Wheelchairs and Powered Scooters


    Wheelchairs

    Most trains can accommodate wheelchairs that are within the dimensions prescribed in government regulations covering public transport (700mm wide by 1200mm long). There are a small number of older trains that can only currently carry wheelchairs that have a maximum width of 550mm.

    The maximum combined weight of a person and their wheelchair that can be conveyed is limited by: the capabilities of the individual member of staff assisting the passenger and the stated maximum safe working load of the ramp (between 230kg and 300kg).

    Under no circumstance should staff lift a person travelling in a wheelchair.

    Should circumstances arise in which a customer need to be lifted staff should contact the emergency services.

    There are a limited number of spaces available to wheelchair users on each train, it is important therefore that you recommend that customers book their space in advance.

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    Powered scooters

    IMPORTANT: Customers should be reminded to check the dimensions of their non-folding scooter and the TOC details below before travel, as policies may differ between operators. If unsure about travelling with a non-folding scooter, customers should be advised to contact the TOC(s) to confirm that all stations and trains they require are accessible.

    Because scooters come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, many have problems on trains, including: tipping backwards on ramps; being heavier than the ramp's safe working load; or being the wrong shape to manoeuvre safely inside a carriage.

    These problems mean that some companies have trains that cannot carry scooters so if you are a scooter-user who wants to travel by rail, you should contact the Train Company to check they can safely accommodate a scooter.

    Please remember to contact the Train Company to confirm that all the stations and trains required are accessible. If you require assistance, then you can request an assistance booking up to a minimum of two hours before your journey is due to start, at any time of the day and any day of the week.

    Useful information from the Government on Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs is available here.

    Below is a summary of Train Operators and their Policy, along with contact details.

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    Train Operating Companies Scooter Policy Workbook

    A downloadable Excel spreadsheet is available for each TOCs scooter policy is available here. Amendments to the workbook should be emailed to [email protected].

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    wheelchair_dimensions
    Wheelchair dimensions image

    Avanti West Coast

     
    Telephone:

    08000 158 123 or Textphone 08000 158 124

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    c2c

     
    Telephone:

    01702 357 640, 08457 125 988

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Chiltern Railways

     
    Telephone:

    08456 005 165, 08457 078 051

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    CrossCountry

     
    Telephone:

    Telephone: 0344 811 0125
    08:00 - 20:00 Monday to Sunday (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

    Textphone: 0344 811 0126
    08:00 - 20:00 Monday to Saturday (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

    Email: [email protected]
    08:00 – 20:00 Monday to Sunday (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

     

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    EMR

     
    Telephone:

    0800 11 33 23

    Policy:

    To travel on our trains with a powered scooter, an EMR scooter pass is required.

    As powered scooters are designed for the about-town environment and come in different shapes and sizes, many of them are unsuitable for train travel. For safety reasons, only customers who hold a Scooter Card will be allowed to bring unfolded scooters onto our services.

    The criteria for a Scooter card is:

    • Three-wheeled scooters or those with a triangular footprint (two wheels at the front close together and two wheels at the rear) that fall within the following size dimensions and are a maximum length of 1000mm and width of 700mm and are:

                 • a maximum speed of 4mph
    • do not exceed 300kg when it is carrying its user

    • have a free-wheeling facility for use in case of power failure
    • have sealed batteries
    • be able to negotiate gradients of eight degrees or more or
    • is a scooter that can be folded down to a size that can be accommodated as hand luggage.

    To see if your scooter fits the requirements please contact the team on 08000 11 33 23 or visit www.rica.org.uk

     

    Elizabeth line

     

    Telephone:

    0343 222 3456

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm
    Maximum combined weight of user and scooter: 300kg
    We can carry scooters and wheelchairs up to 700mm wide and 1200mm long with a maximum weight of 300kg (including your weight), as per the The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1998/2456/contents/made

    Gatwick Express

     
    Telephone:

    0800 138 1016 (Textphone 0800 138 1018)

    Policy:
    Maximum length: 1200mm
    Maximum width: 700mm
    Combined weight (scooter and user): 300kg
     
    For more information, see the Gatwick Express website.

    Grand Central

     
    Telephone:

    0845 603 4852

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Great Northern

     
    Telephone:

    0800 058 2844 (Textphone 0800 138 1018)

    Policy:
    Maximum length: 1200mm
    Maximum width: 700mm
    Combined weight (scooter and user): 300kg
     
    For more information, see the Great Northern website.

    Great Western Railway

     
    Telephone:

    08001 971 329 or type talk on 18001 0800 197 1329

    Policy:

    A scooter permit scheme is in operation for all scooters that cannot be folded down and taken onto the train as luggage. Please contact Great Western Railway to obtain a permit.

    Max Length: 1200mm

    Max Width: 700mm

    Maximum combined weight of user and scooter: 300kg

    Greater Anglia

     
    Telephone:

    08000 282 878

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Maximum combined weight of user and scooter: 300kg

    Heathrow Express

     
    Telephone:

    0845 600 1515, 0121 410 5284

    Policy:

              Fold-down mobility scooters are accepted on our trains in the collapsed position.

                         Width 700mm

                         Length 1200mm

                         Fully laden weight does not exceed 200kg for the scooter and the occupant

                         (including any baggage)

     

    Hull Trains

     
    Telephone:

    03450 710 222, 0800 316 1323 (assisted travel)

    Policy:

    This policy applies to both wheelchairs and powered scooters

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Height:1350mm

    Weight: 300kg

    Island Line Trains

     
    Website:

    www.southwesternrailway.com/destinations-and-offers/island-line

    Telephone:

    0800 528 2100, 0800 692 0792 (textphone)

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Maximum combined weight of user and scooter: 230kg

    LNER

     
    Telephone:

    03457 225 225

    Policy:

    Electric and Azuma Trains (225)

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Diesel Trains (HST 125)

    First Class

    Length:1200mm

    Width: 700mm in Standard and 550mm in First Class

    London Northwestern Railway / West Midlands Railway

     
    Telephone:

    0800 092 4260

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Maximum weight of wheelchair and passenger must not exceed a combined weight of 300kg.

    London Overground

     
    Telephone:

    0343 222 1234

    Textphone:

    020 3031 9331

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Weight: 300kg

    Lumo

     

    Please visit our Accessible Travel pages, our commitment to delivering a consistent, excellent service, making journeys easy, convenient and assessable for all customers. 

    Merseyrail

     
    Telephone:

    08000 277 347, 0151 702 2071

    Policy:

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Northern

     

    Telephone:

    0800 138 5560 Text Relay 18001 0800 138 5560

    Policy:

    Northern operate a mobility scooter permit scheme.

    For more information about the scheme please see our website: http://northernrailway.co.uk/mobilityscooter

    ScotRail

     
    Telephone:

    0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)

    Policy:

    A Light Travel Scooter with the measurements below:

    Length: 1040mm

    Width: 560mm

    Maximum combined weight of user and scooter: 300kg

    Southeastern

     
    Telephone:

    08007 834 524, Textphone 08007 834 548

    Policy:

    All Trains

    Length: 1200mm

    Width: 700mm

    Southern

     
    Telephone:

    0800 138 1016 (Textphone 0800 138 1018)

    Policy:
    Maximum length: 1200mm
    Maximum width: 700mm
    Combined weight (scooter and user): 300kg
     
    For more information, see the Southern website.

    South Western Railway

     
    Website:

    https://www.southwesternrailway.com/

    Telephone:

    0800 528 2100, 0800 692 0792 (textphone)

    Policy:

    Scooter permit scheme. Please contact South Western Railway Customer Services.

    Length: 1200m

    Width: 700mm

    Maximum combined weight of user and scooter: 300kg

    Transport for Wales

     
    Telephone:

    0333 005 0501, 0333 211 202

    Policy:

     

    Combined weight of both the scooter and passenger should not exceed 300kg

    Scooter dimensions max 1200mm long x max 700mm wide to fit safely within the width of the anti-slip surface of our ramps

    Turning radius no more than 900mm

    Needs to be able to climb a gradient to access the train

    Must have freewheel/brake release and be fitted with an anti-tipping device

    User should be able to walk to a seat on the train

     

    Thameslink

     
    Telephone:

    0800 058 2844 (Textphone 0800 138 1018)

    Policy:
    Maximum length: 1200mm
    Maximum width: 700mm
    Combined weight (scooter and user): 300kg
     
    For more information, see the Thameslink website.

    TransPennine Express

     
    Telephone:

    0800 107 2149

    www.tpexpress.co.uk

    Policy:

    Folded or dismantled mobility scooters can be accommodated on all TransPennine Express services. Your scooter should be folded or dismantled before boarding. You can book luggage assistance to help put the scooter onto the train but staff are not able to fold or dismantle the scooter for you.

    For your safety, and the safety of other customers and staff, fully assembled mobility scooters can only be carried where you are in possession of a TransPennine Express Scooter Card.

    To apply for a scooter card, visit www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/assisted-travel

    Scooter cards are valid for 12 months from issue.

    Criteria apply when requesting a TransPennine Express scooter card. These include but are not limited to:

    • Scooter Class: Class 2 Only
    • Maximum length: 1200mm
    • Maximum width: 700mm
    • Maximum combined weight (scooter and user): 300kg

    The turning radius and ramp climbing ability of your scooter will also be considered and any scooter card issued will detail those stations where it is safe for you to board and alight with your specific scooter.

    If TransPennine Express are unable to issue you with a Scooter Card due to concerns for your safety and the safety of others and you are unable to fold or dismantle your scooter before boarding, you may wish to request the use of a station wheelchair or buggy to help you complete your journey.

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    Last updated:   09 May 2022

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