The Wheelchair Alliance Calls for Action Around “Not in Class” Mobility Vehicles

Last Updated on 29/05/2025 by Samantha Lewis

On 27 May, Karen Pearce, the new chair of the Wheelchair Alliance, appeared on several news channels, highlighting the issue of “not in class” mobility vehicles.

A “not in class” mobility scooter or powerchair is one that can go more than 8mph, is wider than 0.85 metres, and weighs more than 150kg (or 200kg if any equipment is attached to it, such as medical equipment).

These vehicles can only be used on roads, with users needing to register their vehicle with the DVLA and obtain a valid driving licence.

Appearing in the news this week, the Wheelchair Alliance underscored the growing concern over this “not in class” legislation. During the news piece, Karen pointed out that wheelchair users under 18 cannot legally obtain a driving licence for their mobility vehicle and that prohibiting these vehicles from the pavement means that, in a lot of cases, users would be unable to access their own homes.     

The British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) is in full support of the Wheelchair Alliance’s campaign and is also urging the Government to reconsider the “not in class” guidance.

The campaign centres around a report created by the Wheelchair Alliance earlier this year, asking the Government, among other things, to allow these vehicles on the pavement, remove the need for a driving licence, and to review the outdated language currently used in the guidance. 

An update to the current guidance is urgently needed to protect wheelchair users, to ensure they can use their mobility vehicles safely and legally, and to make sure they retain their independence and dignity.

See the full Wheelchair Alliance report here.

For more information around “not in class” mobility vehicles, see the BHTA website here.