It’s great to have the freedom and access a Quingo gives you over the winter months.
On the blog this week we wanted give you a refresher on the Highway Code for scooter users, so you can ride around this winter with maximum confidence!
The Highway Code offers essential guidance for your safety and the safety of others, and we will discuss the easy things to remember when out and about.
Using Pavements
A class 2 scooter that is restricted to 4mph, or a class 3 scooter that has been switched to the limited 4mph setting can both be used on pavements.
At all times, pedestrians have right of way on footpaths. You must always allow them to pass first, giving them ample space to move out of your way.
It goes without saying, but you must always exercise extra caution around both the elderly, who may have visual impairments or be hard of hearing, and young children who may not become aware of you as quickly.
Extra caution must also be taken when attempting to cross a road. The best thing to do is to find a drop down kerb, ideally at a pedestrian crossing. With standard scooters it is advised that you approach kerbs from straight on, however with a Quingo it is safe to approach at an angle of up to 45° – this is due to the stability of Quingo’s 5 wheel technology.
Mobility scooters must not use cycle lanes, bus lanes or motorways.
Using Roads
In order to use your scooter on the road, it must comply the specifications of a class 3 scooter. Class 3 scooters must not be used on the road.
Your scooter must be capable of more than 4mph and have an upper speed limit of 8mph. It must also feature a switch allowing the top speed to be limited to 4mph for use on footpaths and pavements.
The scooter must feature a headlight, rear lights, flashing indicators, a horn and a mirror.
It is important to consider that if you use your scooter on the road, you are more vulnerable as you are exposed and slower than other vehicles. But if you adhere to the Highway Code at all times – keeping to the left side of the carriageway, following all signs and signals and using your lights and indicators as appropriate – you should be good to go!
At junctions, remember to take extra care and ensure that there is no vehicle likely to cross your path. Remember to always look behind you before you pull out.
When turning right:
- Pull to the left hand kerb
- Make sure there is no oncoming traffic
- Look behind you, not just using your mirrors
- Ensure there are no vehicles coming from behind
- Execute your manoeuvre!
If there is a roundabout incorporated into your journey, try to find an alternative route. This is because they offer greater risks to the slower moving and less visible scooter. If this is not possible simply remember to exercise great caution.
Parking
The rules for parking your mobility scooter on public highways are similar to the rules parking a car. If you park your scooter on a footpath you must not obstruct the footpath and it must be clearly visible.
Being Seen
We strongly advise that you wear high visibility clothing in addition to having lights on your scooter, to ensure maximum visibility!
Some more advice for being seen on the roads can be found in our previous article on preparing for the darker evenings.
This information is for general guidance only – please check the UK Government website for more details.
About Quingo
The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. For more information on the Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.
Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Quingo are proud to work closely with Age UK and feature regularly in local press. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.
All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC). AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.
