A guide for choosing and using motorised mobility devices: mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs
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APRIL 2010 A guide for choosing and using motorised mobility devices: mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs keeping victorians connected
Acknowledgements Contents
VicRoads acknowledges the contribution of the following organisations and Introduction 4
individuals in reviewing this publication:
Who may use a motorised mobility device? 5
Dr Marilyn Di Stefano, School of Occupational Therapy, Latrobe University
Think about your health 6
Dr Maree Dyson, Transport Accident Commission
Choosing the right motorised mobility device 7
Ms Susan Dyson, Travellers Aid Disability Access Service
Mr Nazim Erdem, Australian Quadriplegic Association Checks to make before each trip 13
Ms Eleanor Fergeus, Department of Human Services, Victoria Out and about 14
Mr Andrew Gannan, Mobility Aids Australia Pty Ltd Road rules for pedestrians
Mr Mark Grant, Department of Human Services, Victoria on motorised mobility devices 18
Ms Tricia Greenway, Arthritis Victoria Rate yourself – can you be a safe user? 22
Ms Mary-Ann Leithof, ParaQuad Victoria
Ms Robin Lovell, School of Occupational Therapy, Latrobe University
Mr Emilio Savle, Department of Transport, Victoria
Ms Margaret Stevens, Disability Justice Advocacy
Thanks to Angela Lampard, Nillumbik Shire Council for assistance with
photography, and special thanks to Simone Pilens and Bob Bruce for acting
as models.
Disclaimer
This guide explains the legal requirements for
pedestrians using motorised mobility devices. It is
intended as a guide only. It does not purport to set
out the full requirements of the law. For a complete
knowledge of the road law, you should consult the
appropriate Acts and Regulations.
© VicRoads 2006
2
Introduction Who may use a motorised mobility device? 5
The Victorian Government is are not defined as motor If you are not capable of walking or have difficulty in
committed to helping people to get vehicles and therefore cannot walking you may use a motorised mobility device.
around who have difficulty in walking. be registered Your doctor can help you make this decision or may
This is so that everyone can remain must have a maximum capable refer you to an occupational therapist for further
active members of our community. speed of 10km/h on level ground assessment. It is illegal for anyone else to use such a
As we see more older and disabled and a maximum unladen mass device on a footpath or a road.
people in our community, there will of 110kg
be more motorised mobility devices are to be used only by people with
in use on our footpaths. It is essential an injury, disability or medical
that users do their part to keep condition which means they are
themselves and other road users safe. unable to walk or have difficulty
They need to be aware of the road in walking. People who do not
rules and use the devices responsibly have difficulty in walking are not
and safely. permitted to use them.
VicRoads has produced this
People using these devices or
Guide following a recommendation
manual wheelchairs are considered
from the Victorian Parliamentary
Road Safety Committee. pedestrians, and therefore must
obey the same road rules as
This Guide applies to motorised Mobility scooters
pedestrians. These road rules are are designed for use
devices for use by people who explained on page 18.
are unable to walk or have difficulty in outdoors and for travel
walking. These devices are: There are Australian Standards on footpaths.
for the construction of motorised
mobility scooters
mobility devices. These have been
electric wheelchairs. written by experts in the area to
Under the Road Safety Act (1986) and ensure that these devices are safe for
Road Rules - Victoria these devices: people to use and do not put other
people using roads and footpaths at
risk. These standards for motorised
mobility devices are voluntary.
This means that suppliers may
legally sell devices that do not meet
the Standards.
It is strongly recommended that
you request a written statement of
Electric wheelchairs
compliance with the Standards from
are generally designed
the supplier whenever you buy or hire
for indoor use, but can
a device. A summary of the relevant also be suitable for
standards is on page 10. outdoor use.
4
Think about your health Choosing the right motorised mobility device 7
Get independent advice Talk with your family and don’t rush
your decision. Carefully consider
If you are considering getting a
how you plan to use your new
motorised mobility device, it is
device and the places you will be
important that you get independent
travelling to. Ask yourself:
and expert advice before buying.
To make sure that your investment How far do I need to travel?
is a good one, you need to know Will I be able to make all trips
before you pay, that it will suit your along footpaths?
needs. Make sure you deal with an What surfaces will I be travelling
experienced and reputable supplier, over?
but remember that few salespeople Smaller devices, devices with
will be qualified to assess your needs. smaller wheels and devices with
Ideally, you should ask your doctor three wheels may be less stable over
for a referral to an occupational uneven surfaces.It is also important
therapist. Occupational therapists to choose a device that is suitable
are trained to help you live your life to your weight and build as the size
as independently as possible. and weight of the rider can affect
They will assess your individual stability, especially when turning.
abilities and needs, your local
environment and the features you Should you buy or hire?
need to ride safely and legally.
They can also advise you on cost Think about how long you will
In deciding to use a motorised Eyesight, reaction time, sitting subsidies that may be available in need the device. If it is only for a
mobility device, consider your balance and posture, and certain circumstances. short time while you recover from
health. For people who have clear thinking are important an illness or injury then hiring may
difficulty walking, these vehicles give considerations. Your doctor and Which device should you be cheaper. If you need the device
mobility. Walking is a gentle form of occupational therapist will be able choose? on an ongoing basis then buying
exercise that helps to keep you fit to provide advice. You should also may be the better option. A good
Motorised mobility devices vary in supplier should let you trial a device
and reduces the possibility of other use the checklist on page 22. design, size, features and price.
health problems. You should make and will offer after sales service.
Motorised mobility devices can If you have some limitations using
a practice, if possible, of walking You may be able to buy a device
sometimes be modified after your hands, pay particular attention
short distances. When discussing a second-hand, but make sure it suits
purchase, but this can be expensive. to the controls – different designs
motorised mobility device with your your needs and is in good working
So it is important to make sure the suit different people.
doctor and occupational therapist, order. Have it checked by a qualified
device is easy to use before you Modified controls for operation by
make sure you ask about exercise service agent. Have the battery
buy it. arm, chin or head are available.
and diet. tested, because these can
Technology is improving rapidly. It is be expensive to replace.
Just as for driving a car, you need to now possible to customise mobility Ensure there is a local service agent
be sure that you are able to operate devices for many people. Once again for the scooter and that spare parts
a motorised mobility device safely an expert such as an occupational are readily available.
before you buy it. therapist will be able to help.
6
9
Important features Reflective flag
A fluorescent orange flag on a pole
Key-operated on/off switch attached to the device is important
A key-operated switch that for safety. This helps you to be seen
immobilises the device makes it more easily by other pedestrians
much more difficult for other people and motorists, especially in places
to improperly use the vehicle. such as shopping centre car parks.
The flag should be at head height
Luggage carriers
when standing beside the device,
These are good for transporting
but no more than two metres above
small loads but may restrict the
the ground.
manoeuvrability of your device.
Make sure your shopping does not Reflectors or reflective tape
obscure your view to the back and These should be white on the front,
the sides or obstruct the controls. yellow on the sides and red on
Your safety, and the safety of others, the back. Reflectors or reflective
is the most important consideration. materials make it easier to be seen
You must be able to see traffic and on dull days and at night.
pedestrians in all directions. Arrange Reflectors for bicycles are suitable,
for delivery by taxi or collection by a or use a Class 1A reflective tape.
friend if your load is too big.
Headlight and tail lights
On dull days or at night, they might
save your life! The type of LED (Light
Emitting Diode) lights that are used
on bicycles are very bright. They use
little electricity and are less likely to Clearance lights
drain the battery. In order to make When you are crossing a road,
your device highly visible at night, it can be difficult for motorists
the bottom of each light (white to see your headlights or tail
on the front and red on the back) lights. Static (non-flashing) yellow
should be a minimum of 350mm clearance lights on the side of
Mirrors
above the ground. your device also make it easier to
These are to help you to see
see you on dull days and at night.
pedestrians and traffic beside you
Tie down points Yellow LED (Light Emitting Diode)
and behind you. While not required
Strong tie down points enable lights are very bright. They use little
by the Standards, mirrors are a
your mobility device to be safely electricity and are less likely to drain
useful aid to keep you and other
restrained in a wheelchair- the battery. These clearance lights
road users safe.
accessible taxi. Ask about having should not be flashing because
them fitted before you make your they could be confused with
purchase. turning indicators.
8
11
Complying with rules and Australian Standards Questions to ask the supplier How useful is the user manual?
There are two essential questions The Australian Standards are How much does it cost? You need written instructions on
to ask before you buy or hire a voluntary, and some motorised how to operate and maintain your
Make sure you know all the costs
motorised mobility device: mobility devices may not meet motorised mobility device and the
before you buy or hire.
1. Does it comply with Road Rules the standards. The standards are supplier is required to supply a user
designed by experts to improve your If buying, will the supplier allow manual.
– Victoria?
safety and the safety of other road me to use the wheelchair or
2. Does it meet the Australian Is the manual simple and easy
users. They can be purchased from scooter for a trial period before
Standards for motorised mobility to understand?
Standards Australia. See the website: purchase?
devices? Are the following instructions
standards.org.au If buying, what is the price to
It is important that before you buy clear?
Any supplier should be aware of buy it?
or hire, ask the supplier for a written How to recharge the batteries
the Australian Standards. It is not If hiring, what is the hiring fee
statement that the device complies Basic maintenance that you
necessary that you know about the and deposit?
with the following road rules. It: should do at home
standards in detail. However, it is What is the TOTAL cost to me?
is designed to carry one person How to change light bulbs,
important that you ask for a written
must have a maximum capable What is the warranty like? and what light bulbs to buy
statement that your motorised
speed of 10km/h on level ground mobility device complies with all of A warranty protects you from loss if What can it do? What can’t it do?
and a maximum unladen mass the standards that are listed below. the device is faulty.
of 110kg. Above all, the device must meet
Is there a written warranty? your needs and be able to cope with
Standard Name of Standard What it deals with Does the warranty cover parts the trips you plan to make.
AS 2142 Reflectors for pedal Acceptable types of reflectors for and labour?
What is the top speed on
bicycles visibility How long does the warranty last? level ground?
AS 3696 Wheelchairs 3696. Static stability Who arranges and pays for What sort of hill can it climb?
3696.2 Dynamic stability delivery of the device to an
Can it climb over kerbs and
3696 3 Efficiency of brakes authorised repairer while under
gutters?
warranty?
3696.4 Energy consumption How does it cope with the
Do I get a replacement while
3696.5 Overall dimensions, different surfaces I plan to travel
mine is being repaired under
mass & turning space on?
warranty?
3696.6 Maximum speed, How long will fully charged
acceleration & retardation What back-up service is provided? batteries last?
3696.8 Static, impact & fatigue tests Is training provided on how to Can it be transported?
3696.9 Climatic tests use the device?
Can it be safely restrained in a
3696.10 Obstacle climbing ability Is help provided if you need
wheelchair-accessible taxi?
advice?
3696.14 Power and controls Can it be manoeuvred onto a
Does the supplier do servicing
AS3744.1 Ignitability of upholstery Smouldering cigarette bus, and off again without having
and repairs?
ISO 7176-7 Wheelchairs – seating Size of & accessibility to seat to back out?
dimensions
10
Checks to make before each trip 13
Are the batteries fully charged?
Batteries
How long can I travel on fully charged batteries?
Are the tyres inflated to the correct pressure?
Tyres
Under-inflated tyres may cause stability problems.
Are you fit to drive?
Have you recently been unwell or taken medicines or
alcohol that may affect your judgement?
Your
Have the dosages of your medicines been changed
judgement
What equipment does it Where can servicing be done? recently?
come with? Will the servicing company If your health has declined, should you check with your
collect and return the motorised doctor before you go out?
You will need some basic
equipment to keep your motorised mobility device? Is the seat adjusted to the correct height?
mobility device working properly. If they have to keep it for Some seats turn sideways to make it easier to get on.
Seat
an extended period, will the If your seat does this, make sure it is facing forwards and
Is a battery charger included in
servicing company provide a locked in position before you move.
the price?
replacement? Is it sunny outside? Do you need a hat and sunscreen?
Are there clear instructions on
How often does it need to Is it wet outside? Do you need a rain coat?
how to charge the batteries and
be serviced? If it’s wet make sure that the controls are protected from
how to care for them? Weather
How much will a service cost? the weather.
Is there a gauge for checking tyre
Will the servicing company Be very careful that clothes, umbrellas or canopies do not
pressures? Make sure you buy a
provide a statement that make it hard for you to watch and listen for traffic.
spare tube.
all equipment is working in Are you dressed appropriately for the weather?
Are there spare globes?
accordance with specifications? Clothing Are you wearing light-coloured clothing so you can be
What about the initial set-up? seen more easily?
What about breakdowns?
Your supplier may be able to Do you have a mobile phone? This makes it is easy to
It is important to know what service Mobile phone
reprogram the controls to make your contact someone if you have a problem.
is available if there is a breakdown
selected device drive more evenly.
and you are away from home. Do you have a waterproof label on the device with your
Can the controls be set up to suit name and mobile phone number? This enables others
If hiring, is breakdown insurance Identification
me and my abilities? to contact you in the event of loss or if your device is
already arranged?
Can I contact the supplier with obstructing entrances.
If buying, what insurance is
any questions later?
available and how much does If you are carrying bags, shopping or parcels, be careful
What about servicing? it cost? The RACV provides a about the extra weight and the effect it may have on the
There will be some servicing that breakdown service membership balance of your device.
needs to be done by experts. – call 13 19 55 for details. You can
Your load Make sure that any parcels you are carrying do not get in
also check with other breakdown
Are spare parts readily available service companies. the way of controls. Do not let these items restrict your
for this brand and model? view or obscure your lights in the front, to the back or to
the sides.
12
Out and about 15
Your responsibilities when using your motorised mobility device Getting there safely
You need to be very careful and slow down when near Plan to use Footpaths are safer than roads. If there are no footpaths,
other people, especially pedestrians, cyclists and children. streets with plan to use quieter roads. Avoid uneven surfaces, dips and
Safety of
You should make sure that your motorised mobility device footpaths potholes.
others
complies with Australian Standards – see page 10. These are
Avoid hills Climbing hills uses more battery power. Going down hills
there for your safety and the safety of other road users.
where puts more strain on your balance as well as your brakes.
You should make sure that your motorised mobility device possible If you must travel up or down a hill, do so slowly.
is clearly visible to pedestrians and to motorists on dull days
and at night. Use the lights and reflectors recommended Make turns The faster you take a turn, the more danger there is of
Be seen slowly tipping over.
on page eight. and wear light-coloured clothing so you can
be seen more easily. Remember that it can be quite dark Approach
outside even at 5pm in winter! ramps and Do not approach ramps or kerbs at an angle – there may
Make sure that the controls of the vehicle are designed so kerbs head- be a danger of tipping over.
you can operate them safely with your particular disability. on
Keep control
An occupational therapist can help you choose the best Country roads often do not have footpaths and may also
device to suit your condition. have rough edges. Generally, cars travel faster on country
It is highly desirable that you take out public liability Take care roads. Avoid country roads if possible. If you must use a
insurance. In the event that your motorised mobility device on country country road, stay as close to the kerb as possible, facing
injures someone or damages property, public liability roads oncoming traffic. Use your lights, even at daytime, and
insurance will protect you from having to pay for medical watch carefully for traffic. Return to the footpath or nature
treatment or property repairs. Check with your home strip as soon as possible.
insurance company as they may cover use of a motorised Never approach too close to the back of a parked car.
mobility device. Be aware that drivers may not be able to see you, especially
Have Be careful
You should also seriously consider insuring the device when they are reversing. If you must cross the road near a
the right around
against theft and damage. It will be expensive to replace parked car, cross in front of the parked car. Do not park near
insurance parked cars
if it is stolen. It may also be expensive to repair damage. moving cars or machinery. Be aware of how vulnerable you
Insuring against theft or damage will reduce these costs. are around larger, faster-moving vehicles.
Breakdown insurance may be another useful investment.
This is available from companies that provide a breakdown
service for cars. The RACV provides a breakdown service
membership – call: 13 19 55 for details. You can also check
with other companies.
This Metlink brochure has useful information about using
public transport with your motorised mobility device.
14
17
Crossing roads Sharing footpaths
Pedestrian crossings and traffic lights are the safest places Where possible, keep left to allow room for other pedestrians
Keep left
to cross roads and they are better lit at night. You can also to pass.
Choose the use children’s crossings (school crossings), but make sure
Look behind and to the sides before changing direction.
best place to the flags are displayed. Where there is no crossing facility,
Be careful Your vehicle can injure people. Make use of your mirrors
cross the road choose a straight section of road with few parked cars
changing when you have to change direction. You must also turn your
and good visibility. At night cross where there is plenty
direction head and check behind – mirrors do not show the whole
of street lighting.
scene behind you.
There may be a ramp on the near side of the road, but is
Check your mirrors frequently. Be aware of the location of
Look before there a ramp on the other side of the road? You could get Use mirrors
cars and pedestrians behind you, so that you can take action
crossing roads stuck on the road. Check that you can get off the road on all the time
quickly in the event of an incident.
the other side before starting to cross.
Other footpath users can reasonably expect you to behave
You must give way to motor vehicles.
Be responsibly. Listening to music or radio on headphones,
Avoid Motorists have to look in many different directions at
responsible or using your mobile phone, may distract you from the
crossing at roundabouts and it may be hard for them to see you.
important job of keeping other people safe.
roundabouts Use pedestrian crossings or traffic lights if possible,
otherwise cross at a well-lit, quiet, straight section of road. Do not travel alongside another motorised mobility device
One at a
on the footpath or road. Have consideration for other road
Make sure you Make eye contact with drivers before leaving the kerb. time
and footpath users. Travel in single file.
have been Wear light coloured clothing – especially in bad weather and
seen by drivers at night. Stopping
Crossing railway and tram tracks Before getting on or off, make sure that the motor is
switched off. You may accidentally hit the control when
Cross railway Turn off
getting on or off. Make sure the brakes are on before you get
level crossings Getting caught in railway lines can have deadly results.
off.
only at Cross railway lines on pedestrian cross-overs and cross the
pedestrian rails at right angles. Try not to stop on slopes. This puts an extra strain on brakes.
crossings Slopes Your device will be less stable on slopes. Avoid turns if
possible, when going up or down a slope.
Cross tram tracks at right angles. There is a danger of being
Cross tram Do not obstruct doorways, gateways or driveways when you
caught in tram tracks. Try to cross at pedestrian crossings
tracks with stop. Be considerate of others. Parking or stopping where
or traffic lights, then if you do get caught in tracks there
care Keeping vehicles are moving can be dangerous, as your device is
may be other pedestrians to help you.
clear smaller than cars and may be difficult to see. Stopping or
How to cross railway and tram tracks
parking in such places may result in damage to your vehicle
Cross as near as you can to an angle of 90 degrees
and injury to you or to others.
to the rails.
Other people have to use footpaths as well. Try to park your
Stop to one vehicle so that other people, including children on bicycles
side and others using mobility devices and prams can move
along the footpath freely.
16
Road rules for pedestrians on motorised 19
mobility devices
Motorised mobility devices are designed to be used on footpaths. The road Crossing at roundabouts
rules that apply to users of motorised mobility devices are the road rules that
Avoid crossing roads near
apply to pedestrians. It is important that you know the rules and obey them.
roundabouts. If you do use them
A licence is not required to use a motorised mobility device.
leave the kerb when there is no
Crossing the road traffic on the roundabout. You must
give way to all motor vehicles on or
You must cross a road by the You must not jaywalk. entering a roundabout.
shortest direct route. You must not obstruct traffic.
Intersections with no lights or signs
Avoid crossing in these locations.
You may start to cross the road if there are no cars travelling along the road
you are crossing. But check carefully for cars turning into the road you are
crossing. The drivers may not have seen you.
You must not start to cross a road in front of a car driving along the road you
are crossing. You must not start to cross a road if there is danger of a collision.
Crossing at lights
Using the footpath
When crossing at traffic lights You must not leave the kerb if
without pedestrian signals, you the signal is yellow or red. You must use a footpath or You must not travel along
may start to cross on the green nature strip if one is available and a road if there is a suitable
light only. You may leave the safe to use. footpath or nature strip that can
kerb when the signal is green. be safely used.
When crossing at pedestrian You must not leave the kerb if the If there is no suitable footpath or nature strip, and you need to travel on the
lights you must obey the ‘walking man’ is red. If you are road, you must travel facing the oncoming traffic.
‘walking man’ signals. You may already on the road and the red
leave the kerb when the ‘walking ‘walking man’ is flashing, you may Separated footpath
man’ is green. cross to the nearest safe place. On a separated footpath, you
may travel on either the part
of the footpath marked for
pedestrians only or the part
marked for bicycles only.
However, it is recommended that
you travel on the pedestrian path.
1821
‘Bicycles Only’ path RECHARGE scheme —
‘You have the power’
When crossing a ‘Bicycles Only’ When crossing a bicycle path,
path, let bicycles pass before you you must give way to cyclists. As a motorised mobility device This scheme was first developed in
cross the path. user you would understand how the Shire of Nillumbik and based on
important it is to plan your trip so its success, is becoming available in
you have enough charge in the many locations across Victoria.
battery. The RECHARGE scheme The RECHARGE scheme is a state
is about encouraging businesses funded MetroAccess initiative,
in your community to provide a in partnership with local businesses
power point so you can recharge and Mobility Aids Australia.
your battery, if required. RECHARGE
stickers are displayed on the For more information visit the
windows of participating businesses website: rechargescheme.org.au or
so you can easily find them. It’s telephone your local council and
about giving you more confidence ask for the MetroAccess Officer
to get to and from your destination, (metropolitan areas) or RuralAccess
knowing support is available. Officer (rural areas).
No Pedestrians’ sign
You must not travel past a sign
banning pedestrians.
20Rate yourself – how safe are you? 23
Your safety is important. The safety Eligibility to use
of other people is important too.
Am I unable to walk or have
Answer these questions before you
difficulty in walking?
buy or hire a motorised mobility
device. Rate yourself again on a
regular basis (every six months) after Health benefits and costs
you start using your device. Walking is a mild exercise that
If you are unsure, ask a family is good for health. Does added
member or trusted friend. You can mobility justify possible costs to my
also ask your doctor. Your doctor health?
might refer you to an occupational
therapist just to be sure. Coordination and strength
Can I operate the controls? Can I
turn the key; adjust the dials; use
the accelerator and brake?
Can I steer the device and turn
around tight corners?
Can I turn my head to look to the Vision Thought process and memory
side? Can I detect and move around Can I remember how to operate all
Can I turn my head to look behind obstacles in my field of vision? the controls?
when reversing? Can I detect moving objects and Can I remember the road rules?
avoid collisions?
Can I concentrate for lengthy
Physical balance and Can I detect things to the sides while periods whilst riding?
endurance I am looking ahead – things like cars
Can I react quickly in order to stop
Can I keep my balance when and pedestrians around me?
or turn in an emergency?
travelling over rough and uneven
ground? Perception
Feelings and judgement
Can I adjust my body position when Can I judge distances correctly?
Can I stay calm in difficult
travelling up and down slopes like
Can I judge the speed of my own situations?
ramps and hills?
motorised mobility device and other
Can I be patient with other people
Can I stay sitting down for extended vehicles and pedestrians?
and traffic?
periods of time?
Can I make good judgements to
Can I stand and walk for short
protect myself from injury and to
distances?
keep others safe?
22For further information please phone
13 11 71 or visit vicroads.vic.gov.au
VRPIN01671/8 03.11 S.C 96586
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