Mobility devices include motorised wheelchairs and similar devices. Wheeled recreational devices include skateboards, foot propelled scooters and e-scooters which meet the criteria below.
A mobility device is a vehicle that:
- is designed and made, not adapted, for use by people who require mobility assistance due to a physical or neurological impairment
- is powered solely by a motor that has a maximum power output of 1500W
- is a vehicle that Waka Kotahi has declared to be a mobility device under section 168A(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998.
A wheeled recreational device:
- is a vehicle that’s a wheeled conveyance, other than a cycle that has a wheel diameter more than 355mm, and is propelled by human power or gravity
- includes a conveyance which has one or more propulsion motors with a combined maximum power output not more than 300W.
Safety rules for riders of mobility devices and wheeled recreational vehicles
- When riding on any path you must be careful and considerate of others using the path.
- Your speed must not be a hazard for others using the path.
- When using footpaths, you must follow the same rules as pedestrians at traffic signals.
- A mobility device or wheeled recreational vehicle should be used on the footpath where it's possible to do so. If you have to ride on the road, keep as close as possible to the edge.
- When you're riding on a footpath, you must give way to pedestrians and drivers of mobility devices.