Alternatives to driving

'Motorised Scooter' or 'Motorised Wheelchair' - what are they?

The term 'motorised scooter' is used in the ACT to describe a motorised vehicle based on a platform design with three or four wheels. In NSW the legal term used for these three and four wheel mobility aids are 'motorised wheelchair'.

Electric powered mobility scooters are increasingly popular - for people with limited mobility and increasingly for older people giving up their licence and unable to drive any longer.

What's available and what one scooter should I buy?

There are a variety of types on the market including three and four wheel models. We suggest you speak to your GP about your physical abilities (strength and reflexes) and if you need advice on scooters speak to a local community occupational therapist.

We suggest that you test drive the scooter before buying or leasing one to ensure it is suitable for your needs and abilities.

Although convenient, mobility scooters do come with responsibilities.

Where can they be used?

Motorised wheelchairs/scooters are able to go anywhere a pedestrian is able eg. footpaths, shopping malls, nature strips and roads - since these mobility aids can travel faster than walking pace, users need to slow down in congested areas. Roads can be used when no other option is practical.

For more information

NRMA has worked with NRMA-ACT Road Safety Trust, Council on the Ageing - ACT (COTA-ACT) and Able Access to develop a 'Scooter Safe' package to help educate users on how to stay mobile while maximising their safety. NRMA has distributed the 'Scooter Safe' package to all Councils across NSW for use in their communities. Contact your local council for information or download the information here:

• Scooter Safe Training Resource (PDF 296KB/23 pages)
• Scooter Safe Booklet 1 (PDF 506KB/20 Pages)
• Scooter Safe Booklet 2 (PDF 767KB/10 pages)
• Module 1 - Rights and Responsibilites (PDF 1.2MB/16 pages)
• Module 2 - Safe Motorised Wheelchair Practices (PDF 1.1MB/16 pages)
• Module 3 - Australian Road Rules (PDF 853KB/4 pages)
• Motorised wheelchair fact sheet (PDF 440KB/2 pages)

To contact or book a program through NRMA

Email us: NRMA Older Driver Education Programs

Contact us: (02) 8741 6642 (voicemail service)

Useful Contacts

Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA)
Tel: 1300 137 302 

Department of Veterans' Affairs
Tel: 133 254

Independent Living Centre
NSW: 1300 885 886
ACT: (02) 6205 1900

Council on the Ageing
NSW: (02) 9286 3860
ACT: (02) 6282 3777

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis

Wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs) are a key part of the NSW public transport system and are designed to provide transport for people with special needs.

Drivers of WAT vehicles undergo special training prior to being issued with a Driver Authority.

Residents of NSW who are unable to use public transport and rely on WATs because of a severe and permanent disability may qualify for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS).

The scheme subsidises the travel cost of TTSS participants, allowing them to travel by taxi at half fare. The maximum subsidy that can be claimed is $30.00.

The NSW Government is committed to improving wheelchair accessible taxi services and supporting WAT drivers in achieving these improvements.

Further information regarding the trial can be obtained by contacting the special Toll Free Telephone Number 1800 200 592.

Transport Assistance

If you have no transport, or if for any reason you're unable to use public transport, you can get help - to attend medical appointments, go shopping, participate in social activities or simply get out of the house.

There are concession fares for seniors on public transport throughout Australia, together with taxi subsidy schemes for people with age-related disabilities. In most states there are pensioner excursion tickets, as well as transport concessions for veterans.

If you are able to drive and have a car, all states and territories also offer concessions for seniors on driving licence fees and motor vehicle registration, as well as special concessions for and other help with parking.

State/Territory Senior Card Offices

New South Wales - Application forms are available from local and state government offices including Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care Regional offices, Government Access Centres, most NSW local council offices and all NSW MP offices.

You can contact Seniors' Card directly by phone or visit Senior Card Online to request an application form, apply online or access a complete list of stockists. Note that Australia Post does not now stock forms. Phone toll free on 1300 364 758.

Australian Capital Territory, phone: (02) 6282 3777.

For people in the ACT

COTA provides an information service for seniors and those who may be concerned about seniors. We will not always have the detailed information, but we will either know where to go, or attempt to locate the correct service for you.

Contact COTA: Phone: (02) 6282 3777 or email: contact@cota-act.org.au

ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme

The ACT Taxi subsidy scheme provides Taxi vouchers for those with a severe disability or for those unable to access other public transport options. Phone: (02) 6207 1108.