Mobility scooters in Vermont: pedestrians and vulnerable users

A Vermont rider choosing a scooter wants to know how the law sees them on a village sidewalk or a back road without one. Vermont's Title 23 is direct on this point: its definition of pedestrian reaches past wheelchairs to "other personal mobility" devices, motorized or not, and a separate definition gives those riders extra protection from passing cars.

Below are the statutes in their own words, then how Vermont's long winters and short, warm summers affect which scooter makes sense.

Vermont's definitions put scooter riders on the pedestrian side

The definitions section of the motor vehicle title, 23 V.S.A. § 4, says: "(67) "Pedestrian" means any individual afoot or operating a wheelchair or other personal mobility device, whether motorized or not, and including an electric personal assistive mobility device." A three- or four-wheel mobility scooter is a personal mobility device in everyday speech, and the words "whether motorized or not" leave no doubt about power. The statute does not define "personal mobility device" further, so a police officer or court would have the last word on any edge case.

The same section creates a second, protective category. A "Vulnerable user" includes "a pedestrian" and "a person operating a wheelchair or other personal mobility device, whether motorized or not." That matters because of 23 V.S.A. § 1033(b): a driver approaching or passing a vulnerable user "shall exercise due care, which includes reducing speed and increasing clearance to a distance of at least four feet, to pass the vulnerable user safely."

Rules for using the road and crossing it

• Which side. Section 1055(b): "Any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing the direction of possible oncoming traffic." On a road with no sidewalk, a scooter rider following pedestrian rules keeps left, facing traffic.
• Crosswalks. Section 1051(a): "If traffic-control signals are not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if necessary, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk."
• Your part. Section 1051(b): "No pedestrian may suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for a driver to yield."

We did not find a Vermont statute that sets a speed limit or a sidewalk rule written for mobility scooters in particular. Towns may have their own ordinances; your town office can tell you.

Scooters suited to Vermont

If your riding includes gravel, dirt roads or long distances between errands, look first at tires, clearance and range. These four cover a spread of needs.

• Pride PX4. Full suspension and 13 in. pneumatic tires, which Pride says are made for asphalt, concrete, gravel and any hard-packed surface. Rated for 500 lbs. and up to 23.4 miles per charge, with 3.5 inches of clearance to the motor.
• Pride Victory LX Sport. CTS suspension and adjustable shocks, an eco mode for long days, and a light package that includes an LED headlight and directional signals, useful on short winter afternoons. Capacity is 400 lbs., with up to 13 miles at that weight.
• Golden Companion 3-wheel Full Size. Built by Golden for everyday, full-time use, with full suspension, 4.5 inches of ground clearance and a 45-inch turning radius. Carries up to 400 lbs and still comes apart.
• Pride Maxima 4-wheel. A heavy-duty frame for riders up to 500 lbs., up to 19.5 miles per charge, and an optional power elevating seat. Pride lists it as a scooter that does not come apart, so plan for a ramp or lift if it will travel.

Riding through a Vermont year

NOAA's Vermont climate summary sums up the state as having "cold, snowy winters and pleasantly warm summers." It describes severe winter storms as "common," including "snowstorms, blizzards, nor'easters, and icing events," and warns of false springs, with "snow and freezing rain in April–June" after a stretch of warming. On the brighter side, since 2005 the freeze-free season "has averaged about a week longer than the average during 1970–2004."

For scooter owners, that suggests a season-by-season plan. Keep the scooter off snowy and icy paths, and store and charge it as the maker's manual directs for cold weather. When the snow lifts, check tire pressure on pneumatic models and look over the frame for road grit. In a late spring storm, wait it out; a few days of patience beats a slide on wet ice.

Try a device through Vermont's AT program

The AT3 Center lists device loans, demonstrations, reutilization and financial loans for the Vermont Assistive Technology Program. The program says its loan service will lend equipment in its inventory "for 30-days, free of charge," and that "It can be shipped directly to you for free!" (Borrow It). It does not sell equipment, but it can share vendor information and help identify funding resources.

Ordering and delivery to Vermont

We ship to the lower 48 states and DC, with free shipping on orders over $500 ($15 under $500), and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. The Vermont shipping page covers the details, and the scooter fit check narrows the choice to models that suit your weight, ground and travel.

Questions about mobility scooters in Vermont

Is a mobility scooter rider a pedestrian in Vermont?

Vermont's definition in 23 V.S.A. § 4(67) says a pedestrian is any individual afoot or operating a wheelchair or other personal mobility device, whether motorized or not. The statute does not define personal mobility device further, but the wording is broad. Pedestrian rules, such as keeping left on a road without a sidewalk, apply.

How much room must Vermont drivers give a scooter rider?

Under 23 V.S.A. § 1033(b), a driver approaching or passing a vulnerable user must exercise due care, which includes reducing speed and increasing clearance to at least four feet. Vermont's definition of vulnerable user includes pedestrians and people operating a wheelchair or other personal mobility device, motorized or not.

Which side of a Vermont road should I ride on without a sidewalk?

Section 1055(b) says any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder, facing possible oncoming traffic. A scooter rider following pedestrian rules keeps left, where oncoming drivers can see them.

Can I borrow a mobility device in Vermont before buying?

The Vermont Assistive Technology Program lends equipment from its inventory for 30 days, free of charge, and says it can ship it directly to you for free. Its inventory changes, so check what is available. The program does not sell equipment but can help with vendor information and funding resources.

What should I know about riding a scooter in Vermont winters?

NOAA describes Vermont winters as cold and snowy, with common icing events and false springs that bring snow and freezing rain as late as June. Avoid icy paths, follow the maker's cold-weather charging and storage guidance, and choose lights and directional signals if you ride as days get short.

Browse the mobility scooter collection, use the fit check, or take the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• 23 V.S.A. § 4, definitions (pedestrian, vulnerable user)
• 23 V.S.A. § 1033, passing motor vehicles and vulnerable users
• 23 V.S.A. § 1055, pedestrians on roadways
• 23 V.S.A. § 1051, pedestrians' right of way in crosswalks
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Vermont (2022)
• AT3 Center: Vermont
• Vermont Assistive Technology Program: Borrow It
• Pride PX4 product page, Pride Victory LX Sport product page, Golden Companion 3-wheel Full Size product page, Pride Maxima 4-wheel product page