A Q about "mobility scooters"

Vince M

From the various answers, here, I can see that there is some confusion about what kind of "scooters" people are writing about.

Their are the medicaly required mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs, and then, there are the "golf cart" type electric vehicles that are quite different.

In some jurisdictions, the golf cart type vehicles are, either, allowed to operate on public streets, but under the same vehicle licensing and road rules as regular automobiles, including license and registration. In some private, gated communities, they are allowed on the streets because they are on private property and are NOT subject to traffic regulations.

The powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are a different type of transport. In most, if not all jurisdictions the operators of these are considered pedestrians and are subject to the same regulations and priviledges as any other pedestrian. That means they have the same right of way status and, restrictions to use of the road as a pedestrian. In other words, they belong on the sidewalk or shoulder of the road if there is one. (unlike bicycles, which do NOT belong on the sidewalk)

These mobility devices require no licensing or registration. They don't even require a doctors prescription so, anyone can purchase and use one as long as they have the money.

The thing is, just because some observer can't "see" someone's disability does not mean someone shouldn't have one. For example, most medical insurance will only cover the cost of these for very limited conditions. Many will use the same standard as is used by the Federal Medicare program. Essentially, Medicare says that as long as the person does not need the power chair to get to the restoom in their own home, they do not need one. Many people, for example, can get around their own homes by leaning on furniture, walls, etc, or can manage just enough steps to reach the restroom, but are extremely limited in their walking range otherwise. Many folks are, therefore, pretty much restricted from leaving their homes, without the help of someone else.

That means absolutely no independance.

So, if they want to do their own grocery shopping, go to the movies, vist friends and family without depending on someone else's help, they must spend the money (anywhere from a $1000 up to as much as around $10,000). So, the person who felt that the one who was able to stand up to reach an item on a higher shelf had no business riding one, was pretty much wrong in her attitude.

But here's the thing about most of those issues most of the answerers complain about. Does EVERY pedestrian take proper precautions when crossing the street? Has no one ever been bumped by a careless person who suddenly changes direction while walking between the aisles of a grocery store? Have you NEVER had your toes stepped on by some clumsy clod?

And you, Bob, do you always respond to being inconvenienced in shops with some sarcastic remark? Perhaps it was your remark that prompted the "unfair" retort.

UCANTCME

They can be at times somewhat of a nuisance but depending on where you live some of them do need to be licensed, inspected and they do pay road taxes as well.

chris

i think all scooter's should have a speed Limit between 3 and 6 miles per hour. i would also like to see a limit on the size. and also clear instructions that they are an off road vehicle.

some people drive these things like a motor cars.

I also think some sort of test when purchasing from dealers.

i also think 6 miles an our is powerfull enough for kerbs edge's.

i am also totally against their use on road cycle paths. which is after all part of the road.

John Paul

The really scary thing is when they exit the store and drive that scooter onto the ramp on back of the Cadillac Deville. They cannot turn there heads far enough to see behind and back up by braille until they feel the bump.. Either we or our 80 year parents will be on one of those things hopefully we don't have to endanger to many people.

dirtytricksracing@sbcglobal.net

Well I use one and the rider needs to be aware of what is around him and operate it in a safe manner.

Adacadus

By law they are required to be taxed and insured. As far as I can remember you need either a type k or p licence to drive them on the road.

They are motor powered vehicles, and as such are expected to obey all relevant laws when used.

However, all of the above means nothing untill the police decide to start prosecuting for these offences.

RALPH HINRIK

They are required to have insurance, and it is quite expensive. Now we know why.

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