A couple are concerned for mobility scooter users because of misleading information about registering the vehicles with the DVLA.

A national newspaper has published a story which implies that all scooter users need to submit forms to the regulatory authority.

However, David Dowsett and his wife Vanessa have discovered that no such regulation exists.

They say that only those with mobility scooters which have a speed of more than 4 mph have to register them.

Mr Dowsett, 65, said, “When we first read the article we were quite shocked because when we bought the vehicle there was no laws about them.

“Obviously it was quite a shock because my wife uses hers to get around and it’s an important part of her life.

“Without it, she’d be stuck indoors, but the scooter gives her a way of getting out and about.”

The couple called Sussex Police who informed them that the legislation which governs their use had not changed.

The force referred them to the DVLA for further guidance.

When Mr Dowsett contacted the DVLA he was told there were different classes which each had different standards.

They also stated that his wife’s vehicle did not need to be registered.

Mrs Dowsett, of New Road, said, “I was extremely upset and worried about it for a few days.

“I didn’t go out of the house for fear of being stopped, just in case I was in the wrong.

“Once we found that the law hadn’t changed, my concern was for the other users who wouldn’t have thought to check.

“For many it’s a lifeline, so I hope that by raising their awareness they’ll be more confident about using their scooter safely.”

A spokesman for the DVLA said, “Under the Use of Invalid Carriages on the Highways Regulations 1988, invalid carriages are separated into three categories.

“Class 1 is a manual wheelchair, which is self-propelled or pushed but not electric. These are not required to be registered with the DVLA.

“Powered wheelchairs and scooters are set down as Class 2 and these are intended for footway use only with a maximum speed of 4 mph and an absolute unladen weight not exceeding 113.4kgs. These also do not need to be registered with the DVLA.

“However carriages that are constructed or adapted to be capable of exceeding a speed of 4 mph but incapable of exceeding a speed of 8 mph must be fitted with a device capable of limiting the maximum speed to 4 mph when travelling on footways.

“These are required to be registered with the DVLA.”

Further details can be obtained online at www.dvla.gov.uk.

Eastbourne Herald 22nd December, 2007