Stairlift Birmingham - The UK’s Number 1 Stairlifts Specialist

4 Responses to “Electric Wheelchairs. Should they be speed limited?”

1. 

   MARIO`S BROTHER
   

   22. Aug, 2010

   i know what you are saying about this problem,i have had this same thing were i got run down by one of these,they have no licence to go on the walk ways and every you say is true,thank you for bringing to light MB
2. 

   Breath on the Wind
   

   22. Aug, 2010

   2 mph is a bit low. In some cities people rushing to work are walking at a pace of 4 mph or a bit more. An average walk that is not window shopping is probably around 3 mph. And I once witnessed a motorized assist vehicle wreck one store display after another at almost no speed.

   Traffic planners know that people and vehicles of different mass and typical speeds are a formula for accidents. This is one reason that trucks are separated from cars on the NJ turnpike, why there are bike lanes separate from motor vehicles and from pedestrians. It is also one of the reasons why the 10 mph Seaway is not permitted on public pathways. But there are only so many separate pathways that can be economically created and speed is not the essential problem.

   As time goes on there will undoubtedly be more personal transportation vehicles that are electric. Tech magazines seem to be full of many variations. At some point, as a society, we will have to face the issue. A strong basis for any regulations will be “common courtesy.” It doesn’t matter if someone is on a motorized vehicle or pushes you down as they pass on foot. It doesn’t matter if it is a child, a paraplegic, a veteran or a police officer. The behavior is rude. Circumstances may also dictate that it is inappropriate and unnecessary.

   Motorized traffic can work with pedestrian traffic if the motorized traffic shows more responsibility. A police officer or a forklift operator in a big box store would have to undergo training and possibly pass a test to use motorized vehicles among pedestrians. Requiring a minimal standard of safety and courtesy from all motorized equipment operators among pedestrians may eventually become necessary if those given the permission do not properly accept the responsibility.

   Those incapable of a minimal standard either physically or socially would have to explore other alternatives.
3. 

   Lone Wolf
   

   22. Aug, 2010

   well no i dont think so
   like its help full but puts them in risks from crossing the traffice and etc
4. 

   Trickish_Knave
   

   22. Aug, 2010

   People use them because they need to get around. You don’t walk at 2 mph all the time do you? If you are running from something or there is an emergency then you need some speed to get where you are going. Don’t the electric wheelchairs deserve the same speed?

   It is unfortunate that there are careless a-holes that use the chairs in a rude manner, but unless they are running into you, what do you care if they by-pass signals?