The ADA and Mobility Scooters in the US
Mobility Scooters and other mobility devices in the United States are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Even Segways and other self balancing two wheel mobility devices are covered. The ADA states that people with disabilities can use whatever device they need to for transport.
The ADA states that all Federal Agencies must be accessible to people using the devices for transport and that businesses should follow if possible. Large businesses do and small businesses should make adjustments if possible. Pretty much every commercial door in any modern building is 36 inches wide. For reference, my Triad is about 32 inches wide and my Glion is about 22 inches wide. The Glion is very easy to navigate inside while the Triad is more difficult inside but is great outdoors and at amusement parks. The Triad handles hills like a champ.
I’m a Federal Employee and use both of my scooters in Executive Agency buildings daily. They’re great in the hallways and elevators as everything is designed to allow for them. I even park my scooters directly next to my desk in my office. I’ve also taken my Triad throughout the Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC.
I’ve used my Triad scooter at Busch Gardens and Water Country in Williamsburg VA. I’ve traveled with it to Sea World, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida. The scooter is amazing at those locations because it helps me do what has otherwise become impossible. Of note is that the Busch parks and Disney do NOT allow standing self balancing devices, however they allow other standing devices that have 3 or more wheels. They had shown in court that people were injured with the Segway type devices and so have an alternative available for rent.
I’m not an attorney, so I highly suggest you take a look at the actual ADA regulations and guidelines, ada.gov. If you need help with any of the regulations and guidelines I suggest you consult an attorney.
A handy paper on what type of mobility aids are covered by the ADA, see https://www.ada.gov/opdmd.pdf.
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