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Powered mobility scooters: what do I need to know?

Powered mobility scooters are designed, (New Zealand Transport Agency, n.d.), to support people who have limited ability to walk and are primarily for outdoor use, (Thoreau, 2017). They help individuals travel distances they would typically expect to walk but can no longer manage independently, (Thoreau, 2017).  

Mobility scooters may be self-funded, grant-funded, or privately purchased. They may also be funded by ACC through the Enable New Zealand Managed Rehabilitation Equipment Services (MRES) for ACC clients whose mobility limitations relate to an accepted injury.  

Regulations and helpful guidance  

There is currently no legislated speed limit for mobility scooters in New Zealand. However, several resources provide guidance for safe and appropriate use:  

  • Power output limit: Mobility scooters must not exceed 1500W output (New Zealand Land Transport Road User Rule 2004).    

  • Where scooters can be used: They should be ridden on public footpaths whenever possible. If no footpath is available, users should travel as close as practicable to the road edge.   

  • Indicative speed guidance is suggested at a maximum of 11 km/hr for mobility scooters.   

  • Users of mobility scooters are regarded as pedestrians.   

Key considerations when prescribing 

  • Walking ability: Mobility scooters are generally suitable for people who can manage short indoor distances (e.g., 5–50 metres) with or without equipment but cannot walk longer distances; such as to the letterbox, local shops, bank, pharmacy, GP, or supermarket. For distances around 500 metres to 2–4 km, a scooter may be more practical than relying on taxis, particularly if the person does not drive.   

  • Driving + walking combination: Some individuals can drive to a location but cannot walk the distance required once they arrive (e.g., from the carpark into and around the supermarket). A scooter may support independence in these situations.  Transport of the scooter must be taken into consideration. 

  • Gradient, user weight, and load: The user’s weight, the weight of items carried (e.g., shopping or a walker) and the slope of the terrain all influence scooter performance. Importantly, torque, not speed, is what enables a scooter to handle heavier loads and hilly terrain.  

  • Activity analysis: Consider the task, frequency, duration, and environment of use. Also review other available options, including natural supports, to ensure a scooter is the most appropriate solution.  

  • Home storage and charging:  
    Safe, accessible, and weather protected storage and charging facilities must be available in the person’s home environment.  

  • Trial and safety assessment: A practical trial (Ryan Fomiatti et al., 2014) is essential to confirm that the scooter supports the intended activities safely. Users must be assessed to have adequate physical abilities, cognition, and vision to operate a scooter safely (Ryan Fomiatti et al., 2014). Training in the use of mobility scooters is highlighted in the literature as a key to successful uptake (Kemmis et al., 2021).  

References  

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