Mobility Scooters

Can I take my powered scooter onboard a train?
Yes, providing that the scooter conforms with the following guidelines and the stations you will be using are accessible for wheelchair and powered mobility scooter users;

• The scooter should be no more than 120cm (48inches) long and 70cm (28inches) wide and it can fit safely within the width of the anti-slip surface of our ramps
• The combined weight of both the scooter and passenger does not exceed 300KG (660lbs) 
• The turning radius is no more than 90cm (36inches)
• The scooter needs to be able to climb a gradient to access the train
• The scooter must have freewheel/brake release and be fitted with an anti-tipping device
• The user should be able to walk to a seat on the train

Examples of wheelchairs and scooters that we are able to convey on board trains are illustrated below;

4 Wheel Small Scooter also permitted 

An example of the type of scooter that we are unable to convey on board trains is illustrated below;

 
Regrettably, customers with wheelchairs or mobility scooters larger than the permitted dimensions and in excess of 300kg will not be able to travel for the following safety reasons;
 

• the wheelchair or scooters will not be able to turn corners within the train and,
• the combined weight of the customer and wheelchair or scooter may be heavier than the maximum Safe Working Load (300kg) of the access ramp between the train and the platform

 
Assistance with boarding and alighting

Assistance can be arranged via our Assisted Travel Team on 033 300 50 501.  This can be booked up until 2000 the day before the departure of your service from its originating station.
Stations that are fully accessible to wheelchair and powered mobility scooter users are listed in our booklet “Making Rail Accessible: Helping older and disabled customers.”  This colour coded map also illustrates if a station is accessible for wheelchair and powered mobility scooter users.

Reservation guidance

Reservations are available on most services.  These are free and are indicated in the timetable by the diamond symbol.  You can check if the train you wish to travel on is reservable by contacting our Assisted Travel Team.
Subject to availability, reservations can normally be made up to 12 weeks before the date of travel and also up until 1800 the day before travel.
We do not require passengers to give more than 24 hours’ notice when booking through our Assisted Travel team, but you can book in advance if you prefer.  We will always do what we can if you need to travel at short notice, however if you can let us know your plans in advance, we will be able to help you more effectively.

Reserving in advance will ensure that;
 
• you are accommodated in the dedicated spaces within the carriage for wheelchairs / powered mobility scooters
• you are close to the accessible toilet (on Class 158 and Class 175 trains that operate longer distance services)
• you have the required amount of space to manoeuvre your chair or scooter
 
Should you prefer to travel without a reservation, please be aware that the dedicated spaces for wheelchair users or powered mobility scooters may already be occupied or may become occupied later in the journey.
 
If a dedicated space is available and you will be leaving the train before the customer holding the reservation boards, you may occupy the reserved space.  If all dedicated spaces are occupied, if space permits, the you may have to be temporarily located in the vestibule area until a dedicated space becomes available or, you may wish to consider travelling on the next available service. In all circumstances, priority will be given to the wheelchair user holding a reservation.
 
We regret that reservations are not available on the following routes however it is still possible to travel;
 
• the Cardiff & Valleys network
• Wrexham to Bidston Line
• Conwy Valley Line between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog
• Local services between Pembroke Dock and Swansea
• Local services between Maesteg, Cardiff and Cheltenham Spa 

Do I require a permit to travel with my scooter on services operated by Arriva Trains Wales? 

No, however you are kindly requested to carry out your own assessment of your scooter’s suitability based on the principles set out above. Please also note that;

• The scooter needs to be able to climb a gradient to access the train 
• The scooter must have freewheel/brake release and be fitted with an anti-tipping device 
• The user should be able to walk to a seat on the train once it is parked in the dedicated space for wheelchairs and scooters
• What advice can you offer to ensure a comfortable and safe journey? 

Where your journey might involve more than one train operator, we advise that you check with our Assisted Travel team that scooters can be conveyed on the services of all operators you will be travelling with.  

For safety reasons  powered wheelchairs or scooters must not exceed walking speed (3 – 4 mph) within the station and on the platforms.

Please ensure you stay clear of the platform edge until the train has come to a complete stop at the station and follow the instructions and guidance of station or on train staff at all times. Do not attempt to board the ramp until the ramp is fully in position and you are advised by a member of staff.

Any luggage or shopping must be unloaded before using the ramp.

Some powered scooters can be folded into manageable sized components that are no larger or heavier than other luggage regularly conveyed on trains. We will carry these models on all our services. We kindly ask that each customer or their travelling companion ensures that the scooter is folded ready for boarding prior to the trains arrival.

Station staff or conductors can offer assistance with storage if you require it. 

For safety reasons it is not possible to remain seated in a the scooter during your journey therefore you must be able to walk to a nearby seat.

As space on our services is limited, wheelchair users will have priority over the designated space.

Should you have any query regarding our Mobility Scooter Policy, please contact our Customer Relations Team on 03333 211 202 or email .