Do I need to register and tax my electric scooter/wheelchair?

Following recent media coverage the MS Society reminds those people with MS who use mobility scooters that the current legal situation is that electric Scooters/Wheelchairs that have a maximum speed of 4mph are for pavement use only and thereby cannot be used on the road, and do not need taxing. Electric Scooters/Wheelchairs that travel up to 8mph can be used on the road and must be registered with the DVLA and taxed. Whilst electrically propelled vehicles are exempt from paying vehicle tax it is still necessary to obtain and display a ‘nil’ or free tax disc annually.

If your Electric Scooter/Wheelchair is not registered or taxed, you can do this by completing either a V55/4 or V55/5 form, and taking it to your local DVLA office. You will also require personal identification and evidence of vehicle age. (You can consult with supplier with regard to this). You will be issued with a ‘nil’ or free tax disc.
 

What about insurance?

Although not required it is, however, good practice to obtain insurance. Like cyclists and road users any person will be liable if they hit and injure anyone while using a wheelchair or scooter. For contact details of insurance companies who might be able to assist you, please see the MS Society title, Essentials 03: MS and insurance (61 kb) .

Electric Scooters/Wheelchairs provided on the Motability scheme whilst still on their Hire Purchase Agreement will be automatically insured. If you are unsure, then do contact Motability direct.
 

Contact details

Vehicle Customer Services (VCS)
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AR
Phone number: 0870 240 0010
Text phone: 01792 766 426
Fax: 0870 850 1285
Email address: vehicles.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
Web: www.dvla.gov.uk


For enquiries about the Motability Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme:

route2mobility
Newbury Road
Enham Alamein
Andover
Hampshire
SP11 6JS
Telephone: 0845 60 762 60
Fax: 01264 384482
Website: www.motability.co.uk