Surewise are calling for the urgent addition of mobility scooter users to the Highway Code alongside other vulnerable road users, following alarming new data showing that fatalities among mobility scooter users in 2023 nearly doubled compared to the previous year.
Department for Transport (DfT) road casualty data has revealed that 16 mobility scooter users were killed in collisions on the UK’s roads in 2023, up from nine fatalities in 2022.
In January 2022, the Highway Code was updated to introduce a “Hierarchy of Road Users,” which assigns greater responsibility to those who can cause the most harm, such as heavy goods vehicles, while prioritising the safety of pedestrians.
Despite their vulnerability, mobility scooter users remain absent from the hierarchy, leaving a critical gap in protection for these users.
The Safer Mobility Campaign
In response to the rising number of fatalities, mobility scooter insurance intermediary, Surewise, launched its ‘Safer Mobility’ campaign in 2024 to raise awareness about mobility scooter user safety.
The campaign has since been supported by numerous UK police forces, local authorities and Nottingham Trent University.
Richard Hannan, Director of Surewise, which has insured more than 130,000 mobility scooters, said: “Mobility scooter users are among the most vulnerable people on our roads, yet their unique needs are often overlooked. The fact that their exclusion from the Highway Code persists while fatalities rise is simply unacceptable. Their safety and prioritisation must be reflected in road safety policies.”
Campaigners are also frustrated by the outdated terminology used in legislation to describe mobility scooters. The law continues to refer to them as “invalid carriages,” a term widely regarded as inaccurate and out-of-date.
Mr Hannan continued: “This archaic term not only fails to reflect the reality of modern mobility aids but also perpetuates confusion and misunderstanding about their proper use and rights on pavements and roads. Such language undermines efforts to raise awareness and improve safety for mobility scooter users.”
DfT road casualty data revealed that reported mobility scooter user injuries decreased from 270 in 2022 to 247 in 2023, but this reduction should not be interpreted as a positive trend. The decline may be due to underreporting or inconsistencies in how incidents are recorded, rather than reflecting an actual decrease in harm.
Mobility scooter users – primarily elderly and disabled individuals – are among the most vulnerable road users. Many may be reluctant to report incidents, making it difficult to gain a full and accurate picture of the risks they face.
Mr Hannan added: “Even minor collisions can have a profound psychological impact on mobility scooter users. For some, these experiences deter them from ever venturing out again, cutting off access to their scooter, which serves as a vital lifeline for independence and social connection. This highlights the urgent need for greater protections and awareness to ensure their safety and confidence on our roads.”
Further research by Surewise highlighted the following:
- In 2023, 74% of mobility scooter crashes involved one other vehicle. Eg: a mobility scooter and a car.
- In 2023, in 79% of injury collisions, the mobility scooter user themselves was the victim.
- In 2023, 64% of mobility scooter user casualties were over the age of 55.
- In 2023, 80% of mobility scooter casualties occurred in urban areas.
The Role of Research and Expert Opinion
Professor Duncan Guest, a Cognitive Psychology expert at Nottingham Trent University, led a two-year study into how mobility scooter users perceive road hazards.
Prof Guest said: “The significant rise in fatalities and serious injuries involving mobility scooter users underscores the urgent need for their inclusion in the Highway Code. These users face unique challenges navigating pavements and roads, often contending with inadequate infrastructure, poor driver awareness and a lack of clear guidance.
By including mobility scooter users in the ‘Hierarchy of Road Users,’ we can ensure their vulnerabilities are recognised and that road safety measures are designed to protect them. Addressing this policy gap is essential to prevent further tragedies and support safer mobility for all.”
Contributory Factors to Mobility Scooter Casualties
Further research by Surewise reveals that in 2023, 23% of mobility scooter-related road deaths and injuries were caused by the driver or rider failing to look properly. Other key contributory factors included careless or hurried behaviour (9%), failure to judge another road user’s speed (8%), loss of control (7%) and poor manoeuvres (6%).
