Organisation: PACTS
Date of Launch: June 2026
Uploaded to Knowledge Centre: 14 September 2026
Powered mobility device users are being overlooked in road safety policy despite an estimated 500,000-850,000 people now using mobility scooters and powerchairs in the UK, according to this briefing from PACTS.
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) says collisions involving mobility scooters have increased significantly in recent years, while a lack of reliable data, inconsistent training and complex rules are making it difficult to understand – and reduce – the risks faced by users.
The organisation’s briefing on powered mobility device safety estimates that the number of users has grown from around 300,000-350,000 in 2014, based on annual growth of 5-10%.
Department for Transport data shows that recorded collisions involving mobility scooters increased by 44% between 2015 and 2024, while collisions resulting in serious injury increased by between 55% and 75% over the same period.
PACTS says mobility scooters are one of only a small number of road user categories to have experienced increases in injuries and fatalities. Although fewer than 20 fatalities involving mobility scooters are recorded each year, it says the figures warrant investigation under a Safe System and Vision Zero approach.
The briefing also highlights the benefits that powered mobility devices provide, including greater independence, community participation, social engagement and quality of life.
However, PACTS says there is a major gap in understanding how and where the devices are being used, as well as the circumstances surrounding collisions and other incidents.
Click the link below to access the full briefing:
https://www.pacts.org.uk/new-pacts-briefing-powered-mobility-devices