London buses are run under a single set of published conditions, which makes the rules for mobility scooters more predictable than on services elsewhere, where each operator sets its own policy. This guide sets out what Transport for London (TfL) publishes for its bus network in Greater London, England. It does not describe rules on other operators’ services, which differ, and the general position outside London is covered in our guide to mobility scooters on buses.
What TfL’s Conditions of Carriage allow
TfL’s Conditions of Carriage, in the version dated 22 October 2025, state that all London bus services are accessible for customers using certain mobility aids. For mobility scooters the stated limits are a width of up to 60 cm, a length of up to 100 cm and a maximum turning radius of 120 cm. The scooter must also be within the weight limit shown on the ramp or beside the doorway (TfL, “Conditions of Carriage”, section 10.1.1).
Wheelchairs are given a larger allowance: up to 70 cm wide and 120 cm long when unfolded. The scooter limits are therefore tighter than the wheelchair limits, and the figures to check are the scooter’s overall width, overall length and turning radius as given in the manufacturer’s specification, set against the published numbers rather than against a general impression of size.
One space, and who has priority
TfL says every London bus route is served by a low-floor vehicle with a dedicated space for one wheelchair user and an access ramp (TfL, “Wheelchair access & avoiding stairs”). The Conditions of Carriage add that wheelchair and mobility scooter users have priority over everyone else for the use of the wheelchair space, because it is the only space in which they can travel safely. A person with an unfolded buggy may therefore be asked to fold it to make room (TfL, “Conditions of Carriage”, sections 10.1.3 and 11.2).
Because the bay is provided for one wheelchair user, a second wheelchair or scooter user cannot use it at the same time. The Conditions list “the wheelchair space is already occupied by a wheelchair user” among the reasons travel can be refused, so a short wait for the next bus is sometimes unavoidable.
When a driver can refuse travel
The Conditions set out four situations in which TfL reserves the right to refuse travel with a mobility aid:
- the driver considers the aid exceeds the stated dimensions or the weight limit on the ramp or by the doorway;
- the wheelchair space is already occupied by a wheelchair user;
- the driver considers the bus so crowded that there is no room to travel safely;
- the driver considers it unsafe to travel on the bus with the aid.
TfL adds that refusal should happen only when absolutely necessary, that nobody already travelling will be asked to get off the bus, and that the driver will say if it is unsafe to travel on a particular bus with the aid (TfL, “Conditions of Carriage”, section 10.1.4).
Boarding, payment and free travel
Wheelchair and mobility scooter users should board through the centre doors of a dual-door bus and position the scooter safely in the designated area. They travel free on any London bus service at all times. Anyone travelling with them must go straight to the front of the bus after boarding and pay with an Oyster card, Oyster photocard, contactless card or ticket (TfL, “Conditions of Carriage”, sections 10.1.2 and 10.1.5).
The Mobility Aid Recognition card
TfL runs a voluntary Mobility Aid Recognition scheme. A traveller who applies has the aid checked against the bus specifications, and if it qualifies, a TfL travel mentor visits and accompanies the person on the network so that boarding and leaving the bus become familiar. The mentor can offer practice on out-of-service buses. The person then receives a card recognised on London buses as proof that the aid has been approved (TfL, “Travel mentoring”).
TfL is explicit that the card is not compulsory: a traveller does not need one to use London buses. Its stated benefit is practical, since it helps drivers see that an aid is suitable, and TfL notes that drivers must lower the ramp on request if access is possible. To join, TfL asks people to email [email protected] or phone 020 3054 4361, between 09:00 and 16:00 Monday to Friday.
A short checklist before the first journey
- Dimensions: compare width, length and turning radius with the limits above, using the manufacturer’s specification sheet.
- Weight: look for the limit displayed on the ramp or beside the doorway; the Conditions tie the weight test to the ramp.
- Legal class: the Conditions state dimensions, not scooter classes. The class rules for road and pavement use are covered in our guide to Class 2 and Class 3 scooters.
Questions readers often ask
Do I need a permit to take a scooter on a London bus?
TfL’s Conditions of Carriage do not require a permit, and TfL states that the recognition card is voluntary.
Does a scooter user pay a fare?
No. TfL says wheelchair and mobility scooter users travel free on London buses. Companions pay their own fare.
What if the bay is taken?
A wheelchair user already in the space is a listed reason for refusal, so the realistic option is to wait for the next bus.
The bottom line
On London buses, TfL’s Conditions of Carriage (version dated 22 October 2025) accept mobility scooters up to 60 cm wide and 100 cm long with a turning radius of no more than 120 cm, within the weight limit shown at the ramp. There is one wheelchair space, scooter and wheelchair users have priority for it, and they travel free. A driver can refuse travel if the scooter is too large, the space is taken or the bus is unsafe or too crowded. The Mobility Aid Recognition card is voluntary but helps drivers and passengers alike.
Sources
- TfL, “Conditions of Carriage for Bus, Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line Services” (content.tfl.gov.uk)
- TfL, “Travel mentoring” (tfl.gov.uk)
- TfL, “Wheelchair access & avoiding stairs” (tfl.gov.uk)