Class 2: pavement scooters
Class 2 scooters are limited to 4mph and are designed for pavement use. They cannot legally be driven on the road except to cross it or where there is no pavement. They do not need to be registered with the DVLA, need no lights or indicators by law, and are typically lighter, smaller and easier to transport. Boot scooters and folding travel scooters are almost always Class 2.
Class 3: road-legal scooters
Class 3 scooters can travel at up to 8mph on the road and must be limited to 4mph on pavements. They must be registered with the DVLA (which is free), and must have front and rear lights, indicators, a horn, a rear-view mirror and a device to limit speed to 4mph. You must be 14 or over to use one. They are larger, heavier and have longer range, which makes them popular with people covering real distances.
Tax, MOT and the V5C
Mobility scooters in the UK are not subject to road tax and do not require an MOT. Class 3 scooters are registered with the DVLA and may have a V5C logbook; Class 2 scooters do not. If your scooter has a V5C, keep it with the scooter — the buying dealer handles the transfer using the new keeper section, so there is nothing complicated for you to do. If you cannot find the V5C, the sale can still go ahead.
Which type sells for more?
It depends on the buyer. Class 3 road-legal scooters generally command higher prices because they cost more new and appeal to people who want range and road use. However, lightweight Class 2 folding scooters are in very strong demand for car boots and holidays, and a good condition folding lithium model can be worth more than a large, heavy Class 3 scooter of similar age. Weight, brand and portability matter as much as class.
How to tell which class you have
Check the top speed on the manufacturer's plate or handbook, and look for indicators, a horn and lights. If it has a 4mph/8mph switch and full lighting, it is Class 3. If it tops out at 4mph with no indicators, it is Class 2. When you list with ScootValue you can simply say if you are unsure — dealers can identify the model from your photos.