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Wheelchair-Accessible Trams and Light Rail: Boarding, Spaces and Scooter Rules

Trams are among the easiest city transport for wheelchair users, because the vehicles are low-floor and the platforms are level. Manchester Metrolink and Edinburgh Trams both offer step-free boarding and dedicated wheelchair spaces, but the boarding points, scooter rules and help arrangements differ between networks. This guide covers both so you can ride either without surprises.

Rollivane editorialPublished 6 min read
Wheelchair-Accessible Trams and Light Rail: Boarding, Spaces and Scooter Rules

Illustration of a wheelchair user boarding a low-floor city tram at a step-free platform.

Tram access rules from TfGM and Edinburgh Trams official pages; scooter size rules still apply on Metrolink.

In brief

  • Use the marked boarding points so the middle doors open at the wheelchair bays
  • Metrolink dropped its scooter permit in October 2026; size rules still apply
  • Edinburgh has two spaces per tram and a yellow alighting button by the space

Manchester Metrolink: level boarding and marked boarding points

All Metrolink trams and tram stops are accessible for wheelchair users. Every tram has a wheelchair and mobility scooter area, wider priority seats and emergency call points, and every stop has step-free access by ramp, lift or escalator, plus CCTV and emergency call points. Wait at the marked disabled boarding points on the platform, because the middle set of doors opens at the wheelchair bays and priority seating. If you need more time to get off, use the passenger help-point next to the wheelchair bay to tell the driver before your stop.

Scooter rules changed in October 2026

From 5 October 2026, mobility scooter users no longer need a permit to travel on Metrolink, a change Transport for Greater Manchester made to make access easier. Scooters must still meet size and safety requirements, so check the current permitted dimensions before you travel rather than assuming any scooter qualifies. Support and confidence training is still available through Shopmobility on request, even though the permit itself is no longer required. If you are unsure whether your scooter qualifies, contact Transport for Greater Manchester before your first trip.

Edinburgh Trams: two spaces and a yellow button

Edinburgh Trams provide two dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters on every tram, located in the middle carriage. Because of space limits, only Class II mobility scooters can be carried, and there is a permit scheme for scooter users, so check the tram accessibility page before travelling with a scooter. When your stop is announced, press the yellow button with the wheelchair symbol next to the wheelchair space: it tells the driver a wheelchair user wants to get off, and the driver will operate the doors and make sure you are safely on the platform before moving off. Note that trams have no toilets, so plan toilet stops around your journey.

Sources & further reading

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters on MetrolinkAre there spaces for wheelchairs or mobility scooters on the tram?

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