Mobility Scooter Safety Guide NZ β€” Tips, Laws & Best Practice

Mobility Scooter Safety Guide NZ β€” Tips, Laws & Best Practice

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Whether you're considering a mobility scooter or already own one, staying safe is the top priority. This guide covers everything you need to know β€” from New Zealand law and riding tips to maintenance and knowing when to talk to your doctor.

Looking for help choosing the right scooter? Read our Mobility Scooter Buying Guide for advice on selecting the best model for your needs.

Is a Scooter Right for You?

Before you buy a scooter, make sure you have the skills to use it safely. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Can you judge distance well?
  • Is your eyesight good, with or without glasses?
  • Can you react quickly to the unexpected?
  • Is your hearing adequate, with or without a hearing aid?
  • Can you look from left to right β€” and back β€” without difficulty?
  • Are you comfortable handling a motorised vehicle safely?

Check with your doctor before buying a scooter, especially if you've previously lost your driver's licence due to eyesight or hearing problems. If you answered 'no' to any question above, talk to your doctor first.

Choosing a Scooter

It pays to do some research before you buy. Shop around until you find a scooter that suits your needs and lifestyle:

  • How heavy is it? Will you need to transport or lift it?
  • Can you steer it easily and comfortably handle the controls?
  • Does it have enough power for the trips you plan to make?
  • Can you get spare parts easily?
  • Where will you take it for servicing?

The team at MoveSmart are happy to help you compare models and find the right fit. Browse our mobility scooter range or get in touch.

What Does the Law Say?

You do not need a licence to use a mobility scooter in New Zealand, and your scooter doesn't need a warrant of fitness or registration. However, the law still requires you to:

  • Ride in a careful and considerate way.
  • Use the footpath whenever possible.
  • If there's no footpath, keep close to the left-hand side of the road.
  • Travel at a speed that's safe for other people around you.
  • Never ride in a way that could cause injury to yourself or others.
  • Never allow another person to stand or sit on your scooter while you're riding.
  • If involved in a crash: stop, check if anyone is hurt, assist the injured, and report the crash to police within 24 hours.

What Does "Riding Considerately" Mean?

The law requires you to think about the safety and comfort of everyone sharing the road or footpath. Here's what that looks like in practice:

  • Don't go faster than the people around you, especially in busy areas where pedestrians may struggle to move out of the way.
  • Be alert for children β€” they may suddenly run out in front of you.
  • Keep well to the left when travelling slowly so others can pass safely.
  • Watch out for elderly people and those who may have difficulty seeing or hearing you.
  • If you use a horn, use it gently β€” avoid startling pedestrians.
  • When you stop to talk to someone, switch off the controls to prevent accidental movement.

What Happens if You Break the Law?

You could be fined for riding carelessly, inconsiderately, or at a dangerous speed. Repeat offences carry higher fines. If you cause a crash resulting in injury or death, you could be charged with "careless or inconsiderate use of a motor vehicle", which may result in a severe fine or a prison sentence.

Safety Tips

Getting Ready to Ride

  • Plan your route and use the footpath whenever possible.
  • Make sure your scooter's battery is fully charged before heading out.
  • Carry items in a bag rather than on your lap, to keep your hands free for control.
  • Know who to call if you run into trouble while you're out.

Handling Your Scooter

  • Avoid driving up or down steep slopes.
  • Keep your scooter in gear on slopes β€” never in neutral.
  • Slow down when turning on sharp corners or slopes.
  • Drive carefully on rough or uneven surfaces; slow down over cracks or holes.
  • When crossing a kerb, approach it head-on, not at an angle.

See and Be Seen

  • Your scooter sits closer to the ground than a pedestrian, making it harder for drivers to spot you. Fit a brightly coloured flag at least 1.5 metres off the ground.
  • Wear bright clothing to maximise your visibility.
  • If your scooter has indicators, use them when turning.
  • Wear your prescription glasses when riding; sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and dust.
  • If you wear a hearing aid, always have it in when you ride.
  • Use a rear-view mirror, and always look over your shoulder before changing direction.
  • Watch for vehicles emerging from driveways and wait until the way is clear.
  • Avoid loose-fitting clothing that could become caught in the wheels or controls.

Crossing the Road Safely

  • Always check carefully that the way is clear before crossing.
  • Use pedestrian crossings or intersections with 'stop' or 'give way' signs wherever possible.
  • If no crossing is available, choose the shortest path and ask for help if needed.
  • At intersections or roundabouts, cross as a pedestrian would β€” footpath to footpath. If it's very busy, consider an alternative route.
  • Never cross where you can't see oncoming traffic β€” such as on a hill, at a bend, or where parked cars block your view.
  • Before crossing, confirm you can get back onto the footpath on the other side without mounting a kerb.

Avoiding Distractions

  • Don't use your cellphone or any hand-held device while riding β€” only use them once your scooter has come to a complete stop.
  • Be careful when walking a pet on a lead; a sudden movement could distract you or tangle the lead in the wheels.

Parking

  • Before getting off, take your hand off the power control and remove the key.
  • Don't forget to take the key with you.
  • Park where your scooter won't obstruct the path of other people.

Using the Road Safely

The law says you must use the footpath whenever possible. If there's no footpath and you must use the road, follow these guidelines:

  • Always travel on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Keep as close to the edge of the road as you safely can.
  • Obey all traffic signs and signals, and give way to pedestrians crossing the road.
  • Look out for children β€” they may not have the skills to deal with traffic safely.
  • Remember your scooter is much less powerful than other vehicles and may be harder for drivers to see.
  • Watch for hazards such as drains, potholes, and parked cars.
  • When passing a parked car, watch for traffic approaching from behind. Don't assume a driver has seen you β€” they may pull out without indicating or open a door unexpectedly.
  • Use indicators to signal your turns. If your scooter has no indicators, use hand signals.

If you ride on the road regularly, consider having your scooter fitted with indicators, lights (front and rear), a horn, reversing beepers, warning flags, and rear-vision mirrors.

Transporting Your Scooter

  • City buses generally can't carry mobility scooters due to their weight.
  • Some taxi companies can transport scooters β€” check availability when booking.
  • Some trains can carry scooters. Ring ahead to confirm, as there may be limits on scooter size, travel times, and available station assistance.

Looking After Your Scooter

Batteries

Scooters use different kinds of batteries. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for recharging.

  • If your scooter has a 'wet-type' battery, check the acid levels every two weeks.
  • If you're going away, arrange for someone to recharge the batteries every two weeks.
  • If you won't use the scooter for more than a month, ensure the battery is fully charged before storing.

Tyres

Check your tyre pressure at a local garage every three months. Under-inflated tyres:

  • Increase the risk of a puncture.
  • Cause the scooter to use more power.
  • Reduce the distance you can travel on a single charge.

Servicing

Your scooter should have a general check-up by a qualified service technician every six months. The technician should check tyre pressures, inspect and test the battery, and verify all controls, lights, and safety features.

Storing Your Scooter

  • Store your scooter in a garage or another secure, dry place where possible.
  • If storing for more than a month, ensure the battery is fully charged first.

Insuring you Scooter

Insuring your mobility scooter protects against theft, accidental damage, and loss, even when using it outdoors. In New Zealand, it's not legally required but strongly recommended, and most insurers allow adding it to your home contents policy for replacement value coverage.

Contact your contents insurer like AA Insurance, AMI, Tower, or Vero to list the scooter, specifying its full replacement cost and confirming coverage for use away from home.

Keep records of the scooter's value, serial number, and photos, and review your policy annually to ensure adequate protection.

Medication and Important Reminders

Never ride your scooter if you could be affected by:

  • Alcohol
  • Recreational drugs
  • Prescription or over-the-counter medication

If you're taking any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how it may affect your ability to ride safely. For more information, visit the NZ Transport Agency at www.nzta.govt.nz/medication.

If There's a Problem

Stop riding your scooter if you notice any of the following:

  • You feel confused when riding.
  • You start to forget where you're going.
  • You have problems with your vision or find it hard to see clearly.

If any of the above occur, see your doctor before using your scooter again. If your doctor advises you to stop, the following organisations may help you find other safe ways to get around:

Key Points to Remember

  • Be courteous β€” think about the safety and comfort of everyone around you.
  • Plan your route before setting out.
  • See and be seen β€” make sure you can see clearly and that others can see you.
  • Use the footpath whenever possible.
  • Watch driveways β€” vehicles may emerge without warning.
  • Never ride impaired β€” avoid alcohol, drugs, or medication that affects your ability.
  • Maintain your scooter β€” regular servicing keeps you safe.
  • When in doubt, ask your doctor about your fitness to ride.

Further Information

The NZ Transport Agency's booklet The Road Ahead: Transport Options for Seniors has more information on getting around after giving up driving. To get a copy:

Need help choosing a scooter? Read our Mobility Scooter Buying Guide or browse our range.

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