A Mobility scooter is generally termed as a motorized wheelchair and anyone who uses this device is referred to as a ‘pedestrian’ under the NSW road rules.
Mobility Scooter Registration in NSW
Registering a mobility scooter is not a necessity according to NSW law. However, it is necessary to comply with the NSW road rules.
NSW Road Rules and Regulations
Not allowed to travel faster than 10kms per hour on level ground
Unladed weight of the device should not exceed 110kgm.
It should not be used on the road unless it is impossible to travel on the footpath or pavement.
If a pavement or footpath is not available, the device should be kept to the far side of the road and face oncoming traffic.
A motorized scooter cannot be used with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or more.
License to drive a mobility scooter
A special license is not required to ride a mobility scooter. However, the user should be unable to walk or has difficulty in walking to be able to legally drive this device.
Third Party Insurance
Third party insurance is not a requirement.
Required skills to drive a mobility scooter safely
A few basic skills are required to operate the mobility scooter safely. Operating the controls and manoeuvring the machine is a top priority. Balancing and adjusting the body position when travelling on rough terrain. Be observant of obstacles and avoid colliding. Speeds and distances should be judged appropriately and make good decisions to protect your safety and others.
QLD Road Rules and Regulations
Mobility scooters fall under the motorized wheelchair category with the Queensland Department of Transport and main roads and the device is restricted by law to a maximum speed of 10km/h and a maximum tare weight of 110kg. Further, a mobility scooter can be used only by the registered user.
Mobility Scooter registration and Third party insurance in QLD
All mobility scooters have to be registered if it is being used in public roads, pavements or footpaths. Further, there is no levy for registration or compulsory third party insurance.
Information for the Registration
A certificate or statement from a doctor indicating the user needs to use a mobility scooter for assistant travel due to severe immobility.
A vehicle registration application form (F3518)
A vehicle details form (F3529)
A motorized wheelchair statement form (F4414)
Proof of the vehicle’s origin such as former registration papers or purchase receipt.
Proof of the vehicle’s garaging address such as QLD driver license, rates notice, electricity or phone bill.
Proof of personal identification such as QLD driver license. Other details of ID can be obtained from the Evidence of Identity information sheet(F4362).
Driving License to drive a mobility scooter in QLD
A driving license is not a necessity but it is necessary to have a certificate from a doctor verifying the need for assisted travel due to severe immobility.
QLD Road Rules
The user should be able to operate the machine safely and comply with all road rules of Queensland as well as the pedestrians.
The user should always give way to other road users on a path or nature strip, driving as close to the side of the road as possible, using the most direct route available while crossing the road and driving not faster than 10km/h.
