Wheelchair regulation - Coursework Example

The rules and regulations set from the United Kingdom for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (36 to 46) Foundation of the courseTutor:University Affiliation:Department:Date:The United Kingdom government laws have set rules and regulation to protect and guide people who use mobility scooters that are contained in the Highway Code Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (36-46). The rules provide advice and guidance specifically to the use of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

The first section of the deals with Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters, also called Invalid Carriages in law (36 to 37). In the Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 there are three invalid carriages. Here, the first class is a class of manual wheelchair called Class one of invalid carriages. The manual wheelchairs rely on the attendant so that the can move and they do not use electricity. The other two classes are powered by electricity. Class two of invalid carriages consist of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs that are designed to be used on pavements with a maximum speed limit of 6 km/h (8 mph).

Class three powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters of invalid have a maximum speed limit of (12 km/h) and their purpose is for the use of road only. It is important to note that they are also equipped with a facility designed to travel on pavement or footpath at a speed of 6 km/h (4 mph). The law states that theClass three vehicles may only be used by a disabled person who is aged 14 years and above. The other two classes, Class one and Class 2, however, may be used by a non-disabled person who is demonstrating the vehicle for sale or a disabled person.

Clause 37 states that when the vehicle users is have a duty to adhere to the direction or rules of other vehicles when they are on operation on the road. It also adds that the vehicle users on the pavements should follow the guidance and rule of the pedestrians.The second section concentrates of the usage of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on the pavements (38 to 40). Clause 38 explains how vehicle users should treat the other pavement users and pedestrians and especially those that have a visual or hearing impairment.

It insists on the use of pavements rather than roads for safety purposes of the vehicle users. In a nut-sell, the rule aims at protecting both the users and non-users of the vehicles. Clause 39 points out the need for users of powered vehicles and scooters to use speeds not exceeding four mph (6 km/h) on footpaths and pedestrian areas. It also highlights that the user may be required to adjust to the other pavement users in case the path is not wide enough or if the pavement users are not in a position to move out of their way quickly enough.

Clause 40 describes the use of dropped kerbs for the vehicle users when the need to cross from a pavement to the road. It is a must that the users to always ensure that it is safe to join traffic before moving to the road. It is recommended that the users avoid negotiating a kerb to an upper limit than that of the manufacturer. The third sections (41-46), deals with the usage of powered vehicles and scooters on the road. Clause 41 emphasizes on the need of the vehicle user to be cautious when travelling on road.

The vehicle may be travelling at a slower speed than the other traffic on the road and at time it may be invisible to other road users. Clause 42 focuses more on the direction that both Class two and Class three should use while travelling on the road. It states that Class three users should always travel in the direction of traffic whereas Class two users should aim to use the pavement always the pavement, use caution if there are no pavements and travel in the direction of traffic where possible.

At night, the vehicle users are obliged to use lights and travel in the direction of traffic. Clause 43 emphasizes on the need for powered vehicles and scooters users, to ensure that they are visible at all times, but most importantly at night. The vehicle users should also use the facilities fitted on their vehicle such as horns, indicators and lights. Clause 44 highlights on the specifics of road usage by the users of powered vehicle and scooter. It safer for the users to ensure that the road is clear before taking another turn and always to keep on the left hand side of the road if there is too much traffic.

It also points out that the Class three users should consider lowering the speed while using pavements to avoid accidents. Clause 45 concentrates on the rule that are laid down for parking purposes. It states that users should adhere to the regulations set aside under the Blue Badge scheme as well as all other standard packing rules. No vehicle should be left unattended to if it brings about obstruction to other pedestrians. The last part, clause 46, states that the powered wheelchairs and scooters should not be used on motorways and dual carriageways that exceed the speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph) and if so they should always have a flashing amber beacon.

REFERENCEDepartment of Transport, United Kingdom, The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. (n.d.). Mobility scooters - what you need to know. Available at: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/invalid_vehicles.aspx?keywords=mobility+scootersAccessed April 03, 2014.