*Brought to you by South Australia Police Road Safety Centre

Motorised wheelchairs

Motorised wheelchairs are also referred to as mobility scooters and gophers. Under the Australian Road Rules, a motorised wheelchair that is not capable of travelling at a speed greater than 10km/h and is used by a person who is unable to walk or has difficulty walking is treated as a pedestrian. Users of motorised wheelchairs must observe the same road rules applicable to all pedestrians, including:

* using the footpath or nature strip where one is available

* keeping to the far left or far right of a road where no footpath or nature strip is provided or is not practicable to use

* not travelling in bike lanes

* crossing a road at pedestrian lights and at traffic lights

* not causing a traffic hazard or obstruction.

A motorised wheelchair is exempt from the requirements of a driver’s licence, registration and insurance when driven on a road by a person who reasonably requires the use of the vehicle because of some physical infirmity. However, exemption is subject to the following conditions:

* the vehicle is specifically designed and constructed (not merely adapted) for the transport of a person with some physical infirmity or disability

* it has seating for one person only

* is capable of short low speed journeys only

* has an unladen mass not exceeding 250 kilograms.

Safety tips when using a motorised wheelchair

* plan a route that allows access to a footpath for the entire journey

* know where there are kerb ramps or driveways you can use for safe crossings

* take extra care when leaving the kerb to cross the road

* wait until the traffic has stopped before travelling onto a pedestrian crossing

* always be prepared to stop for pedestrians

* watch for vehicles entering and leaving driveways

* avoid major roads

* if you are forced to use roads, travel on quieter streets

* attach a safety flag to your chair high enough above your head to be visible to others

* if possible, attach rear view mirrors to your chair

* if you must travel at night, use lights and reflectors to aid visibility, front and rear just like a bicycle

The SA Police Road Safety Centre is a leader in road safety education, playing a vital role in reducing road trauma through enhancing the awareness, knowledge and skills of all road users through lifelong learning. For more information on our range of programs visit www.police.sa.gov.au/road-safety. To book a FREE road safety session email SAPOL.RoadSafetySection@police.sa.gov.au