Are there any restrictions on taking mobility scooters on trains?
Most train operators place restrictions based on the combined weight of the chair and the individual and the scooter’s size.
Weight and Measurement
The general consensus is that mobility scooters with dimensions of up to 700mm x 1200mm are acceptable for travel. The maximum combined weight of the individual and the chair is 300kg in most cases.
However, not all! The maximum operating load of the ramp for the Island Line services (part of South Western Railway services operating in the Isle of White) is 230 kg, so it’s vital not to assume these figures as standard for each operator.
Why can’t I take my mobility scooter on a train?
There may be some scenarios where you cannot board the train in your mobility scooter, even if your vehicle meets the correct weight requirements and dimensions. There could be many reasons for this, each of which puts traveller safety first.
Crowded
Peak train times are points where commuters use the services most. These are usually between 6:30am-9:30am (when people travel to work) and 4:30pm-7pm (when people return home).
During peak times, the carriages may become overcrowded: this may mean that boarding in your mobility scooter becomes uncomfortable or impossible to do in a restricted time frame. Try booking your train tickets outside peak hours for a more convenient journey.
Unsafe
The train and train station conditions may be too unsafe for you to board safely. For example, you may not have enough overhead space to store your foldable mobility scooter. Or, the gap between the station side and the train may be too big for the scooter to board.
Do I need a permit to take a mobility scooter on a train?
Only some operators require a permit for mobility scooter train travel. Check the DPPP document of your train operator to be completely sure. Below, we’ve made a list of all the UK operators who request a permit for travel:
East Midlands: EMR requires you to purchase a Scooter Card for travelling with a mobility scooter.
Transpennine Express: With Transpennine Express services, you can travel with a mobility scooter without a permit if you fold your vehicle into overhead storage. If you’d prefer not to do this, you can purchase a Scooter Card.
Great Western: Great Western Railway require passengers travelling in mobility scooters to have a permit if their vehicle is not foldable.
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