Staff
Personal mobility devices such as scooters have become popular amongst today’s seniors.
But when it comes to the law, are they considered a vehicle or not?
People operating scooters or motorized wheelchairs are treated the same way as pedestrians, local OPP Community Services Officer Cst. Guy Beaudry told the Times yesterday.
They must obey all the rules of the road that apply to pedestrians under the Highway Traffic Act, he noted.
Most municipalities have set bylaws about where wheelchairs and scooters can and can’t be used.
Fort Frances does not.
As such, the sidewalk should be the first choice for someone using a wheelchair or medical scooter.
“We actually encourage people to use the sidewalk because, for the most part, they’re elderly and using it for mobility issues,” said Cst. Beaudry, adding they must watch for motorists coming out of private driveways.
“And where they have to use [the street], we’re asking them to do like pedestrians—to [face] traffic so drivers do see them coming,” he remarked.
“And look for a way to get onto a sidewalk safely and as soon as you can,” he stressed.
Just like pedestrians, those using scooters or motorized wheelchairs should cross the street only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights, said Cst. Beaudry.
Don’t cross in the middle of the block, especially from in-between parked cars.
Wheelchairs or scooters do not require registration, licence plates, a driver’s licence or vehicle insurance, Cst. Beaudry noted.
Anyone at any age can ride a scooter or motorized wheelchair.
By definition, a wheelchair or scooter:
•can be driven by muscular power or other types of power; and
•is designed for and used by people whose mobility is limited by a condition or functional impairment.
