Why do so many OAPs drive their mobility scooters down busy roads instead of using the pavement?

[capitalconnect]

What is it with OAPs driving their mobility scooters down major busy roads? I was going for a walk at Box Hill yesterday and at the bottom near Westhumble rail station i saw an OAP driving their mobility scooter along the busy A24 dual carriageway (i presume he probably lived in Mickleham and was going in to Dorking to do shopping perhaps) despite both sides of the road having wide empty pavements and cycle lanes. He had two wide empty pavements and cycle lanes to choose from on both sides of the road and yet he chooses to risk his life by driving down a busy dual carriageway with cars going at maximum speed. It baffles me. But this is not the first time i have seen this. I have often seen OAPs on roads all over the UK that decide to use the road with their mobility scooter. Why do they do this?

 

[JamesT]

What is it with OAPs driving their mobility scooters down major busy roads? I was going for a walk at Box Hill yesterday and at the bottom near Westhumble rail station i saw an OAP driving their mobility scooter along the busy A24 dual carriageway (i presume he probably lived in Mickleham and was going in to Dorking to do shopping perhaps) despite both sides of the road having wide empty pavements and cycle lanes. He had two wide empty pavements and cycle lanes to choose from on both sides of the road and yet he chooses to risk his life by driving down a busy dual carriageway with cars going at maximum speed. It baffles me. But this is not the first time i have seen this. I have often seen OAPs on roads all over the UK that decide to use the road with their mobility scooter. Why do they do this?

They want to go faster? Mobility scooters are legally limited to 4mph on the pavement, but can go twice as fast on the road if they’re capable.

 

[eMeS]

... Why do they do this?

In the case of my late aunt it was simply because where she lived (Cheadle, Gtr Manchester) far too many car drivers left their cars parked across the pavement, forcing pedestrians and scooter users onto a busy main road - A34, Kingsway. My aunt was so scared that she only tried using her scooter once (and that was with me escorting her) and she gave her scooter away.

 

[Butts]

They want to go faster? Mobility scooters are legally limited to 4mph on the pavement, but can go twice as fast on the road if they’re capable.

Watch out for the whiplash as they are forced back into their seats by the sheer velocity of these vehicles at full throttle.

Seriously it is frightening when you see them on the highway amongst HGV's and Vans !!

 

[Harpers Tate]

Can't speak for the specifics of the location quoted, but:
1: Inconsiderate parking
2: Bad surface condition
3: Broken glass and other debris, not swept up.
4: Kerbs (some without ramps) at junctions
etc.

 

[DarloRich]

Becuase they are silly old chunts?

 

[Loppylugs]

Becuase they are silly old chunts?

Thanks, I'm an OAP, I don't drive a mobility scooter as yet, but if and when I have to I will look forward to trying to avoid the inconsiderate prats that park vehicles all over the pavements. Consider as well, mothers with pushchairs forced into the road because of these idiots. The guy in the OP's case does sound a little reckless, but we 'olduns need to get out and about.

 

[eastdyke]

Because the pavements are full of younger people riding their bikes at 15mph?

 

[DarloRich]

Thanks, I'm an OAP, I don't drive a mobility scooter as yet, but if and when I have to I will look forward to trying to avoid the inconsiderate prats that park vehicles all over the pavements. Consider as well, mothers with pushchairs forced into the road because of these idiots. The guy in the OP's case does sound a little reckless, but we 'olduns need to get out and about.

They are just as chunty but have nothing to do with the question raised by the OP.

 

[Busaholic]

Perhaps to avoid the dog**** all over the pavement? On my town's main shopping street yesterday a mobility scooter had inadvertently spread the muck to outside four or five consecutive shops. I chose to walk in the road, which is theoretically closed to private cars for five shopping hours every day. I detest getting dog muck on my walking stick almost as much as on the soles of my shoes.

 

[Metroman62]

If riding on the road, all vehicles will be going the same way and on the same side of the road, which is not the case on the pavement where you have people and other scooters or bikes going any way on either side of the pavement. This sling with parked cars and street furniture can make it at times like an assault course or slalom!

As a visually impaired person I would welcome scooters on the road as one can't always spot them coming and being hit by someone doing 4 mph on a heavey scooter is not fun.

 

[Darandio]

But this is not the first time i have seen this. I have often seen OAPs on roads all over the UK that decide to use the road with their mobility scooter. Why do they do this?

Taking this final part for a simple summary, assuming it's class 3 which has to be registered with the DVLA who then forward the associated road tax they are entiitled to do so so why shouldn't they?

 

[Doctor Fegg]

Absolutely - why not?

Just because you have a more expensive, shinier metal box than someone else doesn't give you the right to bully them off the road.

 

[Typhoon]

What is it with OAPs driving their mobility scooters down major busy roads? I was going for a walk at Box Hill yesterday and at the bottom near Westhumble rail station i saw an OAP driving their mobility scooter along the busy A24 dual carriageway (i presume he probably lived in Mickleham and was going in to Dorking to do shopping perhaps) despite both sides of the road having wide empty pavements and cycle lanes.

Are they allowed to use cycle lanes? According to the City of Nottingham, no (Who can use a cycle lane? - Transport Nottingham)

Mobility scooters and wheelchairs
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs – whether powered or unpowered – cannot be used in cycle lanes.

Whether this is just Nottingham, I am not certain, but I would have thought unlikely.

I don't know the area at all welcome but a gaze at G00gle Maps shows me that many pavements in the area are (very) narrow, overgrown and discontinuous, maybe he is just used to travelling on the road?

Because the pavements are full of younger people riding their bikes at 15mph?

In particular those riding on the pavement to avoid traffic lights. Or little kids who are riding on the pavement because they are not confident yet, many of whom cannot ride in a straight line (so the road is completely inappropriate - they may be accompanied by a parent).
There are also dog walkers - as evidenced by @Busaholic - (sometimes walking multiple mutts).
.

 

[102 fan]

What is it with OAPs driving their mobility scooters down major busy roads? I was going for a walk at Box Hill yesterday and at the bottom near Westhumble rail station i saw an OAP driving their mobility scooter along the busy A24 dual carriageway (i presume he probably lived in Mickleham and was going in to Dorking to do shopping perhaps) despite both sides of the road having wide empty pavements and cycle lanes. He had two wide empty pavements and cycle lanes to choose from on both sides of the road and yet he chooses to risk his life by driving down a busy dual carriageway with cars going at maximum speed. It baffles me. But this is not the first time i have seen this. I have often seen OAPs on roads all over the UK that decide to use the road with their mobility scooter. Why do they do this?

Using mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs

The rules for driving mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on roads, pavements and footpaths.

www.gov.uk

'Avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph.

You must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 invalid carriage on a dual carriageway.'

What was the speed limit and were they using an Amber flashing light?

 

[jon0844]

I had to call the police when one was in lane two of a 70mph dual carriageway, as I was very concerned for his safety.

As vehicles slowed and undertook to pass, it would only take a van or lorry to do so and a vehicle behind not realising (due to restricted view) and staying in the lane to wipe him out.

 

[WelshBluebird]

Given how often pavements are blocked by "parked" (personally I think abandoned is a more accurate description) so much so that people in wheelchairs, or people with prams, or indeed people in mobility scooters can't fit through, I'm not suprised at all that those who can legally go in the road do so.

 

[Ediswan]

Given how often pavements are blocked by "parked" (personally I think abandoned is a more accurate description) so much so that people in wheelchairs, or people with prams, or indeed people in mobility scooters can't fit through, I'm not suprised at all that those who can legally go in the road do so.

According to HMG: https://assets.publishing.service.g.../Mobility_Vehicle_Users_guidance-document.pdf

Class 1 and 2 vehicles can be used on the road if a pavement is not available, or where it is necessary to cross the road.

Clear enough when no pavement exists, but is a pavement which is impassable due to an obstruction legally "available" ?

 

[wireforever]

Passed a scooter once with a trailer attached and a set of ladders attached to the trailer.Don't know if the scooter driver was a window cleaner