Research on the Use of Motorized Mobility Devices Daniel Blais, Project Officer, Accessibility and Human Factors

Outline Introduction and Background Recent Transport Canada R&D related to Motorized Mobility Devices (MMD) Research Results Next steps (what needs to be done) 2

3 Motorized Mobility Device

Introduction and Background Why is there a need to investigate the use of MMDS Aging population Potential for Increased used due to changing demographics Lack of regulations and standards Well being and human rights implications 4

Recent TC R&D Related to MMDs Analysis and assessment of the environment for 3 and 4 wheel mobility scooters (completed in November 2011) Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs (completed in November 2013) 5

Analysis and assessment of the environment for 3 and 4 wheel mobility scooters SCOPE 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 6

Analysis and assessment of the environment for 3 and 4 wheel mobility scooters METHODOLOGY National and International Literature Review Consultations with public and private stakeholders Stakeholder forum in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia Analysis of results of literature review and consultations Formulation of recommendations and conclusions 7

Analysis and assessment of the environment for 3 and 4 wheel mobility scooters RESULTS Issues identified regarding the use of MMDs: Safety concerns of MMD users vis-à-vis other road users like cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers The transportability and securement of MMDs in public transit and inter-city transport vehicles The respective organizations to be responsible for implementing the required actions Lack of data Proposed definition, which required validation by stakeholders 8

Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs SCOPE Workshop objective: Validate the proposed definition for MMDs Strategize how to implement definition Agree on a way forward for future research activities 9

Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs METHODOLOGY Workshop included Presentations from five plenary speakers Roundtable discussions Role-play Surveys 10

Break down of participants at scooter workshop 11

Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs RESULTS Analysis through the lens of the three Es Engineering physical characteristics of the MMDs, and the environment in which they operate Enforcement standards, guidelines and regulations Education raising awareness about issues related to MMDs for users, transportation operators and decision-makers 12

Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs RESULTS Validating the definition: The need for two different definitions were established, one for transportable (TMMDs) and another for non-transportable motorized mobility devices (NTMMDs). 13

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Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs RESULTS Proposal on how to implement the validated definition: Federal Jurisdiction: regulation of vehicles and devices Provincial Jurisdiction: licensing, insurance, funding, highway safety code Municipal Jurisdiction: Access to rights of way, by laws prohibiting use 15

Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs RESULTS What research needs to be done: Engineering Research: On effective safety features required for devices and infrastructure To enable their transportability and securement To aid in accessible design of buildings and related infrastructure (e.g., signage and lighting). 16

Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs RESULTS What research needs to be done (continued): Enforcement Research: To enable the creation of effective guidelines, standards and regulations for TMMDS and NTMMDs. Education Research To develop training, education and outreach program to provide information to users, transportation industry front line staff and dealer Data on MMD import, sale, including secondary sales of used devices, and accident statistics are needed 17

Next Steps 18

Thank you! Daniel Blais, MUP Project Officer, Accessibility and Human Factors Transportation Development Centre (613) Transport Canada 19