Wheelchair Alliance Campaign Secures Review

The government has committed to reviewing legislation that requires users of powered wheelchairs that weigh more than 150kg to have driving licences and insurance for their wheelchairs.

The pledge to review the Using Mobility Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs legislation follows a determined campaign led by the Wheelchair Alliance, an organisation that champions the needs of wheelchair users across England.

“Our role here at the Alliance is to amplify the voices of wheelchair users and push for positive change to help ensure that they get the right chair, at the right time, right now,” said Wheelchair Alliance CEO Nick Goldup.

“We are beyond proud to have made such a positive impact with our campaigning and are delighted that the government have committed to reviewing the legislation.

“However, we won’t rest of our laurels and will continue to push for an exemption to be put in place whilst the review and development of the legislation takes place, as we know this will take time.”

The government pledge was made at a meeting at Westminster between Nick Goldup, Wheelchair Alliance chair Karen Pearce, and Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Local Transport.

The meeting focused on the urgent need for change to dated legislation, including the use of outdated, offensive language, referring to wheelchairs as ‘invalid carriages’.

“Disabled people deserve the freedom to move through the world with confidence and independence,” said Simon Lightwood MP.

“That’s why the government has launched a review of mobility aid legislation which has remained unchanged for nearly 40 years.

“This will reflect on advances in modern technology to ensure our regulations empower, not restrict, the lives of those they serve.”

Find out more about the Wheelchair Alliance’s 150kg campaign at https://bit.ly/3E3Dh32

Pictured above: Simon Lightwood MP, Minister for Local Transport (centre) with CEO Nick Goldup (left) and chair Karen Pearce (right) of the Wheelchair Alliance