Travelling by train offers a convenient way to get about, but for mobility scooter users, planning such a journey can come with a unique set of questions and considerations. Our guide aims to demystify the process of taking a mobility scooter on trains, covering everything from regulations and guidelines to tips and best practices. Hopefully, with this helpful guide, you’ll be able to have a smooth ride on your next train journey.
Are mobility scooters allowed on trains?
In short, generally yes, mobility scooters are allowed on trains in the United Kingdom. But there are a few things to consider. Let’s go through them below:
Are there any restrictions to taking a mobility scooter on a train?
Unfortunately, there may be some instances where boarding a train with a mobility scooter might not be possible. These include stations that have large gaps between the platform and the train, busy trains during peak travel times might mean there isn’t enough room, or perhaps train staff are not available on-site to help.
Train companies and infrastructure have seen big improvements over recent years so these instances have dropped, but sadly they are still possible.
Size and weight limits
You can take your mobility scooter on most train providers but it might have to comply with some restrictions. Most providers have a weight limit of 300kg including the weight of the user, and should be less than 1.3 metres long. If you are unsure if your local train provider can cater to your scooter, give them a call and they can help.
Do you need a permit to bring a mobility scooter on a train?
Most providers don’t require a permit to travel with a mobility scooter, however, some providers such as First Transpennine Express, First Great Western and East Midlands require a permit. Don’t worry, these are easy to obtain, check out their websites, and you should find all the information you need.
Tips for smooth train travel with a mobility scooter
Here are some simple tips you can adopt to help make your journey with your mobility scooter more enjoyable:
Call ahead
To ensure the smoothest ride, call the train providers or stations you are planning on using to make sure they have the right accessible infrastructure or help in place. You could also let them know your schedule so they can inform train staff in advance of your arrival.
Give yourself plenty of time
To save yourself any unnecessary stress and to avoid rushing, arrive at the station with plenty of time to spare. This will also ensure the train staff have plenty of time to get prepared for your approaching train.
Get your scooter ready
Before your journey, make sure your mobility scooter is good to go, so ensure the battery is fully charged, the brakes are working and the tyres and properly inflated.
DPPP document
The disabled people’s protection policy is a document that train providers must create and comply with to protect the interests of their passengers with disabilities. We’ve put together a list of train providers and their accessibility pages below for more information:
- Avanti West Coast
- c2c
- Caledonian Sleeper
- Chiltern Railways
- Cross Country
- East Midlands Railway
- Gatwick Express
- Grand Central Railway
- Great Northern Railway
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia
- Heathrow Express
- Hull Trains
- London North Eastern Railway
- Lumo
- Northern Rail
- Scot Rail
- South Western Railway
- South Eastern Railway
- Southern Rail
- ThamesLink Railway
Are wheelchairs allowed on trains?
Yes, manual and electric wheelchairs are allowed on trains. Similar to the mobility scooter, you might want to contact the train provider plan to use or speak with someone at the station to let them know you are planning on boarding a train. The onboard staff and the station staff will be more than happy to help you on and off the train.
For more information on assisted travel on trains, visit nationalrail.com.
Are e-scooters allowed on trains?
No, e-scooters are not allowed on most trains. E-scooters are not the same as mobility scooters and have recently been banned by lots of train operators across the country due to the lithium-ion battery causing fire hazards. They were banned by some train operators in June 2023 after a number of calls were made to fire brigades to instances of e-scooters on fire.
Blue Badge Mobility Insurance
If you own a mobility scooter, it’s important to get the right insurance so you can comfortably use your scooter knowing that you are covered in case of any accidents.
Blue Badge Mobility Insurance has teamed up with Surewise to offer comprehensive and affordable scooter insurance for UK residents. Get your mobility scooter quote online or speak with our team if you have any questions at all.
Surewise also offer comprehensive manual and electric wheelchair insurance, get your quote from us online today.
