Mobility Scooters for an Ageing Society

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Mobility Scooters for an Ageing Society

Presented by Ling Suen, ICSA Inc. Canada

Authors: Daniel Blais, Transport Canada Uwe Rutenberg, Rutenberg Design Inc. Ling Suen, ICSA Inc.

TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India 2

Two studies carried out in Canada • Province of Quebec Study• Focused on infrastructure and rights of way

• Considered ‘social mobility’ (mobility aids) vs. ‘civil mobility’ (personal transportation)

• Government of Canada (Transport Canada) Study• Investigated transportability of scooters on other modes

of transportation

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Purpose

• In Canada the population is ageing

• Independent mobility important to seniors’ well being

• Mobility scooters preferred by seniors for ‘automobility’

• Study to provide guidance on regulations and/or frameworks for safe operation of mobility aids


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Global Changing Demographics


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Scope of the Study

• Analyze and assess the environment (physical and regulatory) for three- and four-wheel mobility scooters, and to identify future needs for safe operation

• Four parameters were examined: • The scooter

• The user

• The environment

• The key stakeholders


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Parameter 1: The Scooter


large 3 wheel scooter

Segway T3 Motion E-Bike Vespa motor cycle

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Parameter 2: The User


Recreation / shopping / medical trips

Semi ambulatory/ mobility reducedSeniors

Professional use

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Parameter 3: The Environment


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Parameter 4: The Key Stakeholders

• Agencies responsible for regulations

• Transportation operators

• Manufacturers and suppliers

• Users


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Methodology

•National and International Literature Review

•Consultations with public and private stakeholders

•Expert forum in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia

•Analysis of results of literature review and consultations

•Formulation of recommendations and conclusions


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Results of Literature Review • International review (Canada, USA, Europe, Asia, Australia and New

Zealand).• No regulations in most countries, scooters considered pedestrians by

default (except Hong Kong), • Lack of consistent or systematic recording of incidents (except for

Australia)• Some technological developments to increase manoeuvrability and

stability• Predominantly rear-facing securement (no tie-downs) systems in

Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. Forward facing securement (with tie-downs) in the US.

• Study being conducted in QC in 2011 to distinguish between motorized mobility aids and motorized personal transportation devices


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Results of Consultations

• Questionnaire– 14 questionnaires were completed: 2 by federal

govt depts, 5 by transportation providers, 1 CCMTA, 1 by FCM, 1 by manufacturer, 1 by CSA and 3 by users

• Qualicum Beach Forum– Expert forum including participants from the town

of Qualicum Beach, users, BC DOT, transportation providers, local law enforcement and dealers


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Results of Consultations

• Use on sidewalks and roads should be allowed• Use on highways should not be allowed• Vehicle plating/registration should not be

required• Driver licensing should not be required• Speed should be limited to between 8 and 15

km/h• Maximum length should not exceed 1300 mm


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Results of Consultations (cont’d)

• Maximum length should not exceed 1300 mm• Maximum turning radius should not exceed 1500

mm• Maximum weight should not exceed 140 kg• Training by dealer is strongly recommended but

not required• Safety features (e.g. a horn, signals,

lights/reflectors) should be required


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Results of Qualicum Beach Forum


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• Scooters used on daily basis mostly during the day for shopping, recreation and medical trips

• Operate on sidewalks, bicycle paths and laneways (can result in land-use/ROW conflicts)

• Speed should be defining criteria for ROW access


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Results of Qualicum Beach Forum• Support standardization and safety features• Dealers strive to provide training and advice• Further assessment required by regulatory

agencies• Law enforcement treats scooters as

pedestrians • Law enforcement assigns priority on user

awareness of rules over training, safety features and size/speed of scooters


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Analysis and Conclusion

Factors considered :– Laws on passenger and vehicle safety, – Jurisdictional (provincial vs. municipal)

responsibilities over vehicle use, highways, roads and pedestrian facilities


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Conclusions

• Definition of mobility scooter needed• User training required for safe operation • Users need to receive up-to-date travel

information• Standards required to improve safety of users,

pedestrians and carrier staff• Data on sales not easily available, particularly

for second hand sales


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Recommendations

Proposed draft definition “A mobility scooter is a powered device intended to facilitate

the transport, in a seated posture, of ambulatory, semi-ambulatory or persons with disabilities. A mobility scooter is equipped with a seat with arm rests, a means to maneuver safely on various surfaces, and appropriate safety features. A mobility scooter has a maximum speed of 10 km/hr and is designed with dimensions and securement anchorage that facilitate travel in public transportation modes. The first generation of scooters typically has 3 or 4 wheels and is steered by a tiller/handlebar.”


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Recommendations

• Hold a national stakeholder forum to validate definition and chart next steps

• Design universal battery connectors • Update standards • Mandate safety features• Specify realistic payload requirements• Develop signage


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Final Thoughts

• Definition should be flexible enough to adapt to new technology

• Stakeholder involvement in setting standards is key

• Both transportation providers and users share responsibility for ensuring safe PMD transportability


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Thank you!!To reach us:

Ling Suen: [email protected] Blais: [email protected]

Uwe Rutenberg: [email protected]


Mobility Scooters for an Ageing Society

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