From Mrs Anne Howard, Ventnor:

As a mobility scooter owner, may I take up Mr Burrows’s invitation (CP, letters 29-03-19) to shed some light on the legal use of these vehicles.

There are two main categories of scooter: the smaller scooters, which are recommended for pavement use only, are limited to 4mph and are incapable of mounting pavements of more than 2ins high because of the small wheels and low footplate.

All the modern larger scooters, which have much larger wheels, come equipped with headlights, tail lights, indicators, hazard lights, brake lights and horn.

These scooters have variable speeds, which are an 8mph top speed for road use, but which should be manually switched down to 4mph for pavement use. These larger scooters should be registered with the DVLA, and also should be insured.

As these scooters are battery driven, their speed is also regulated by the topography. While the top speed of 8mph is achievable on the level or travelling downhill, the speed is greatly reduced ascending hills, and the battery power is reduced more quickly.

I would hope most users, like myself, would keep an eye on their mirrors and wherever possible pull over for other traffic,which I find is greatly appreciated by most drivers.

Sadly, I have to agree there is a small proportion of scooter users who travel at an unsafe speed on pavements, but I know from experience that whether you are on the roadway or the pavement, it is inevitable an objection will be raised by someone, whether pedestrians or drivers.

  These vehicles are a lifeline for many people with mobility problems, without which we would lose our sense of freedom and independence.