Yes, in most cases mobility scooters are allowed on public transport. However, there may be some restrictions depending on the type of transport you are using. For example, some trains and buses may have specific areas designated for mobility scooters. It is always best to check with the transport operator before travel to make sure you are aware of any restrictions.
CPT Code: Mobility Scooter Use On Low-floor Buses
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) UK provides the regulations regarding mobility scooter use and under what circumstances they are accepted onto buses. The CPT works with the government’s Department of Transport and has published the CPT code publication, which outlines the industry standard and best practice for the carriage of mobility scooters on scheduled bus services in England and Wales (apart from London).
The CPT code aims to provide both mobility scooter users and bus companies with clear guidelines to help reduce confusion, disputes and disagreements over bus access. The CPT advise bus companies to adhere to the code as widely as possible, especially when catering for people with mobility impairments.
CPT Code Guidelines
While there is no legal requirement for any bus companies to carry mobility scooters aboard their vehicles, it is at each bus operator’s discretion. This means each bus company can decide whether or not to accept mobility scooters onto their vehicles in any given instance.
For bus companies that accept mobility scooters on their bus routes, Class 2 scooters are taken, providing they are:
- Maximum width – 60cm
- Maximum length – 100cm
- Turning radius – not exceeding 120cm
- Weight – must be within the Safe Working Limit of the bus’s ramp (usually 300kg)
It is down to the individual bus driver on any route to assess whether a mobility scooter and user will be more than the maximum weight allowance. Should the driver consider the mobility scooter and passenger too heavy, they can politely refuse entry giving excess weight as the reason for refusal.
Those using Class 3 mobility scooters will be automatically refused access as they are larger and, combined with the passenger, will be too heavy to board the bus. Bus drivers should be trained to recognise the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 mobility scooters.
Can mobility scooter go on a bus or coach?
Most buses and coaches in the UK are now accessible for people with mobility scooters. This includes local buses, long-distance coaches, and even some sightseeing buses. However, there may be some restrictions on certain routes or during peak times.
Stagecoach
Bus services are committed to being accessible for all passengers, including those with disabilities. Stagecoach offers low floor buses on all advertised journeys, which are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, disabled buggies, and approved mobility scooters. If a low floor bus is unavailable, they reserve the right to substitute a non-low floor bus. For more information about detailed guidance go to: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/conditions-of-carriage.
First Bus
First Bus follows the guidelines set by the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) for the use and acceptance of Mobility Scooters on low-floor buses. Before any passenger with a mobility scooter can board, they must receive approval from the operator and have a standard “permit for travel” in hand. The operator must ensure that each scooter is assessed and approved as suitable for carriage before allowing anyone to ride them on board – this includes both assessing how safely it can be controlled / maneuvered, as well as providing training to users themselves.
National Express
Most coach companies still find it challenging to accommodate mobility scooters because their coaches don’t have enough space on board in their normal form. Standard coaches simply are not built to accommodate disability vehicles.
However, National Express has taken steps to allow small, lightweight, foldable mobility scooters to be carried in the luggage hold. There are certain conditions that your mobility scooter needs to meet to be accepted.
The conditions set by National Express are:
- It can be folded and unfolded
- It can be taken apart and reassembled if it can’t be folded
- It has a dry fuel cell, gell fuel cell or Lithium battery
- No assistance or auxiliary aids that would make it unsafe to stow in the luggage hold
- The heaviest part weighs 20kg or less
National Express recommend that passengers book at least 36 hours in advance of their intended journey to allow them to check that your scooter will fit and meets the above criteria. However, they will do everything they can to complete their assessment of your mobility scooter if you need to make an urgent trip.
If you want to book a journey with National Express, have the following details to hand to help them assess your scooter’s suitability.
- The size: the width, height and length of the scooter
- The make and model of the mobility scooter
You should also notify National Express of any ancillary equipment you wish to take with you, such as a canopy or hard roof. They will need to know the dimensions, make and model.
Arriva Buses
Arriva allows passengers to use Class 2 scooters on its buses. The scooters must be under 100 cm long and 60 cm wide, with a turning circle of 120 cm. They can only be carried on buses that are accessible and have a ramp, and the weight limit must be observed. To use a scooter on board, you need to contact the Customer Service team for a scooter pass assessment. Find out more on their website here.
London Buses
While no law states that London bus companies must allow mobility scooters on board, they are being allowed on more buses and bus routes as the years go by. Whether or not you will be allowed on a London bus will depend on the bus companies’ individual rules and the size of your mobility scooter.
Almost all major bus companies have agreed to follow new guidelines for allowing mobility scooters on board, thanks to pressure from organisations such as Transport for All, Scope and Disability Rights UK. Most London buses now carry designated spaces for wheelchairs and have automatic ramps for easier access.
Some buses on main hospital routes have improved their provision to help mobility scooter users to get to hospital appointments if they cannot make the journey by scooter.
Can mobility scooters go on a train?
Most rail companies run trains that will accommodate wheelchairs that are within the government regulations for travelling on public transport (700mm wide by 1200mm long). However, some older train carriages still in operation can only carry wheelchairs with a maximum width of 550mm.
Regarding maximum weight allowances, the maximum combined weight of a person and their wheelchair that can be accepted on board is limited by the following:
- the capabilities of the individual member of staff assisting the passenger, and
- the stated maximum safe working load of the ramp (between 230kg and 300kg)
Rail staff are not allowed to manually lift a person travelling in a wheelchair. Should a passenger need to be manually lifted, rail staff are instructed to call the emergency services.
Due to limited wheelchair spaces on each train, you must contact the rail company to book your space in advance to ensure you can access the area.
Powered mobility scooters
When using a non-folding mobility scooter, it is essential to know its dimensions. Policies over accepting mobility scooters on board trains differ between rail operators, so you should contact your train provider to confirm that the station and train you intend to use are accessible.
Some mobility scooters have issues when travelling on trains. Problems can include:
- Tipping backwards on ramps
- Being heavier than the ramp’s safe working load
- Being the wrong shape to manoeuvre safely inside a carriage
Due to these issues, some rail operators cannot carry mobility scooters. Before booking a trip, you should contact the train company to check if the train and station are scooter-friendly and can safely accommodate your needs.
If you need assistance getting on and off the train, you can request an assistance booking in advance to enable you to access the train safely.