Department for Transport 12-week consultation into regulation of powered mobility aids launched 06/01/2025
We’re delighted to share the Department for Transport’s new 12-week consultation as part of their ongoing work to modernise UK laws for powered mobility devices.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reviewing-the-law-for-powered-mobility-devices
Wheels for Wellbeing are a leading Disabled People’s Organisation, with internationally-recognised expertise in developing regulations, policies and practices to support mobility equity for Disabled people walking/wheeling, cycling and making multi-modal journeys.
To support the DfT’s consultation to achieve the best possible outcomes for Disabled people, we’ll be launching explainer information resources, webinars and carrying out consultation sessions in the next few weeks.
Follow us @WheelsForWellbeing on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and LinkedIn and sign up to our newsletter (bottom of page or email info@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk) to make sure you have all our latest information and to discuss mobility aid regulation details with us.
Over 10 million people in the UK have mobility-related impairments.
Existing mobility aid laws create confusion, restrict market innovation and limit Disabled people’s freedom to move and make journeys.
New high-quality regulations that meet Disabled people’s needs will enable millions more Disabled people to legally use a growing range of existing and innovative safe, convenient, cost-effective, low-carbon devices to move around our homes and communities. This will improve independence, physical and mental health, employment, educational and social options for Disabled people and our families
At the moment, a huge proportion of Disabled people including individual adults, children, parents and carers, Disabled couples, families and friends are prevented from owning and legally using safe, tested and well regulated mobility aids that would work for them – and that are legal in many other countries already. Development of new aids is being hindered.
New regulations need to ensure Disabled people have the right to:
- Move independently using mobility aids as pedestrians, micro-mobility users and cyclists, whatever our age or specific disabilities, with the same responsibility for safe use that equivalent non-disabled pedestrians, micro-mobility users and cyclists bear.
- Use traditional mobility aids such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- Use less familiar mobility aids such as powered and e-assist wheelchair attachments, multi-person aids, running frames, and devices yet to be developed.
- Use devices that are also used by non-disabled people as our mobility aids, for example cycles and e-scooters.
- Use appropriate mobility aids safely and considerately in all public spaces, on public transport, to access services and in private destinations such as employment, education, healthcare, residential, retail, sports and leisure settings.
Contact us
Please contact the Campaigns and Policy team manager or leads with press, campaigning and consultancy enquiries:
Campaigns and Policy Manager Kay Inckle: kay@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Campaigns and Policy Lead Kate Ball: kate@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Campaigns and Policy Lead Ben Foley: ben@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
For general enquiries including inclusive cycling sessions and cycle hire (London only) please contact info@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Further resources
We will be launching a range of detailed resources on mobility aid regulations and setting dates for consultation meetings and webinars.
A wide range of free downloadable information sheets are available on our resources page, including the Wheels for Wellbeing Guide to Mobility Aids and the Wheels for Wellbeing Guide to Paths, Pavements and Roads.
