Can a Class D Driver's License Operate Four-Wheeled Mobility Scooters?
2 Answers
A Class D driver's license does not permit the operation of four-wheeled mobility scooters. The following vehicles can be operated with a Class D license: 1. Three-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. 2. Two-wheeled motorcycles with an engine displacement exceeding 50ml or a maximum design speed exceeding 50km/h. 3. Motorcycles with an engine displacement of 50ml or less and a maximum design speed of 50km/h or less. Additional Information: Four-wheeled mobility scooters are typically designed with narrow bodies, lightweight chassis, and tall structures, resulting in a high center of gravity and poor stability. Their braking systems often feature drum brake designs that require significant pedal force to achieve full stopping power. Externally, these vehicles lack front and rear crash absorption structures; internally, they don't even include basic safety belts, let alone airbags or other safety features. Furthermore, such vehicles undergo no crash testing before leaving the factory, making their safety performance unverifiable.
Recently, many friends have been asking about using a Category D license to drive four-wheeled mobility scooters. Let me make it clear: absolutely not allowed. A Category D driver's license is specifically for three-wheeled motorcycles, while four-wheeled mobility scooters are classified as mini cars under current traffic regulations. The operation methods of these vehicles are completely different from three-wheeled motorcycles, requiring a C1 or C2 car driver's license to be legally driven on the road. Last year, an elderly man in our community used his D license to drive an electric four-wheeler for grocery shopping, only to be stopped by traffic police who impounded his vehicle and fined him. If you ask me, if you really want to drive a mobility scooter, it's better to get a C2 license. Driving schools now offer accelerated courses for seniors, and the automatic transmission test is simpler—safe and worry-free.
