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. 1TRANSED 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

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 3TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Global Changing Demographics 4TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 5TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Parameter 1: The Scooter 6TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Parameter 2: The User 7TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Parameter 3: The Environment 8TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Parameter 4: The Key Stakeholders Agencies responsible for regulations Transportation operators Manufacturers and suppliers Users 9TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 10TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 11TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 12TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 13TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 14TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Results of Qualicum Beach Forum 15TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Results of Qualicum Beach Forum 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 16TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 17TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Results of Qualicum Beach Forum 18TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Analysis and Conclusion Factors considered : – Laws on passenger and vehicle safety, – Jurisdictional (provincial vs. municipal) responsibilities over vehicle use, highways, roads and pedestrian facilities 19TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 20TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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.” 21TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 22TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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 23TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

Thank you!! To reach us: Ling Suen: Daniel Blais: Uwe Rutenberg: 24TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India