With enclosed mobility devices becoming more common, a dad from Cambridge is raising concerns about their safety for pedestrians and how they might be misusing rules meant to help people with mobility challenges.
Devin Sisak, who started Barrier-free Cambridge and has a son in a wheelchair, points out what he sees as a safety risk: these enclosed mobility devices being used on sidewalks and shared paths.
They sort of look like mini smart-cars and often come with similar features, but they’re still allowed where you’d expect to find walkers, cyclists, or traditional mobility aids.
Sisak spoke on The Mike Farwell Show about how these “mobility devices” often have heat, air conditioning, doors with roll-down windows, and usually an extra passenger seat.
He thinks cities and the province should rethink how these vehicles are categorized.
“Some of these can fit up to four people, most are being sold have two seats.” said Sisak. “As soon as you can drive with your friends it’s no longer a mobility device, it’s a vehicle.”
Sisak also noted that some models can go faster than 40 km/h – way quicker than electric wheelchairs or scooters. He believes the way they’re marketed plays a big role in the issue.
“The province in 2017, brought in a pilot project for low-speed electric vehicles. Municipalities have to opt in to have them allowed to drive on their roads. And, it seems that dealers are labelling them as mobility devices to get around those bylaws.”
Sisak added he’s seen marketing aimed at people who’ve lost their driving privileges.
“We have these checks and balances to keep people safe. Not only pedestrians, the drivers, the users themselves. I really question, if you’re losing your license for a reason, why are we just giving you a smaller car and that’s okay.”
The City of Cambridge replied by email to 570 News Radio:
“At this time, enclosed mobility devices are not permitted on City sidewalks; however, other mobility assistive devices such as motorized wheelchairs are. The City’s priority is safety for both those who use devices and others using sidewalks and pathways. We review unique cases individually and continue to monitor practices in other municipalities.”
The Waterloo Regional Police also gave this statement when contacted by 570 News Radio:
“The enclosed mobility scooter is considered a pedestrian device. In many cases, it is permitted on the sidewalks, much like a scooter. However, different municipalities may have different bylaws that outline those rules. In the event there are no sidewalks, they may be permitted to use the shoulder of the roadway as long as they continue to follow the rules of the road.”
Sisak wants new rules so these enclosed vehicles aren’t grouped together with motorized wheelchairs or similar aids before someone gets seriously hurt.
