MARK Oaten has called for tougher safety laws for pensioners who use electric scooters, after a 90-year-old diced with death on the M27.

The Winchester Liberal Democrat MP wants users of motorised wheelchairs and scooters to be forced to undergo training before being allowed to use them on pavements and roads.

He also believes drivers should take out insurance to protect them against claims in the event of an accident.

The industry has admitted the number of accidents caused by mobility vehicles is rising, as increasing numbers of elderly people choose them over traditional wheelchairs to boost their quality of life.

Costing anything from £700 to £4,000, the vehicles can reach speeds of up to 15 mph.

Mr Oaten said: "Thankfully more people are getting hold of this equipment and getting more mobile.

"But there has been an increase in the number of accidents taking place from people using scooters and wheelchairs."

Mr Oaten stressed he did not want this to turn into a "nanny state issue", but said when the vehicles were sold, buyers should be given a lesson in how to use them safely.

He said: "These are vehicles that can travel.

"It's not Grand Prix levels, but they can buzz along."

Ray Hodgkinson, director general of the British Healthcare Trade Association, whose members manufacture the mobile vehicles, admitted the number of insurance claims made against users involved in accidents was increasing.

Mr Hodgkinson agreed that suppliers should "assess" users to ensure they were able to control their vehicles and had no problems with their vision.

The Department of Transport is currently considering how to react to the increasing use of mobility vehicles, and is expected to make an announcement on training and insurance later this year.

Last week a man from Locks Heath went down the slip road on to the M27 after taking a wrong turn after leaving the Whiteley Village shopping centre.

He may face charges for using the hard shoulder incorrectly.