NSW Road rules and guidelines for use of mobility scooters.

NSW Government rules state that a mobility scooter are classified as motorised wheelchairs. They are mobility aids with 2 or more wheels and are built to transport a single person who can’t walk or has trouble walking.

You do not need to register or get third party insurance to use a mobility scooter in NSW. You also do not need to get a licence to use one in NSW. However, you need to have adequate eyesight, hearing and the strength / mobility to operate one safely, more on that later !

When using a mobility scooter you are considered to be a pedestrian, and obey the same road rules as a pedestrian. Rules that need to be observed include:
* You cannot travel more than 10km/hr
* You must not travel on the road unless the foot path or nature strip is not suitable for travel.
* If no footpath is available you must travel on the right hand side of the road (ie facing oncoming traffic) and be as close to the kerb as possible.
* You can be breath tested on a mobility scooter. Do not use a scooter if you have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or higher.

When driving a scooter you need to be able to physically operate the scooter effectively, and understand the area you are travelling through. You need to be able to operate the controls and steer, and keep yourself balanced and stable on the scooter. You also need to be able to identify obstacles such as uneven ground, kerbs, narrow areas and the availability of turning spaces. You also need to be aware of other pedestrians and vehicles and navigate safely though pedestrian and vehicle traffic. In particular be aware of driving past areas such as shop entrances, where pedestrians may not have full visibility of the footpath.

Mobility scooters come in a large variety of sizes, weights and configurations. It is highly recommended that you try a variety of different options before purchasing to ensure that you get the one that is best suited to your needs and environment. At Acacia Medical we have over 30 years experience in finding the right scooter for our clients, so if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us for an obligation free consultation.