Mobility scooters are applicable in many areas and each area will recommend specific speed limits that it has certified as safe for everyone. The speed limit ensures that other users of the transport facility. Whether it’s a road, sidewalk, or pavements, are safe from potential accidents that could arise. Moreover, operating your mobility scooter within the specified speed limits will ensure you are safe on board your mobility device. Here are some speed limits for common public spaces:

Trails Speed Limit

Most parks and trails set the speed limit for mobility scooters at 5 miles per hour (mph). Since trails could have varying properties, you should take precautions to operate your mobility scooter at a reasonable speed to avoid accidents. For instance, trails with too much gravel on the surface will require you to move slowly to avoid falling over. Other factors to look out for while operating your mobility scooter on a trail are the width of the trail, slope or gradient of the trail, trail traffic, and trail sight-lines. Ensure you operate your mobility scooter at speeds that do not endanger the safety of nature, property, or other people.

Pavements Speed Limit

Pavements dominated by pedestrians walking at an average of 4 mph. Therefore, the speed limit for operating mobility scooters on pavements is 4 mph. This speed limit ensures that you move at the speed of the pedestrians and do not endanger their safety. While moving above 4 mph, you are likely to make more pedestrians move out of the way and make the pavement uncomfortable for them. You may make the judgment and move even slower when the pavement packed with pedestrians moving even slower.

Parking Lots Speed Limit

Parking lots are equally frequented by pedestrian traffic thus speed limit for this space is 4 mph. Some parking lots will provide spaces that enhance accessibility especially for users operating mobility scooters and even then, you should be mindful of other users and pedestrians, moving at speed of the pedestrian traffic. Moving above the 4 mph limit would endanger pedestrian safety and property on the parking lot.

Restrooms

While accessing restrooms, you should operate your mobility scooter at a very low speed. There are barely any set limits for mobility scooters’ access to restrooms. Since pedestrian traffic to restrooms moves slowly, you should operate at equivalent speeds to avoid hitting the pedestrians. Also, be careful of the floor conditions and avoid slippery floors.

Inside Buildings

Operating a mobility scooter inside a building may where permitted or prohibited. In areas where the usage permitted, the management of the premise will determine the speed limits for operating the mobility scooter. For instance, a retail store may set the speed limit along aisles at 2 mph given the slippery floors and narrow aisles. Thus, you should inquire about the permissions for operating your mobility scooter on-premises.

Conclusion

Using your mobility scooter on roads with fast traffic is generally dangerous. However, some classes of mobility devices may be permitted to operate on roads with fast traffic. In most cases, speed limits for operating mobility scooters will not exceed 8 mph. With various limits for designated areas, you should always drive the scooter at a speed that is safe for you and your fellow road users.