Do You Need Insurance to Drive a Mobility Scooter on the Road?
Last Updated on October 14, 2022 by Andrew
If you’re in the market for a mobility scooter or already have one, you may wonder what is required to operate it. Mobility scooters require no special license to operate and do not require insurance to ride on within one’s home, on a sidewalk, or in a store. But let’s look at the possibilities surrounding driving a mobility scooter in the street.
To be clear, mobility scooters technically do not belong on the road with a normal car and bike traffic. They often do not go fast enough to keep pace with other vehicles safely, and riders may be in danger from cars and trucks. It is much safer and more typical to ride your mobility scooter on the sidewalk when outside for a ride.
However, with some of the best mobility scooters, which go fairly fast (up to 15 miles per hour), it is not uncommon for owners to take their scooters on neighborhood roads where traffic is light and the maximum speed limit is no more than 25 miles per hour. I’ve seen this often in my neighborhood. It’s a common practice but is undeniably risky and unsafe.
While you shouldn’t be taking your mobility scooter onto the road, to begin with, there may be times when you need to do so if there is absolutely no sidewalk available or in some other emergency. If this is the case, it may be wise to purchase insurance for your mobility scooter in case of an accident.
Accidents can also occur in crosswalks, and injury to yourself or damage to your scooter may occur. Insurance for your scooter would come in handy here.
The two most common types of insurance which may cover your scooter would be liability insurance and accidental property damage and theft protection. Liability protects you from possible troubles that might arise if you were to bump into or damage something with your scooter or while riding your scooter. Accidental property damage and theft protection can help cover the cost of damaged or broken scooter parts or can help you recover the value of a stolen mobility scooter.
Your medical insurance would cover accidents in which you may be injured or hurt. In contrast, mobility scooter insurance would help protect you from damages if you accidentally dent someone’s car in a parking lot or damage something while riding your scooter. If you were to ride your scooter in the street, and face damage to your scooter due to a car swipe, or even a large pothole, having your scooter insured could help cover that. A scooter is a pretty big investment for many people, and your mobility and freedom may depend on having a ride that is in good working order whenever you need it. Replacing a damaged or stolen scooter can be a huge expense, which many of us may not be able to cover.
So, while insurance for a mobility scooter is not required, if you’re going to be riding your scooter in the street for any reason (and we don’t recommend that you do this very often, only in situations where you have no other option), it’s not a bad idea to get coverage for your mobility scooter. It’s not the law, but it’s a good idea nonetheless. It can help keep you safer and your scooter protected, too.
About the author:
Trevor James is the founder and owner of Mobility Paradise, a one-stop shop for mobility scooters, electric scooters, electric wheelchairs, wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, lift chairs, saunas, steam showers, massage tables, exercise equipment, electric bikes, massage chairs, and bathtubs. Years ago, Trevor’s grandma had an accident that made her dependent on a wheelchair; this forced Trevor and his family to put her into an elderly care facility. Since then, Trevor would visit her to take a walk around the neighborhood. Mobility Paradise was created because Trevor couldn’t find an online store that offers a wide selection of mobility equipment and educational resources. What started as a business focusing on mobility scooters grew to include all kinds of mobility products. You can shop for the most reliable mobility products at Mobility Paradise.
