In the News: Power Mobility

Have you read the recent news stories about concerns regarding the regulation, training and testing of people who require power mobility?

The Vancouver Sun featured a front page article on August 23, 2013 and as well, the topic was discussed on several radio shows on CKNW on the same day.

In response to this article, CAOT-BC submitted a letter to the Vancouver Sun.  

As the Union of BC Municipalities (UCM) plans to debate this issue at their upcoming convention to be held in mid-September 2013, CAOT-BC requested that all stakeholders be included in this conversation. The resolution put forth by the Town of Sidney is: 

2013-B11    REGULATIONS FOR MOTORIZED MOBILITY AIDS

Sponsor: Town of Sidney

WHEREAS motorized scooters are unclearly defined under provincial legislation and there are no licencing requirements for scooters and scooter operators;

AND WHEREAS without regulations to control when and where scooters are used and appropriate training and testing of scooter operators, the safety of all motorists, businesses and pedestrians are at risk:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM support regulating the use of motorized scooters and the licencing of scooters and scooter operators and that UBCM encourage the provincial government to implement these provisions under the Motor Vehicle Act.

CAOT-BC has sent a letter to the President of the UBCM, however, we have been advised that we must express our views on this matter directly to local municipal councils or regional district boards. The outcome of this resolution will be decided on by the UBCM membership at their upcoming September convention.

What can you do to help? Express your voice and write a letter to your municipality, regional district or regional hospital district (UBCM directory). Feel free to use the CAOT-BC letter as a template for your own letter (if you require a copy in MS Word format, send us an email).

Do you have any other comments on this issue? Submit your feedback either by email, or directly to this post.

More information:

Vancouver Sun Article: Cities Demand Licensing for Motorized Chair Users

CAOT-BC letter to Vancouver Sun