Mobility Scooters and Public Transport

Using your Mobility Scooter on the Transperth network

[Last updated 06-03-2024]

You can use your mobility aid such as a mobility scooter or power wheelchair on public transport. There are considerations you need to check before purchasing a mobility aid for accessing public transport. If you need a mobility scooter that you can use on public transport such as busses and trains call us and ask us about the options we have available.

Transperth has set out specific guidelines for the type of mobility aid that can be safely used on their network. We have summarised the information for you below. The direct link to this information can be found by clicking here: USING MOBILITY AIDS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

  1. Assess your equipment – does it meet Transperth mobility equipment requirements?
  2. Plan your journey and check the Station Access Maps on the Transperth website.
  3. Before boarding or alighting, prepare and position your device carefully.
  4. Once onboard, position your chair in the allocated space, ensuring wheels are locked and facing the rear if travelling by bus.
  5. Avoid hanging bags off the rear of the device to keep the centre of gravity low.
  6. For the safety of yourself and other passengers, NEVER use escalators with mobility equipment. Always use lifts and ramps or seek assistance.

 

Some mid and large sized mobility scooters are too large and can’t be taken on board public transport. Please carefully note all the specifications below so that you can purchase your mobility scooter with confidence. If in doubt, give us a call and we can help you with your public transport queries. We have mobility scooters that are suitable for public transport.

 

Your mobility aid needs to meet the following requirements:

Dimensions

  • Fit entirely within a 1300 mm x 800 mm space – this is the size of the allocated places on buses, trains and ferries.
  • Be no wider than 750 mm and no taller than 1600mm.

Weight

  • Weigh less than 300 kg including your device, user and an assistant if you have one – this is the safe weight limit of ramps and other boarding devices

Stability

  • Be able to move backwards and forwards when required.
  • Have an effective braking system that completely stops it moving.

Maneuverability

To board trains, buses and ferries your mobility aid should be able to

  • Turn 180 degrees within an area 2070mm by 1540mm.
  • Turn 90 degrees with an internal radius of 770mm and an external radius of 1620mm within a path of 850mm (when travelling by bus).
  • Cross a horizontal gap up to 60 mm wide and mount a vertical rise (bump) up to 20 mm.
  • Negotiate a 1:14 grade ramp unassisted and a 1:4 grade ramp with assistance.
  • Negotiate up to a 1:8 grade ramp that is less than 1520 mm long.
  • Cross a gap up to 75mm wide if you are accessing a pedestrian level crossing.
  • Cross grating gaps up to 13mm wide and 150 mm long.

Charging points

Passengers wishing to access a charging point can visit the Citiplace Community Centre and Rest Centre.