PLEVs such as Electric Scooters, Electric Unicycles (EUCs) and electric skateboards are becoming more popular in helping adults with disabilities / injuries get mobile, often at a fraction of the cost of purpose built invalid carriages.
Significant medical treatment in 2017 resulted in me having ongoing pains from my inner pelvis & a weakened abdomen, which is helped via regular core muscle exercise.
Mainly to “do my bit for the environment”, I purchased my first Electric Unicycle (EUC), which helps me better manage my disability by keeping my core muscles in check. It also helps me get out more, while reducing car use.
Inspired by a Facebook post by Mike Dickinson and given that I have a registered disability, I wanted to comply as much as possible with existing laws, albeit being somewhat outdated.
I decided to see if I could also register my EUCs with the DVLA. To my delight, the DVLA allowed me to register my electric unicycles as electric mobility scooters (“invalid carriages”).
Below are the simple steps I took, covering “invalid carriage” Registration, MOT, Tax and Insurance, for those PLEV owners with genuine disabilities or injuries in the United Kingdom.
How I Registered My PLEVs with the DVLA.
There are different classes of invalid vehicles specified by the government CLICK HERE for more information. Currently PLEVs do not fully meet these requirements, but hopeful regulations will be updated sooner, rather than later.
Electric Unicycles (EUCs) vs Class 3 Invalid Carriages
Given the intended use of my Electric Unicycles (EUCs), I decided to do a comparison with the governments description of a “Class 3 Invalid Carriage” anyway:
A maximum unladen weight of 150kg.
Yes. My Electric Unicycles (EUCs) each weigh under 30kg.A maximum width of 0.85 metres.
Yes. My Electric Unicycles (EUCs) both are under 6 inches in width.A device to limit its speed to 4mph.
Yes. A smartphone app COULD limit speed to 4mph.A maximum speed of 8mph.
Yes. A smartphone app COULD limit maximum speed to 8mph.An efficient braking system.
Yes with an experienced rider. Regenerative braking is efficient for an EUC.Front and rear lights and reflectors.
Yes. Front and rear lights are fitted as standard. Reflective tape can also be added.Direction indicators able to operate as a hazard warning signal.
Not Applicable? - I use hand signals (same as cyclists), to indicate intended direction. Unlike heavier , purpose built mobility vehicles, most PLEVs can easily be moved to a safe place, not causing a hazard.An audible horn.
Yes. Two horns, a built in horn and a Hornit 140 decibel horn, on my wrist.A rear view mirror.
Yes. I have a rear view helmet mirror.An amber flashing light if it’s used on a dual carriageway.
Not Applicable? - I would never ride my devices on dual carriageways.
In light of the above, which could also apply to electric scooters and electric skateboards, I proceeded with applying for a V5C Registration Document.
How to Complete the New Vehicle Registration Form
To apply for a V5C registration document you will need to complete a “V55/4 for New Vehicles” form. This form is key when applying to register your PLEV as an “Invalid Carriage” with the DVLA.
CLICK HERE to download the “V55/4 for New Vehicles” form (CLICK HERE for V55/4 form guidance).
Here’s how I completed the “V55/4” form for my electric unicycles (EUCs), in the same manner as the previous electric scooter poster:
If you have a disability and choose to apply for registration, complete the following fields only:
“2. Tax Class” - Enter “Disabled”.
“5. Manufacturer” - Enter the manufacturer name of your PLEV.
“6. Make” - Enter the make or model of your PLEV.
“8. Type of body / vehicle” - Enter “Invalid Vehicle”.
“9. Wheelplan” - Enter “Non-Standard”.
“10. Colour(s)” - Enter main colour(s) of your PLEV.
“11. Type approval number / category” - Enter “Exempt”.
“18. Number of seats” - Enter “1” (electric unicycles and most electric scooters could either come with a seat or have one fitted).
“24. Revenue weight (kg)” - Enter the weight of your PLEV.
“29. Date from which tax is to run (date of registration)” - Enter your preferred day, month and year.
“30. Type of fuel” - Enter “Electricity”.
“31. VINCHassis / Frame no. (in full)” - Enter your PLEV serial number or motor serial number (usually on the shipping package or a label on your device).
“50. List price / notional price” - Enter the price you paid for your PLEV.
“60. Name and address of vehicle keeper” - Complete all fields, excluding “DVLA fleet number”. You can leave the fleet number field blank.
“61. Date of birth” - Enter your date of birth followed by your phone number and/or email address.
“Declaration” - Add your signature.
Once complete, post to the address stated in the form guidance CLICK HERE.
How Long Does the Registration Process Take?
If approved, you should receive your “V5C Registration Document” in approximately 3-6 weeks, it does depend on how busy the DVLA are at any given time.
NOTE - The DVLA may contact you for more information about your disability and / or PLEV, prior to approval or rejection. This did not happen to me, but I heard it can sometimes happen.
Is an MOT Required for an Invalid Carriage?
As at time of writing, invalid Vehicles are not required to have an MOT. A “Declaration of Exemption from MOT V112” form can be printed and manually completed.
You can print the above, or CLICK HERE to download.
Once you have received your V5C registration document, simply complete the “Declaration of Exemption from MOT V112” form as follows:
“Vehicle Registration Number” - Enter your new registration number listed on your V5C document.
“Your full name” - Self explanatory.
“I declare that my is exempt as it falls into category…” - Enter “e” (Invalid carriages weighing no more than 306kg when unloaded).
“Your signature” - Sign.
Once complete make a copy to keep with you and store the master copy somewhere safe.
Do Invalid Carriages Require Vehicle Tax & Insurance?
As per below guidance of 21st July 2020, vehicle tax or insurance are not required for a registered “Class 3 Invalid Carriage”.
Given the current legal status of privately owned PLEVs, should you wish to obtain insurance it will only be valid for use on private land, with the land owners permission.
How to Get Licence Plates and Disability Badges
Most Electric Unicycles, Electric Scooters and other PLEVS are too small to fit standard registration plates.
Although optional in terms of the DVLA, I designed and applied my own registration plates (not legal size) and disability stickers to fit my electric unicycles.
Custom Registration Plates
CLICK HERE to download (Photoshop format), where you can add your new “Q” registration & adjust the image to fit your PLEV.
Alternatively CLICK HERE to order a 163x30mm vinyl number plate sticker from eBay.
Custom Disability Badges
I display these to raise awareness with both the Police & Public. CLICK HERE to download (Photoshop format), which you can edit.
(Both of the above should automatically download to your “Downloads” folder.)
You can print the above using A4 White Vinyl Self Adhesive Inkjet Paper. CLICK HERE.
Does Registering My PLEV as an Invalid Carriage Make it Legal in the UK?
Registering PLEVs as invalid carriages in the United Kingdom, does not make PLEVs under private ownership legal. Such vehicles remain illegal except on private land, with the land owners permission.
Privately owned electric scooters (including Electric Unicycles and Electric Skateboards) in the UK are governed by the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 34 and the Highway Act 1835, section 72.
Due to the current “Grey Area” surrounding legality of PLEVs for people with disabilities, successful registration is dependant on the DVLA assessor and can be hit or miss.
Carrying out the above steps, may provide some protection (at the Police officers discretion) in the event you are stopped.
The above will also hopefully educate both the authorities and General Public that PLEVs are more than just about reducing congestion & helping the environment 🙂.
Electroheads discussing the benefits of electric scooters, electric unicycles and electric skateboards to help people with disabilities.
If you ride a PLEV to help a disability or injury, tell us more in the comments below!
Ride Safe!
NOTE - This post is based on information researched at time of writing, which may change. You are responsible for your own research, prior to proceeding with the above.