Mobility scooters
Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters
Mobility scooters, or ‘gophers’, are classified as motorised wheelchairs. Mobility scooters are mobility aids with two or more wheels and have a top speed of 10km/h on level ground. They’re specially built to transport a single person who can’t walk or has trouble walking. A mobility scooter doesn't include a wheeled recreational device such as a motor scooter, pram, stroller, trolley or any other motor-assisted machine.
When using your mobility scooter, you're considered a pedestrian. You must follow the same road rules that apply to pedestrians.
This means that as long as you meet the safety rules below, you can use your mobility scooter on a shared path, footpath and nature strip.
A bicycle path is an area that looks like a footpath, but is designated for bicycle use. A bicycle lane is an area that's part of a road, but is designated for bikes.
We recommend mobility scooter users don’t travel on either a bicycle path or a bicycle lane. However, you can cross a bicycle path/lane, use a bicycle path if there are no signs that prohibit it and use a bicycle lane for up to 50 metres.
You don’t need to register or get third-party insurance for a mobility scooter in NSW. People with mobility scooters don’t need a licence to use one in NSW.
Get the facts
NSW road rules
A mobility scooter in NSW must not have the capacity to travel faster than 10km/h or accommodate more than one person.
As a user, you must:
- never exceed 10km/h
- make sure your mobility scooter meets the requirements of NSW Road Rules 2014
- have a reasonable need to use a mobility scooter because of physical disability or limited mobility
- obey all pedestrian road rules
- not cause a traffic hazard by moving into the path of a driver
- not unreasonably obstruct the path of another driver or pedestrian
- not be affected by alcohol or drugs when travelling on a road or road-related area such as a footpath.
Tools and tips
How to travel safely
- Plan a route that allows access to a footpath for the entire journey
- Know where there are kerb ramps/driveways you can use for safe crossings
- Take extra care when leaving the kerb to cross the road
- Slow down when turning and avoid turning on steep hills
- Ride on the footpath, preferably at walking speed which is 2–3km/h
- Cross the road at safe places such as traffic lights with pedestrian signals and pedestrian crossings
- Wait until traffic has stopped before travelling onto a pedestrian crossing
- Be prepared to stop for pedestrians
- Watch for vehicles entering and leaving driveways
- Avoid highways, roundabouts, major roads and heavy vehicles
- Avoid steep hills unless it's necessary
- If you're forced to use roads, travel on quieter streets, keep to the side and face oncoming traffic wherever possible
- Wear bright clothes and attach a safety flag to your chair high enough above your head to be visible to others
- Use a basket or rack instead of your lap to carry things
- If possible, attach rear-view mirrors to your chair
- If you must travel at night, use lights and reflectors for better visibility
- If possible, check out a new route beforehand to make sure it’s suitable for a motorised wheelchair
- For more on planning a safe route, contact your local council's access committee.
Safe operating skills
To use a motorised wheelchair safely, you must be able to:
- operate controls and manoeuvre the wheelchair around tight corners
- keep your balance and adjust your body position when travelling across uneven ground
- spot obstacles and avoid collisions
- judge speeds and distances
- make good judgements to protect your safety and others.
Alcohol mixed with prescription or other drugs may further affect your ability to use a motorised wheelchair safely.
If you're concerned about your ability to use a motorised wheelchair, check with your doctor before riding. Your doctor or healthcare professional may be able to arrange an assessment by an accredited occupational therapist.
Who to contact locally
- Aged and disability services at your local council
- Occupational therapy department at your local hospital
- Aged care assessment team at your local health centre
For more information
Mobility aid specifications on public transport.
Details on using mobility scooters. You can also call 1300 885 886.
Road rules and safety advice for pedestrians in NSW.