People tend to think about purchasing a powered wheelchair when they can no longer manage their standard manual wheelchair. First, however, it may be worth considering the range of active user wheelchairs that are available. These are manual wheelchairs that are lightweight and have large propelling wheels on an adjustable axle, so that the position of the wheelchair user within the chair can be adjusted to optimise their propelling and manoeuvring potential. A wheelchair user who may, previously, have found propelling a standard wheelchair too difficult may find that the reduced effort needed to propel an active user wheelchair is sufficient to regain independent mobility. The relative lightness of these wheelchairs, especially over powered wheelchairs, is an advantage if the chair has to be lifted and transported in and out of a car boot.

The wide range of battery-powered vehicles currently available for the disability market is divided into three main categories: powered wheelchairs, scooters, and buggies.

Highway regulations group powered vehicles into two categories: Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles.

CLASS 2 POWERED WHEELCHAIRS

Class 2 powered wheelchairs can travel up to 6.4kph (4mph) on pavements and on the road only to cross from one side of the road to the other. They can be divided into sub-sections:

Indoor use only

• for indoor use; • small turning circle; • could be used on a level patio area or in a small, level garden; • short distance range.

Indoor and outdoor use

• for indoor use; • for outdoor use over standard terrain; • over low kerbs; • short/medium distance range.

Outdoor use only

• limited indoor use; • outdoor use including uneven ground; • kerb climbing up to 10cm; • medium to long distance range.

The wheelchairs that can be used both indoors and outdoors tend to be the most popular types because they are more versatile. Wheelchairs usually have to be taken indoors for storage and maintenance, if for nothing else, so the overall size and manoeuvrability of an indoor/outdoor wheelchair suits most people.

CLASS 3 POWERED WHEELCHAIRS

These tend to be larger than Class 2 vehicles and can be used on the roads where they can travel up to 12.8kph (8mph).

Owners of class 3 vehicles do not have to hold a current driving licence. Drivers should be disabled and aged 14 or over, and they must be familiar with the Highway Code and drive in accordance with these rules at all times. This includes complying with relevant eyesight requirements and not driving under the influence of alcohol. Class 3 vehicles are not allowed on motorways, cycle lanes or bus lanes. Although legally allowed on dual carriageways, the size and relative slow speed of a Class 3 wheelchair can be hazardous to larger, faster moving traffic, and the driver may feel extremely vulnerable.

It may be possible to enrol on a training course and receive instruction on how to drive your wheelchair safely on the highway. Your local road safety officer or Mobility Centre may know of courses running in your area.

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