Even with their unique needs, mobility scooter riders also deserve equal rights in every aspect, especially in public transportation. With their delicate condition, the government must consider their special needs to function better in society.
In this article, I’ll show you if the government has made significant efforts in this matter and if anything has changed in the U.S.’s public transport through the years. Are regulations already in place that deal directly with the pressing issues mentioned earlier?
Yes, today, mobility scooter riders can now conveniently ride on taxis, thanks to the movements and advocacies made in the past to push this regulation into reality. Because of the government and the citizens’ cooperation, U.S roads are now becoming a safe and convenient place for mobility scooter riders.
Expanding Mobility Scooters’ Rights
In 2011, organizations such as United Spinal Association and Disability in Action, and the Taxis For All Campaign filed a class action against authorities for their alleged ‘discrimination’ against PWDs, including mobility scooter riders.
Fortunately, the U.S Federal court eventually listened to them, which brought two new types of vehicles in New York City, and one of them caters explicitly to mobility scooter users.
The first type of taxi is the 7,000 ‘medallion’ taxis provided by the Taxis for All Campaign. These taxis, which are genuinely ideal for mobility scooter users, have provided a massive convenience and gradually changed New York city’s image for the better.
But before these regulations were passed, only 1.8% of all the taxis in New York City could (and were willing) to accommodate them. But because of the movements and campaigns done in the past, mobility scooter riders can now enjoy the privileges of typical passengers.
Are Mobility Scooter Riders Safe Inside a Taxi?
Even with the freedom given to drivers to carry mobility scooter users, they still need to get approval from the government to provide this type of service.
Accredited taxis are the only ones that can carry them because they have already complied with all the requirements required by the government.
Here are the requirements that drivers need to meet if they wish to get an accreditation:
- Their vehicle must be equipped with a high-quality restraint system to secure the mobility scooter and its user.
- Their vehicle must have a working air-conditioning system.
- Every piece of equipment inside the vehicle must be working correctly.
What Do Mobility Scooter Riders Need to Expect Inside a Vehicle?
Seatbelts and Restraints
A passenger must expect a seatbelt inside the vehicle to be protected from any unfortunate incidents that may happen along the way.
They must also see a restraint for their mobility scooter to prevent it from moving excessively during the trip. Mobility scooter riders should also not be allowed to sit on their scooters while the taxi is moving and must be seated on the passenger’s seat.
Hoist
A vehicle must have a hoist to safely load and unload the passenger and prevent any injuries to anyone or damages on the scooter.
Law Protects Mobility Scooter Riders from Drivers.
If drivers neglect their duty to protect their passengers, mobility scooter riders can expect legal protection from the government.
Before approving their accreditations, drivers are clearly reminded that they are liable for any injuries or accidents that might happen to their passengers.
If proven that they neglected their duty, their accreditation may be canceled, or worse, suspended due to their negligence and violation.
Conclusion
Thanks to the organizations who have pushed for mobility scooter riders’ expanded rights, New York City and the United States as a whole are now slowly but surely transforming into an ‘equal-for-all’ society, a model which other nations can also follow.
Citations:
A tale of two new taxis: Wheelchair accessible taxis and /taxis
