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Mobility Scooters for an Ageing Society

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. Two studies carried out in Canada. Province of Quebec Study

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Mobility Scooters for an Ageing Society

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  1. 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

  2. Twostudiescarried 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  3. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  4. Global ChangingDemographics TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  5. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  6. Parameter 1: The Scooter large 3 wheel scooter Vespa motor cycle Segway T3 Motion E-Bike TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  7. Parameter 2: The User Semi ambulatory/ mobility reduced Seniors Recreation / shopping / medical trips Professional use TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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

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

  10. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  11. Results of LiteratureReview • 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  12. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  13. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  14. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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

  16. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  17. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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

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

  20. 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 TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  21. 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.” TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  22. Recommendations • Hold a national stakeholder forum to validatedefinition and chartnextsteps • Design universalbatteryconnectors • Update standards • Mandate safetyfeatures • Specifyrealisticpayloadrequirements • Developsignage TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  23. Final Thoughts • Definitionshouldbe flexible enough to adapt to new technology • Stakeholderinvolvement in setting standards iskey • Both transportation providers and usersshareresponsibility for ensuringsafe PMD transportability TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

  24. Thankyou!! To reach us: Ling Suen: suen.ling@gmail.com Daniel Blais: daniel.blais@tc.gc.ca Uwe Rutenberg: uwe.rutenberg@sympatico.ca TRANSED 2012, Delhi, India

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