Carriage of Mobility Scooters

At Sanders Coaches, we are committed to ensuring our community remains connected with accessible and reliable bus services. We appreciate that mobility scooters play a crucial role in helping people less mobile get around and we will do our utmost to accommodate them safely on our buses where possible.

Bus operators are not legally required to transport mobility scooters in the same way they are wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs. The carriage of a mobility scooter is solely at the discretion of the bus operator. This policy summarises the approach taken by Sanders Coaches on local bus services which we operate. It does not apply to private hire bookings or services which we operate on behalf of an external tour agency, for example but not limited to National Express, Big Green Coach or rail replacement services.

The guidance in this policy does not apply to users of wheelchairs or powered wheelchairs as buses are designed to accommodate these as standard.

Sanders Coaches aims to comply with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Code of Practice for mobility scooters, which has been agreed with Norfolk County Council Enhanced Partnership scheme. To travel with a mobility scooter on one of our buses, users must have passed an assessment and registered their details with Sanders Coaches to be issued a permit. This ensures the safety of the mobility scooter user and other customers whilst boarding, manoeuvring around the bus and alighting.

Assessments are completed free of charge at our depot in Holt. Full details of how to arrange this and what the assessment entails are set out below.

Which mobility scooter can be accommodated on the bus?

Mobility scooters are typically classified as either Class 2 or Class 3, however, some do not have a class. Generally, following a safety assessment, we are able to accommodate a Class 2 mobility scooter.

We are unable to accommodate a Class 3 mobility scooter, or one which is not allocated a class.

What requirements does my mobility scooter need to meet in order to travel?

To travel on our bus with your mobility scooter you must meet the following conditions:

1.             You have completed a safety assessment at our depot in Holt.

2.             You have registered your details and been issued a mobility scooter permit.

OR

1.             You have completed a safety assessment with another operator who has issued you a CPT recognised mobility scooter permit.

AND

1.             Your mobility scooter is a classified Class 2.

2.             Your mobility scooter is no larger than 600mm x 1000mm.

3.             Your mobility scooter has a turning radius that does not exceed 1200mm.

4.             The overall weight of your mobility scooter when you occupy it does not exceed 300kg.

What is the safety assessment process?

Before you are able to travel on the bus with your mobility scooter, you must attend a safety assessment at our Holt Depot. These can be booked via our Customer Services team on 01263 712800 or by emailing [email protected].

At the assessment, our assessor will take the measurements of your scooter and ensure that it complies with CPT guidance set out above. They will then assess that you are able to safely board the bus, park in the wheelchair bay and alight the bus.

You will then be assessed on your ability to manoeuvre the vehicle in the event of an emergency. The assessor will time how long it takes for you to exit the bus, ensuring this takes no longer than 90 seconds.

The assessment will take around 40 to 60 minutes. If you pass the assessment, you will be issued with a mobility scooter permit.

Why is an assessment necessary?

The assessment ensure the safety of yourself, our staff and other customers on the bus. It also ensures that your mobility scooter fits safely on the bus without causing damage to the internal fittings of the vehicle.

Where and when does the assessment take place?

Assessments take place at our depot in Holt at a time that suits you and our assessor. Please contact our Customer Services team on 01263 712800 or by emailing [email protected] to arrange an appointment.

Our address is Hempstead Road Business Centre, Hempstead Road, Holt, NR25 6EE.

What happens if my mobility scooter does not meet the requirements or I fail the assessment?

In either case, you will not be issued with a permit and you will be unable to travel on our buses using your mobility scooter.

Which buses can I travel on with my mobility scooter?

Our local bus services are operated by low floor, easily accessible buses with folding access ramps. In some cases, usually in exceptional circumstances when we face a breakdown or network disruption, a substitute vehicle may be used. This could be a coach with an electric wheelchair ramp, which is not suitable for a mobility scooter.

On our 15, 15A, 16, 17, 19 and 20 services, plus occasionally other services, a small wheelchair accessible low floor minibus is used. This vehicle is not able to carry a mobility scooter.

If you are planning to make a journey using a mobility scooter and would like to check if the vehicle scheduled is able to accommodate you, please contact our Customer Services team on 01263 712800.

Once my permit is issued, is it valid forever?

Your permit is valid for five years from the date of issue. It is valid only for the person who completed the assessment and applies only to the mobility scooter you completed the assessment in. If you change your mobility scooter, this will need to be re-assessed.