The Wheelchair Alliance, a community interest company which champions the needs of wheelchair users across England, is urgently calling on all powerchair users to complete a vital survey to help it raise concerns over a recent change in class.

The call to action follows concerns on the categorisation of wheelchairs following the UK Government’s updated guidance surrounding the use of powerchairs.

A significant and recent change to this guidance surrounds the addition of a new classification of mobility scooters and powerchairs called ‘not in a class’.

According to the updated guidance, a not in a class mobility scooter or powerchair are those that can go more than 8mph, are wider than 0.85 metres, and weigh more than 150kg (or 200kg if any equipment is attached to them, like medical equipment).

Not in a class mobility vehicles can only be used on roads. Users must get a valid driving licence to drive one and register their vehicle with the DVLA. Users may also need to insure their vehicle.

Responding to this guidance change, the Wheelchair Alliance sent an open letter to the Rt Hon Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, highlighting these concerns.

The alliance then approached other charities working with wheelchair users and their carers to see if they were aware of these changes. A subsequent roundtable meeting was held on 18 October 2024 that saw representatives of Whizz-Kidz, Spinal Injuries Association, BLESMA, Back Up Trust, Duchennes UK, MND Association, Motability Foundation, and the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board wheelchair service commissioner to discuss the impact of this issue.

Following the roundtable discussion, it was collectively decided that more data was needed from those who use powerchairs to truly assess the impact of this new guidance.

Funded by the Motability Foundation, the Wheelchair Alliance is now coordinating a survey and encourages all powerchair users to have their say on this issue.

“The updated guidelines could impact so many wheelchair users and it’s terrifying to think that there are possibly many who are actually breaking the law without realising – for example there will be children and young people who are not old enough to have a driving licence but require a powered wheelchair,” said Nick Goldup, the chair and chief operating officer at the Wheelchair Alliance.

“That’s why we’re continuing to take action by launching this survey which has been grant funded by the Motability Foundation, for which we are incredibly grateful.

“Not only will the results allow us to gain a better understanding of how and where powered wheelchairs are being used, it will also give wheelchair users the opportunity to tell us how much they know about this guidance and how it will impact them.

“So, if you are a powered wheelchair user in England, please do take time to complete the survey. It provides the perfect opportunity for you to have your say and takes less than ten minutes to complete.

The information provided in completing the survey will be used for research purposes. Participation in the survey is confidential.

The survey closes on 18 November 2024 and can be completed online here.