Scooters & sidewalks

Photo: Thinkstock.com

When it comes to motorized scooters/wheelchairs, most people know that they belong on the sidewalk with other pedestrians, not on the roads with other vehicles. Less well known is that they don't need licence plates or insurance if operated by someone with a disability.

Who would have thought, though, that the scooters could cause harm? That they could drive into and kill a pedestrian on the sidewalk? Yet this is what happened in Burnaby two days ago.

These machines are a boon to anybody who has challenges with mobility. They are, however, capable of moving their occupant at significant speeds, often more than twice the walking pace of an adult, and for this reason they are dangerous when misused or used carelessly.

With this safety concern in mind, the provincial government advised the Union of BC Municipalities in 2013 of their intention to develop a coordinated plan for safe operation of motorized scooters, including possible amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act. The provincial coroner also issued recommendations supporting scooter regulation in 2008 after several scooter-riding seniors died in crashes with vehicles.

Currently, driving powered scooters amounts to the same thing as walking. There are no rules about what side of the sidewalk to use, how fast to go, or penalties for misbehaviour except perhaps assault or criminal negligence under the Criminal Code.

Should motorized scooters/wheelchairs be regulated by ICBC? An recent informal poll on the Global News website recorded 236 votes for and 33 votes against the idea.

When you see someone on a scooter, do you see a person with a mobility aid, or a driver in a motor vehicle? 

The author is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. To comment or learn more, please visit drivesmartbc.ca

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.