Before you travel: A note of caution - pavement scooters

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Many disabled people are now used to getting around locally using pavement scooters (sometimes called buggies) and for many they have become a vital aid to independent mobility. However, they are designed to be used on pavements and roads and are not designed to be carried on public transport vehicles. They are often too large, cumbersome or unstable to be carried safely. It is also possible that you might get stranded if you cannot get your scooter into one of the vehicles you need to use for part of your journey.

Rail companies will now carry some types of scooter, subject to certain conditions. It is important that you check these on the National Rail Enquiries website at: nrekb.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/disabled_passengers/scooters.html.

Many airlines will not take the older powered wheelchairs or scooters with wet cell or spillable batteries.

If you wish to take a pavement scooter (or a large powered wheelchair) on a bus, tram, train, aeroplane, taxi or community transport vehicle, you must check first that it can be carried in that vehicle. If it is not possible, there may be alternative ways of overcoming the problem, for example you may be able to hire one at your destination. If you are visiting a city or town centre with a Shopmobility scheme you may be able to hire one there. (More information about Shopmobility schemes can be found at: www.shopmobilityuk.org.)

"Wheels Within Wheels" is a useful guide to the use of wheelchairs on public transport. It also contains detailed dimensions for the majority of wheelchairs currently available. Published by Ricability in June 2003, a copy can be found at: www.ricability.org.uk/reports/report-mobility/wheelswithinwheels/contents.htm.

"Get Wheelchair Wise: A Wheelchair users Guide to Public Transport" is another helpful leaflet published by the British Health Care Trades Association (BHTA). To get a copy of the leaflet you will need to contact BHTA. For more information go to: www.bhta.net.

Both of these leaflets explain the safest way to travel in public transport vehicles.