What are mobility devices?
Under traffic law, mobility devices are vehicles:
- designed and constructed for people needing help with mobility because of physical or neurological impairment
- powered solely by a motor of up to 1500 watts.
(Note: Under existing law, Segways are not 'mobility devices'.)
Using your mobility device
You don't need a driver licence to operate a mobility device, nor are they required to have a warrant of fitness or registration. But there are requirements for where and how you can use them:
- On the road, you must keep as close as possible to the edge of the roadway.
- On the footpath:
- you must ride carefully and be considerate of others on the footpath
- you must not ride at speeds that put other footpath users at risk.
See section 11 of the Road User Rule (PDF, 680 KB, 34 pages) for more detail on how and where you can use these devices.
Keeping yourself safe
Mobility vehicles are light and offer you no protection should you have a collision. This makes you vulnerable if you go onto the road. Where possible we recommend you stay off the road, but if you must use the road:
- wear bright clothing
- make your vehicle more visible, eg by attaching a flag.
See more suggestions on how to stay safe in Keeping mobile - how to use your mobility scooter or power chair safely.
