks to update laws that are nearly 40 years old and no longer reflect how modern mobility devices are designed or used. Current rules pre-date many technological advances and, in some cases, prevent people from legally using equipment that is already widely in everyday use.
Chair of Shopmobility Renfrewshire, Cllr Kenny MacLaren, said the consultation was long overdue.
“This is an important consultation, aiming to bring the legislation on powered mobility devices up to date to better reflect the changes that have occurred since the current laws were first enacted nearly four decades ago,” he said.
The UK Government is inviting responses from users, disability and accessibility organisations, and the wider public. The review will consider how rules around size, speed and where devices can be used should evolve to improve safety while better supporting people who rely on them.
One issue highlighted is that some modern powered wheelchairs, used by both adults and children, exceed the current legal weight limits. Under existing legislation, these devices can only be used on private land, despite being essential for day-to-day mobility.
Karen Miller, Office Manager and Fundraising Officer at Shopmobility Renfrewshire, said the law should reflect the reality faced by disabled people.
“Powered mobility devices give people independence and freedom, and the law should enable their safe use,” she said.
“This consultation gives users and organisations like ours the chance to help modernise outdated rules so they properly meet today’s needs.”
Areas being considered include updating outdated terminology such as “invalid carriages”, clarifying where powered mobility devices can be used, reviewing size, speed and age limits for larger devices, and exploring whether tandem or other specialist devices should be permitted on roads or pavements. The consultation will also look at whether certain powered transporters could be used legally by disabled people or those with reduced mobility.
Ms Miller added that more than 10 million people in the UK live with mobility-related impairments, and that unclear or outdated laws can restrict independence and slow innovation.
Cllr MacLaren urged people who rely on mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs to take part.
“It’s important that anyone who depends on these devices makes sure their views are heard,” he said. “Shopmobility Renfrewshire will be responding on behalf of our members.
“Through our membership of Shopmobility UK, we knew this review was coming, and we’re pleased the consultation is now under way. It has the potential to improve independence, health, employment, education and social opportunities for disabled people and their families across the UK.”
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and closes on 31st March 2026. A government response is expected shortly after.
The consultation can be viewed on the UK Government website, here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reviewing-the-law-for-powered-mobility-devices.