Consultation on proposals to increase the unladen weight of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters

A number of responses were received to the initial consultation, which were largely positive. However, a response from the Northern Ireland Regional Wheelchair Service (NIRWS) based at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust indicated that many users of powered wheelchairs in Northern Ireland currently use wheelchairs that are in excess of the existing weight limits allowed in domestic legislation. NIWRS also advised that a number of Class 3 wheelchairs had been issued to children due to the weight requirements of the vehicle, while the legislation did not permit them to be used by anyone under the age of 14.

The Department for Infrastructure has considered the responses received and is now issuing a further targeted consultation on revised proposals to increase the unladen weight of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.