Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) for what reasons electric-powered wheelchairs are restricted to amaximum speed of 8 mph when being used on a road; and if he will make a statement; [162916](2) if he will amend the Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 to bring the maximum speed permitted thereunder intoline with the maximum speed permitted for electric bicycles under The Motor Cycles, Etc (EC type approval) (Amendment) Regulations2003 (S.I.1099/2003). [163175]Dr. Howells: Powered wheelchairs and powered scooters are designed to provide independent mobility for people with a physicaldisability. Their use is governed by The Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 (SI 1988 No.2268). There are twoclasses of powered vehicle: class 2 vehicles are restricted to 4 mph (6.4 kph) and are designed to be used on footways; class 3vehicles are restricted to 4 mph (6.4 kph) on the footway and 8mph (12.8kph) on the carriageway.The vehicles are treated for the purposes of the Road Traffic Act as not being motor vehicles and are, therefore, outside the scopeof most requirements of road vehicle construction regulations. Users do not need a driving licence and are not subject to a test.The speed of 8 mph (12.8 kph) was set following consultation with disability organisations, industry and road safety groups and wasintended to provide a balance between the needs of the users for local outdoor mobility and road safety concerns both for the usersand for others on the road. We are currently reviewing the regulations and we will be holding a wide-ranging consultation later thisyear on a range of issues including speed limits.