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Motor movers and the law?

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Mr Plodd said:
I have never even considered it, and certainly cannot think of any circumstance where it might be an issue!
Hire companies deliver and collect mini excavators, mini dumper trucks etc all the time, and no one has ever questioned the legality of them being moved from a site onto a trailer and vice-versa!
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I can recall from my childhood that motor mowers needed to be registered if they were used on the public highway, including grass verges. The licence group for motor mowers was added automatically when you passed the car test.
 
otherclive said:
Clearly the heat is getting to people to even think a discussion on the law and motor movers is worthwhile. If you are bothered get someone to help you to push it.
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At 1.7 T TA I doubt our combined efforts would move it very far never mind a 90 deg turn.
Plus I doubt the ABS panels and grab handles could take the strain😁
 
Dustydog said:
At 1.7 T TA I doubt our combined efforts would move it very far never mind a 90 deg turn.
Plus I doubt the ABS panels and grab handles could take the strain😁
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My comment was a Tongue in Cheek one, although having over the years pushed a few caravans around I don’t disagree with your view. So what’s the answer? Use the motor mover regardless, and/or brush up on manoeuvring skills with a front towball as required. 😂
 
Fred Drift,
You have to remember that to use a "Mobility Scooter/buggy" you require to have a reason to use it, NOT a "disability" unable to walk very far, breathing problem, is COPD, or testing it for a problem , or showing it is working prior to selling it.
I really need a tandem seat one for Mrs H, getting back from the pub.
Not saying who would be in the rear seat. 🤔
 
Buckman said:
Interesting as never knew that, however I wonder why the same sort of criteria does not applied to electric bikes or ordinary cyclists?
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I didn't know those specific requirements highlighted by Hutch - and I have a road-legal mobility scooter which has it's own registration!
 
Buckman said:
I don't think mobility scooters that travel under 4mph require to be registered?
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Based on what you have written that would apply to all mobility scooters! as they can all be driven below 4mph,. The actual criteria is with a top speed of no greater than 4 mph are class 2 and can be driven on a pavement and only cross a road, where as those with a top speed of 8mph are Class 3, and can be driven on the road. and only cross a pavement.
 
ProfJohnL said:
Based on what you have written that would apply to all mobility scooters! as they can all be driven below 4mph,. The actual criteria is with a top speed of no greater than 4 mph are class 2 and can be driven on a pavement and only cross a road, where as those with a top speed of 8mph are Class 3, and can be driven on the road. and only cross a pavement.
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Class 3 mobility scooters usually have switchable speed limiters, either 4mph or 8 mph - when set to 4mph they can be used on pavements just like class 2 scooters.
 
ProfJohnL said:
Based on what you have written that would apply to all mobility scooters! as they can all be driven below 4mph,. The actual criteria is with a top speed of no greater than 4 mph are class 2 and can be driven on a pavement and only cross a road, where as those with a top speed of 8mph are Class 3, and can be driven on the road. and only cross a pavement.
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I apologise for my poor grammar and thank you for correcting me once again!
 
ProfJohnL said:
Based on what you have written that would apply to all mobility scooters! as they can all be driven below 4mph,. The actual criteria is with a top speed of no greater than 4 mph are class 2 and can be driven on a pavement and only cross a road, where as those with a top speed of 8mph are Class 3, and can be driven on the road. and only cross a pavement.
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Where did you get that from Prof?
According to HMG own site they say

Class 2 and 3​

Your mobility scooter or powered wheelchair is usually in:

  • class 2 if it has a maximum speed of 4mph or less
  • class 3 if it has a maximum speed of 8mph
Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs in class 2 and 3 can be used:

Class 3 mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs can also be used on the road. You need to register them with DVLA.

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs in class 2 and 3 cannot be used on cycle lanes.

So Class 3 can be used on the pavement not whatever “across” means.

I suppose this is all old hat to our expert BB who should know . Let’s see what he says.
 
ProfJohnL said:
Based on what you have written that would apply to all mobility scooters! as they can all be driven below 4mph,. The actual criteria is with a top speed of no greater than 4 mph are class 2 and can be driven on a pavement and only cross a road, where as those with a top speed of 8mph are Class 3, and can be driven on the road. and only cross a pavement.
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Another bit to add to the confusion.

To drive on the road, your vehicle must be a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter in ‘class 3’ or not in a class.

It must have:

  • a maximum speed of at least 8mph
  • an efficient braking system
  • a clear view of the road and traffic ahead
  • front and rear lights and reflectors
  • direction indicators that can be used as a hazard warning signal
  • a rear view mirror
  • an audible horn
If your powered wheelchair or mobility scooter is not in a class, you must also have a driving licence.
 
Let me make it clear when I commented in #17, I specifically did not say a motor mover would be classed as a mobility scooter, I suggested it might be considered in a similar vein to a mobility scooter, becasue of the limited speeds involved. Consequently all the references to the definition of a mobility scooter have no direct relevance to a caravan mover.

A frame Caravan movers have been around since the 1980.s. One of the first battery driven movers was the Mr Shifta. The first permanently installed caravan mover acting on the caravans road wheels was introduced in 1997 by Carver.

Since then, the news hasn't been swamped with stories of caravanners being prosecuted for using them, nor have I seen or heard of any insurance company specifically singling out any policy limitations or requirements for policy holders to make special provisions becasue of a caravan mover being fitted or used.

It would be totally wrong of me to say the above status quo means caravan movers can be used without constraint on public highways and pavements, but the lack of any stories does suggest the authorities have had no concerns or incidents that might of highlighted any legal issues.
 
So long as there is no law which specifically addresses motor movers, one would have to rely on court judgments to know what the position is. Until a case is brought before court, it will remain an unresolved issue subject to speculation.
 
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