THEY may be the quickest way to the shops for the disabled and elderly but mobility scooters are hardly comparable to a racing car - unless you are a European tax chief.

THEY may be the quickest way to the shops for the disabled and elderly but mobility scooters are hardly comparable to a racing car - unless you are a European tax chief.

Until now mobility scooters have enjoyed their own tax bracket - exempt from VAT - but according to new European legislation they will now be lumped in a group along with racing cars, scrambling bikes and golf buggies.

The new tax rules on mobility scooters could sting ordinary customers to the tune of £100 for the most basic scooters.

Karen Turner, 41, of Sudbury, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and needs her scooter to get around, said disabled riders were disgusted at the legislation.

“I talk to people every day who find it hard to scrape the money together for a scooter as it is and this tax will put them out of reach for many,” she said.

Helen Taylor, Information Manager from Age Concern Suffolk described the move as “ridiculous”.

She said: “These vehicles provide independence and freedom and a means of dealing with your own affairs.

“A scooter is a major purchase and this additional tax will put them out of reach for some of those people who need them most.”

A spokesman for HM Revenue and Customs said: “The customs classification of mobility scooters is the responsibility of the European Community and the coding system used is based on that of the World Customs Organisation.

“HMRC are advising the UK industry on how best to pursue a change to the customs classification.”