A view from Caversham Health on the Department for Transport consultation

As a company that works every day with people who have reduced mobility, we strongly welcome the Department for Transport’s consultation on modernising the law for powered mobility devices.

Much of the current legislation dates back to the 1970s and 1980s. The world – and mobility technology – has moved on. So have the expectations of people who rely on these devices to live independently, safely, and with dignity.

From our perspective, there are several ways this review could be a real force for good for the people we serve.

First, language matters. Moving away from outdated terms and towards respectful, modern descriptions is not cosmetic. It shapes attitudes, enforcement, and everyday interactions. People using mobility devices should feel seen as citizens going about their lives, not as exceptions to be managed.

Second, the choice and appropriateness of equipment are crucial. Many users have no real “option” about the device they need – it is dictated by clinical, postural, or fatigue needs. A legal framework that unintentionally makes some modern devices unlawful on pavements risks undermining independence rather than supporting it. Updating the rules to reflect real-world devices and use cases is both sensible and humane.

Third, clarity about where devices can be used matters for everyone. Clear, modern rules help users feel confident, reduce anxiety about enforcement, and improve coexistence with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. Ambiguity benefits no one.

Fourth, safety must remain central – for users and for others. We support the consultation’s emphasis on proportional safeguards: sensible limits, appropriate design standards, and clear expectations, rather than blanket restrictions that inadvertently penalise those with the greatest needs.

Finally, we particularly welcome the recognition that mobility is not one-size-fits-all. Considering powered add-ons, attachments, and emerging technologies acknowledges how people actually adapt to maintain independence – often creatively and responsibly.

At Caversham Health, we believe mobility is about more than movement. It is about confidence, dignity, and participation in everyday life. A modernised legal framework that balances independence, safety, and respect can materially improve daily experiences for thousands of people.

We encourage voices across healthcare, local government, disability advocacy, and lived experience to engage with this consultation. Done well, it can help ensure that the law supports modern mobility – rather than standing in its way.

Lucy Plunkett

CEO, Caversham Health