For many of our customers, a mobility scooter is more than just a way to get around. In a lot of cases it can be a lifeline for independence, freedom and staying active in daily life – things that a lot of us take for granted. 

Whether it’s running errands, visiting friends, or simply enjoying a day out in your own company, a mobility scooter can make a world of difference to your overall experience. That’s why it's really important to choose the right type of scooter that will meet all of your lifestyle needs. 

In this blog post we will guide you through road scooters, or “class 3” mobility scooters, which are designed for use on both pavements and main roads. These scooters offer durability and power to navigate longer journeys, so you can stay connected and active in your community.  

Read on to hear more about whether a road scooter could be the perfect fit for you.  

What is a road scooter?

A road legal scooter, also known as a “class 3” mobility scooter, is unique in that it offers the best of both worlds. These larger and more robust models have been designed for use on roads as well as pavements – so you never feel limited when you're on the go.  

Road scooters are built for those who need a bit more power and range than a standard pavement scooter. So, if a leisurely cruise is your thing, or you simply need to travel longer distances on a daily basis, this scooter can get you there with ease. 

Road scooters must meet certain specifications to be used safely on roads. The rules, as well as how to adhere to them, are clearly explained by both the UK Department for Transport, and the Highway Code.  

To make sure road scooters meet the criteria outlined by the UK government, they are required to have essential safety features like lights, indicators, a rearview mirror, and a horn. This ensures maximum safety and visibility on the roads - not just for you and your scooter, but for your fellow motorists. The do’s and don'ts of on-road scooter travel aren't as complicated as you might think, but it’s important to know the basics so we have written a guide on the key points here.  

As mentioned, road scooters are ideal for individuals who rely on their scooter for daily transportation which often takes them beyond pedestrian areas. They’re designed for those who want a flexible option that tackles a range of environments, from quiet streets to busier main roads. 

Take the Kymco Midi XLS; this mobility scooter provides users with total flexibility, on and off the road. It combines comfort and convenience, with speed and agility. Full front and rear suspension provide a smooth ride no matter the terrain, whilst a superb turning circle and slimmer frame design are perfectly suited for use along the Highstreet.

Key specifications to look for:

Top speed: Road scooters can reach up to 8mph, which is the maximum speed allowed by law on roads for mobility scooters. 

Max user weight: Typically supports up to 35 stone, making it one of the most accessible models available. 

Battery life: Equipped with larger, more powerful batteries for longer journeys, allowing for more extensive travel without frequent recharging. 

Safety features: As required by law, these scooters come with lights, indicators, a rearview mirror, a horn and efficient brakes.

Where to use them

One of the biggest advantages of a road scooter is its ability to adapt to almost any terrain with complete ease. Unlike smaller models, road scooters are built to handle both pedestrian and road environments. This is a unique feature that makes them an excellent choice for those who live in rural areas, or just out of reach of main towns, and may need to cross or travel along main roads. 

When using these mobility scooters on the road, it's very important to follow the guidance provided in the UK’s Highway Code. An example would be to drive on the left side of the road, just as other vehicles do, and to avoid bus lanes and motorways.

Having a speedy scooter can provide so much freedom and enjoyment for the user. But no matter how fast your scooter can go, when you drive it within pedestrianised areas, such as a shopping center or along the pavement, you must adhere to a maximum speed of 4mph. This is for your own safety, as well as that of others.

Who are they for?

Road scooters are ideal for individuals who need a high-powered scooter for regular, possibly daily, travel over longer distances. Many users of road scooters may live in rural areas, where navigating uneven paths and longer distances is necessary. Equally, they might live in urban areas, where being able to travel alongside cars and other vehicles offers significant freedom in their everyday lives. 

These scooters will suit you if you require a durable, versatile mobility aid that can transition seamlessly between pavements and roads. If you need a versatile and dependable mobility scooter, this is a great option that will help you to stay mobile and independent.

Customer story: 

Meet Tom, a Mobility Giant customer who recently sold his house to enjoy bungalow living. The benefits? No stairs, one level, easy maintenance for Tom. The only drawback? The nearest bus stop in his new neighbourhood was almost half a mile walking distance away. The local shops were even further, as was Tom’s nearest Health Centre. No longer able to drive, Tom needed a quick & simple transport solution. So, he bought a TGA Breeze 4 MIDI mobility scooter. 

Tom says, "I can now access local amenities & the Health Centre, whilst travelling at 4 mph on pavements, and a dizzying 8mph on roads! My mobility scooter has made the impossible possible & has enabled me to maintain my independence. Even better, I'm able to enjoy day trips that were previously far too distant for my 78 yr-old legs. And a further unforeseen bonus - I have driven Minis for over 50 years & no-one ever commented on my vehicle. On my first stop at a shop with my Breeze, several gathered & admired my new mode of transport. ‘Where did I purchase it?’, ‘Will it go on the road?’, ‘You can carry so much shopping in the generous front & rear storage!’... What next for me & my Breeze? To form a Hells Angels Biker Club. And perhaps even ask Red Bull for sponsorship!”. 

Our top 3 road scooters

Road mobility scooters are larger models, built with high tech comfort and safety features. This gives them a higher price point than their smaller, lighter counterparts.  

A road scooter will typically retail between £1,499.99 and £5,999.99, but at Mobility Giant you can find top brands refurbished to showroom standard from just £836.00. If scooter hire is more your thing, then you can expect to pay as little as £22.95 a week for a top-rated road mobility scooter. 

Our mobility scooter expert, William, has picked out his top 3 road mobility scooters: 

Kymco Midi XLS

Go further for longer with this excellent road scooter, thanks to top speeds of 8moph and a generous range of up to 25 miles on a single charge. The Midi XLS is made with longer journeys in mind, so comfort is a key feature with full front and rear suspension and a luxuriously large captain's seat.

Our hire price: from £22.95/week  

Our buy price: £1,045.00 

Galaxy 2

This scooter is a customer favourite, and for very good reason! Enjoy a smooth ride, no matter the terrain. This scooter is just as competent crossing over gravel, up a hill or through muddy grass as it is the shiniest of pavements. The Galaxy offers comfort, stability and reliability, so you can sit back and enjoy an elevated driving experience, every day.  

Our hire price: from £25.95/week  

Our buy price: from £1,595.00 

TGA Breeze S3

If you miss long drives on your motorbike, this scooter is about to bring back a lot of happy memories that you can make a reality. This 3-wheeled beauty of a mobility scooter doesn't just look the part, it drives it too. Enjoy the power of large alloy wheels, a powerful transaxle-motor system with excellent turning circle, and an impressive range of 32 miles on a single charge. 

Our hire price: from £29.95/week  

Our buy price: from £2,445.00 

Expert Overview

Road scooters are powerful and versatile mobility aids, ideal for people who require flexibility, longer battery life, and the ability to transition between pedestrian and road use. Here’s a quick summary of their best bits, from our in-house expert William: 

Ideal for: Longer journeys across a mix of terrains, including pavements and roads. 

Top speeds: Up to 8mph on the road, and 4mph on pavements. 

Battery life: larger, more powerful batteries have a longer life, perfectly suited for extensive travel. 

Safety Features: All included as standard! Think lights, indicators, rearview mirror, horn, and brakes for total road safety. 

Road scooters offer a safe, dependable way to stay active and mobile, helping you retain independence whether you’re commuting to town, visiting friends, or simply going about your day.  

Need more help? 

Still unsure about which model will work best for you? Use our online Scooter Finder™ Tool, which can match you with the ideal scooter based on your preferences and requirements. Or give us a call—our friendly team is here to provide expert advice and answer any questions you have.