As an electric wheelchair user, or soon-to-be owner of a powered chair, getting insurance may be a consideration you’re thinking about. Should you even get insurance? If so, when is the best time to insure your electric wheelchair?

Do You Need to Insure an Electric Wheelchair?

In short, wheelchair users are not legally required to have insurance. However, depending on how you use your wheelchair, insurance may be suitable for your needs. If you drive a class 3 wheelchair, it may be worth considering insurance if you’re driving on roads, and for class 2 when entering built up areas.

Although it’s not required, even the UK government recommends insurance for any registered mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. It’s worth remembering that wheelchair users do not have to pay VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) either.

Any vehicle that goes on, or accesses, any road must be registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), and class 3 wheelchair are no exception to this rule.

What Insurance Could I Get for My Electric Wheelchair?

As well as covering various risks and threats, such as theft and third-party liability, there are other insurance additions to think about. You can get breakdown cover, recovery costs to get you home if you become stranded, worldwide cover, holiday recovery, and more.

Depending on your personal needs, as well as the cost of your wheelchair, it may be worth considering insurance to reduce risks. There have been cases where wheelchair users have been sued for negligence against pedestrians and, because of their lack of insurance, have been left severely in debt.

Some home insurance companies will cover storage, and the use of a mobility scooter in a home, but it is worth checking with your insurance provider if anything seems unclear. It’s advisable to familiarise yourself with your policy details, so you know the extent of your cover and any limitations.

Do I Need a Medical Check to Get Insurance?

While anyone can use mobility aids, getting insurance for one normally requires that a user is capable of safely, confidently, and independently operating an electric powered wheelchair, or similar.

If you have a class 3 wheelchair and want to take it on the road, it’s also important to ensure you can meet the vision test for numberplates. This is the same as what car drivers must do to become roadworthy.

Taking My Class 3 on the Road?

You can only drive on the road in a class 3 wheelchair whereas class 2 wheelchair are better for navigating footpaths. The maximum speed of a class 3 wheelchair is 8mph. This type of mobility aid can be used in pedestrian or urban areas, including footpaths, but you must limit your speed to 4mph, or in-line with regulations.

You cannot drive in bus lanes, ‘cycle only’ lanes, or motorways in a power chair. Avoid using dual carriageways with a speed limit of over 50mph. If you are taking your class 3 mobility device on a road, you must follow the Highway Code as if you were driving a vehicle.

Lastly, you must use an amber flashing light for visibility if you use a class 3 wheelchair on a dual carriageway.

Who Do LITH-TECH Recommend for Wheelchair Insurance?

Here at LITH-TECH, we partnered with Fish Insurance in June 2019. We highly recommend using them if you’re considering insuring your electric wheelchair.

LITH-TECH offers all customers the opportunity to sign up for insurance that covers third-party liability, loss or damage, personal accident, personal effects and, if you take the full cover option, breakdown assistance will also be included.

Why We Use Fish Insurance

We chose Fish Insurance because we believe in offering our customers the best experience with their wheelchair, and that includes reliable insurance cover.

At LITH-TECH Mobility, we only partner with the best there is in the business, as our partnerships also reflect on us as a company.

We use Fish Insurance, who are the UK’s leading mobility insurer. As a company they have the most comprehensive cover and the best prices.

LITH-TECH are one of Fish’s biggest partners. For the best prices, and if you own a LITH-TECH wheelchair, use our dealer code of 3707 and they will be able to assist.

As well as public liability, the insurance also covers:

• Personal injury and accident
• Personal effects (your belongings whilst using the chair)
• Lost or stolen chair

Speak to the team today if you’re in the market for an electric wheelchair.