Can you be charged with drink driving on a mobility scooter?
January 20, 2025
The quick answer is yes, you can be penalised, but not in the same way as the driver of a car.
Under UK law, mobility scooters are classified as “invalid carriages” under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. Invalid carriages are not considered motor vehicles in the same way as cars or motorcycles. As a result, they are not subject to many of the same legal requirements, such as licensing or insurance.
However, while they are not categorised as motor vehicles, mobility scooters are still subject to rules under the Highway Code and other road laws. For example, operating a mobility scooter irresponsibly or dangerously while under the influence of alcohol could still lead to legal consequences, as it might be treated as an offence in a public space under general safety or public order laws.
For example, an offender could be charged under Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872, ‘being drunk in charge of a carriage' - an offence that covers pavements, and carries a fine.
When it come to mobility scooter insurance, the list of standard exclusions will include operating the scooter under the influence of alcohol.
It goes without saying that operating a mobility scooter while under the influence of drugs or drink is not only illegal, but presents a danger to other road users and must be avoided at all costs.
Who can use a mobility scooter?
You can only drive a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair if you have trouble walking because of an injury, physical disability or medical condition.
Mobility scooters and road tax (vehicle excise duty)
You don’t have to pay road tax for any mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, but you still have to register class 3 mobility scooters with the DVLA.
Insurance for mobility scooters
It’s not a legal requirement to have insurance for a mobility scooter, but you might find yourself liable in the event of a collision so it is recommended. Fully comprehensive mobility scooter insurance from the ETA offers peace of mind and excellent value for money. If your scooter is worth £3,500 or less, the policy costs £65 per year.
The policy includes everything you need to keep you moving should your mobility scooter be stolen, vandalised or damaged accidentally. At no extra cost, you also benefit from breakdown cover to take you home if your mobility scooter suffers a flat battery, mechanical fault or puncture.
For added reassurance, every policy includes £2m third party cover to protect you against claims for injury or damage sustained to others, or their property, caused whilst using your mobility scooter or powered chair, all policies also include personal accident cover up to £20,000.
Mobility scooter breakdown cover
You can buy breakdown cover for a mobility scooter in the same way as you can for a car. If you break down, or your battery runs flat while you are out and about, the ETA will send a suitable recovery vehicle to come to your aid. Our rescue teams are available 24/7, 365 days a year, so no matter where you breakdown in Britain, you can rest assured that help is at hand. We’ll arrange to get you and your mobility scooter home, or to a specialist repair shop the same day. Get a quote
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.
Information correct at time of publication.
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