Portable Vehicle Weigh Pads: Buying Guide

Portable vehicle weigh pads have become an essential tool across industries where vehicle weight, axle load, and compliance matter, this is why we have written a buying guide before you make that expensive purchase.

From transport and logistics to construction, agriculture, waste management, and enforcement, these systems provide a flexible, accurate, and cost-effective way to weigh vehicles without the need for permanent weighbridges.

This guide explains what portable vehicle weighing scales are, how they work, their benefits and limitations, and how to choose the right system for your operation.

What Are Portable Vehicle Weigh Pads?

Portable vehicle weighing scales are mobile weighing systems designed to measure the weight of vehicles, axles, or individual wheels. Unlike fixed weighbridges, they can be transported to different locations and set up quickly on-site.

They typically consist of:

  • Two or more weighing platforms, commonly known as “weigh pads”

  • Load Cells to measure the force applied

  • A digital weight indicator or display in a carry case

  • Optional accessories such as ramps, printers, or wireless transmitters to software or laptops

Depending on the configuration, portable scales can measure:

  • Individual wheel weights

  • Individual Axle weights

  • Centre of Gravity (COG)

  • Gross vehicle weight (GVW)

How Do Portable Vehicle Weighing Pads Work?

When a vehicle drives onto the scale pads, the load cells convert the applied force into an electrical signal. This signal is processed by the indicator, which displays the weight.

There are two main weighing methods:

  1. Static weighing – the vehicle stops on the scale for maximum accuracy

  2. Low-speed dynamic weighing – the vehicle rolls slowly over the pads for faster operation, usually less than 3mph

Some systems allow weights to be accumulated automatically to calculate total vehicle weight from individual axles.

 

Key Applications of Portable Vehicle Weighing Scales

Portable vehicle scales are used in a wide range of sectors, including:

  • Transport & logistics – preventing overloading and fines, the primary use for vehicle weigh pads

  • Construction & civil engineering – monitoring material loads on-site

  • Agriculture – weighing tractors, trailers, and harvest loads

  • Waste & recycling – tracking inbound and outbound vehicle weights

  • Mining & quarrying – mobile weighing in remote locations

  • Enforcement & compliance – roadside axle and weight checks by enforcement teams, MWS has supplied a vast majority of the UK Police Forces with their pads.

Advantages of Portable Vehicle Weighing Scales

1. Mobility and Flexibility

Portable scales can be used across multiple sites, making them ideal for temporary projects or businesses operating in different locations.

2. Lower Cost Than Fixed Weighbridges

They require no civil works, foundations, or permanent installation, significantly reducing upfront costs.

3. Fast Setup and Operation

Many systems can be deployed and operational in minutes, minimising setup time to a minimum.

4. Accurate Weight Control

Our portable axle scales provide high accuracy, often meeting legal-for-trade or enforcement standards when used correctly.

5. Improved Compliance and Safety

By monitoring axle loads and GVW, operators can reduce:

  • Overloading fines

  • Excessive tyre and suspension wear

  • Road damage and safety risks

Limitations and Considerations

While portable vehicle weighing scales offer many benefits, there are some limitations to consider:

  • Surface requirements – accuracy depends on a reasonably level and stable surface

  • Throughput – generally slower than high-capacity fixed weighbridges for busy sites

  • Environmental factors – extreme temperatures or uneven ground can affect readings

  • Training required – correct positioning and use are essential for reliable results

Understanding these factors helps ensure the system is used effectively.

Types of Portable Vehicle Weighing Scales

1. Dynamic Portable Axle Weigh Pads

Designed to weigh individual axles as a vehicle moves or stops on each pad. Ideal for compliance checks and fleet operations.

2. Portable Wheel Load Scales

Measure each wheel independently, commonly used for load balancing and suspension setup.

3. Modular Portable Weighbridges

Multiple platforms combined to form a temporary full-length weighbridge, suitable for higher-capacity operations.

4. Wireless Portable Scales

Use wireless communication between pads and indicators, reducing cables and improving ease of setup.

Dynamic Axle Weighing: Portable Solutions

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Portable Vehicle Weighing Scales

When selecting a system, consider the following key factors:

1. Maximum Capacity

Ensure the scale can handle:

  • Maximum axle loads

  • Gross vehicle weight

  • Future operational needs

2. Accuracy and Certification

Look for:

  • Stated accuracy and repeatability

  • Compliance with relevant standards (e.g. OIML, legal-for-trade if required)

3. Portability and Weight

If frequent relocation is required, lightweight pads and carrying cases are important to enable quick setup and use, we’ve found in some circumstances periodic checks by individuals tasked with checking are missed due to the difficulty in moving and setting up the weigh pads.

4. Surface Conditions

Some systems perform better on uneven or unprepared ground than others. Our weigh pads are suitable for a lot of surfaces such as concrete or tarmac, loose stone or aggregate bases are not advised.

We have a guide on how to setup your weigh pads on our website.

5. Ease of Use

Features to look for include:

  • Clear digital displays that indicate individual pad weights and cumulative readings

  • Simple calibration, this is undertook by our team at MWS

  • Automatic axle summing, this goes without saying, you shouldn’t have to add wheel weights up yourself!!

6. Connectivity and Data Management

Modern indicators may offer:

  • USB or Bluetooth data transfer, the 3590 model is ideal for data recording, its a big win over the cheaper DFWKRP

  • Built-in printers, all of our boxes come with a ticket printer, more data is printable with the 3590

  • Integration with fleet management software, the 3590 can output a CSV file to a USB to enable import into software.

7. Environmental Protection

Check IP ratings for:

  • Dust resistance

  • Water ingress, we see this on cheaper imported pads, they do not withstand the UK weather.

  • Outdoor durability, goes without saying, if these are being used outdoors, then make sure they are weatherproof, especially in the UK!!

Models We Recommend

WWSB WWSC WWSD WWSE WWSF AxCHK4 AxChk
Cars / Abnormal Loads Wired
Only		 Wired or Wireless Wired or Wireless
LGVs & Vans to 3.5t Wired or Wireless Wired or Wireless
HGVs to 7.5t – Two Axle Rigid Wired or Wireless Wired or Wireless Wired or Wireless
HGVs to 12t  – Two Axle Rigid Wired or Wireless Wired or Wireless Wired or Wireless
HGVs to 18t  – Multi Axle Vehicles Wired or Wireless
HGVs to 44t  – Multi Axle Vehicles Wired or Wireless
Agricultural / Tractors / Combines Wired
Only		 Wired
Only

We have a weigh pad set dedicated to abnormal load weighing – often advice about weighing abnormal loads isn’t helpful, talk to us about a demonstration of our abnormal load weighing services.

Axle Weigh Pad Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Portable and flexible, the kits are easily transportable in a car or small van

  • Lower cost than fixed weighbridges

  • Quick deployment

  • Accurate weight measurement

  • Suitable for multiple industries and applications

Cons

  • Requires suitable ground conditions

  • Lower throughput than permanent systems

  • Operator technique affects accuracy

  • Not always ideal for very high traffic volumes

FAQs: Portable Vehicle Weighing Scales

Are portable vehicle weighing scales accurate?

Yes, when used correctly on a suitable surface, modern portable scales offer excellent accuracy. Many systems are approved for trade or enforcement use. In static weighing we expect accuracies of under 0.02% of full scale

Can portable scales replace a fixed weighbridge?

In many applications, yes. However, for high-volume sites with constant traffic, a fixed weighbridge may be more efficient. We do not view weigh pads as a product that competes with weighbridges, they are very different weighing applications

Do portable vehicle scales need calibration?

Yes. Regular calibration is essential to maintain accuracy and compliance. Most manufacturers provide calibration procedures and services.

It is recommended that your axle weigh pads are calibrated annually, the MWS team can organise the collection and return for you where needed.

Can you calibrate our portable vehicle scales even if we didn’t buy from you?

Our dedicated weigh pad team, Vanna and Brice will be able to calibrate and service all types of vehicle weigh pads. Some types especially the thin aluminium models are almost impossible to repair if there is a fault, their this design makes it difficult to do repairs.

Can you calibrate our weigh pads to UKAS (ISO 17025)?

YES! MWS are currently (2025) the only UK accredited weigh pad calibration business that has gone through the UKAS process specifically for Axle Weighing Pads to calibrate and certify to ISO 17025, this includes very specific additional tests left out by organisations who are not following the requirements of the DVSA.

Can they be used outdoors?

Most portable vehicle weighing scales are designed for outdoor use and have protective ratings against dust and water. The Dini Argeo models that we sell are waterproof, we have installed many sets into semi permanent sites where the client leaves them outside for a majority of the year.

How long does setup take?

Depending on the system, setup can take anywhere from a few minutes to around 30 minutes depending if you have a set with levelling modules.

Are portable vehicle scales legal for trade?

Some models are, but not all. It is a good idea to talk to our weigh pad specialist Harry Farnsworth before ordering to make sure your application doesn’t need trade approval.

Our Conclusive Thoughts!

Portable vehicle weighing scales offer a powerful combination of accuracy, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. They are an ideal solution for organisations that need reliable vehicle weight data without the expense and permanence of a fixed weighbridge.

By understanding your operational requirements and using the buying guide above, you can select a system that improves compliance, reduces costs, and enhances safety across your operations.