Is my mobility scooter legally considered a mobility scooter?
Jackson Stephens made this Official Information request to New Zealand Transport Agency
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From: Jackson Stephens
Dear New Zealand Transport Agency,
I have owned and operated what I and many others have considered a mobility scooter. It fits all of the requirements, housing a motor that is less than 1500 watts, and is used for myself a man with a physical impairment. But due to certain people bringing up the idea that it resembles a electric go-kart in a sense, I have looked into what is classified as a mobility scooter. With the statement "...that certain enclosed four-wheeled electric mini cars... are not mobility devices." being concerning. In addition due to my relatively young age many do not associate me with the idea of needing physical assistance, unlike elderly members of our community. Prepetuating this idea of my mobility scooter being more of a toy. I would just like slightly more clarification on this subject and whether or not I should be concerned in a legal sense when I am operating my mobility device.
Thank you for any assistance, Jackson Stephens
From: Info@nzta.govt.nz
New Zealand Transport Agency
Kia ora Jackson
Thank you for contacting us. Your query has been referred to my team for
response as these matters fall under our responsibilities.
As per [1]Section 1.6 of the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004,
a mobility device is defined as:
(a) a vehicle that -
(i) is designed and constructed (not merely adapted) for use by persons
who require mobility assistance due to a physical or neurological
impairment; and
(ii) is powered solely by a motor (electric, or petrol) that has a maximum
power output not exceeding 1500 watts; or
(b) a vehicle that the Director has declared under section 168A(1) of the
Land Transport Act 1998 to be a mobility device.
To date the NZ Transport Agency has not declared any particular vehicles
as per part (b) above.
There is no list available of what vehicles are considered 'mobility
devices'.
I have provided a link below which defines what is considered a mobility
device, and what is not considered a mobility device:
[2]Mobility scooters
If you would like your vehicle type determined, we recommend contacting a
Key Delivery Service Partner (KDSP) such as AA, VTNZ, VINZ.
Ngā mihi
Nicole Bills ([3]She/Her)
Senior Customer Response Representative, Customer Response
Te Rōpū Waeture | Regulatory Services
Email: [4][email address]
Phone: 0800 108 809
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Palmerston North
Private Bag 11777, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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[8][IMG]
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