Mobility scooters provide an excellent means of transport and help provide independence for around 300,000 people in the UK affected by mobility problems such as disability or obesity.

However, the huge rise in the use of mobility scooters on the UK’s roads and pavements has resulted in an increase in accidents in which pedestrians are injured by mobility scooters.

Currently it is very difficult to make a personal injury compensation claim against the driver or owner of a mobility scooter as the vehicles are “unclassified” and normally have no insurance cover to claim against.

However MPs are urging for mobility scooters to be classified and for drivers to be forced to take a driving ability test to ensure they are competent to drive a scooter, it is also likely they will recommend mobility scooter drivers have suitable insurance to cover anyone who is injured in an accident with one.

In the last twelve months one pedestrian has been fatally inured and a toddler was hurt after being hit by mobility scooters, the electric powered scooters can travel at up to 8mph (12.8km/h) and weigh up to 150kg, currently there is no assessment as to whether someone is fit to drive a mobility scooter.

It is hoped that MPs will move quickly to deal with the issues brought about by the increased popularity of mobility scooters and will provide reassurance to pedestrians and members of the public that they will be protected if they are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident with one.

For free, confidential and impartial advice about any kind of accident on the road or public highway, call Pinto Potts Solicitors on 0800 316 4434.