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Research on the Use of Motorized Mobility Devices

Research on the Use of Motorized Mobility Devices Daniel Blais, Project Officer, Accessibility and Human Factors. Outline. Introduction and Background Recent Transport Canada R&D related to Motorized Mobility Devices (MMD) Research Results Next steps (what needs to be done).

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Research on the Use of Motorized Mobility Devices

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  1. Research on the Use of Motorized Mobility Devices Daniel Blais, Project Officer, Accessibility and Human Factors

  2. Outline Introduction and Background Recent Transport Canada R&D related to Motorized Mobility Devices (MMD) Research Results Next steps (what needs to be done)

  3. Motorized Mobility Device

  4. Introduction and Background Why is there a need to investigate the use of MMDS Aging population Potential for Increased used due to changing demographics Lack of regulations and standards Well being and human rights implications

  5. Recent TC R&D Related to MMDs Analysis and assessment of the environment for 3 and 4 wheel mobility scooters (completed in November 2011) Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs (completed in November 2013)

  6. Analysis and assessment of the environment for 3 and 4 wheel mobility scooters • SCOPE • Analyze and assess the environment (physical and regulatory) for three- and four-wheel mobility scooters, and to identify future needs for safe operation • Four parameters were examined: • The scooter • The user • The environment • The key stakeholders

  7. Analysis and assessment of the environment for 3 and 4 wheel mobility scooters • METHODOLOGY • National and International Literature Review • Consultations with public and private stakeholders • Stakeholder forum in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia • Analysis of results of literature review and consultations • Formulation of recommendations and conclusions

  8. Analysis and assessment of the environment for 3 and 4 wheel mobility scooters • RESULTS • Issues identified regarding the use of MMDs: • Safety concerns of MMD users vis-à-vis other road users like cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers • The transportability and securement of MMDs in public transit and inter-city transport vehicles • The respective organizations to be responsible for implementing the required actions • Lack of data • Proposed definition, which required validation by stakeholders

  9. Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs • SCOPE • Workshop objective: • Validate the proposed definition for MMDs • Strategize how to implement definition • Agree on a way forward for future research activities

  10. Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs • METHODOLOGY • Workshop included • Presentations from five plenary speakers • Roundtable discussions • Role-play • Surveys

  11. Break down of participants at scooter workshop

  12. Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs • RESULTS • Analysis through the lens of the three Es • Engineering • physical characteristics of the MMDs, and the environment in which they operate • Enforcement • standards, guidelines and regulations • Education • raising awareness about issues related to MMDs for users, transportation operators and decision-makers

  13. Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs • RESULTS • Validating the definition: The need for two different definitions were established, one for transportable (TMMDs) and another for non-transportable motorized mobility devices (NTMMDs).

  14. Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs • RESULTS • Proposal on how to implement the validated definition: • Federal Jurisdiction: regulation of vehicles and devices • Provincial Jurisdiction: licensing, insurance, funding, highway safety code • Municipal Jurisdiction: Access to rights of way, by laws prohibiting use

  15. Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs • RESULTS • What research needs to be done: • Engineering Research: • On effective safety features required for devices and infrastructure • To enable their transportability and securement • To aid in accessible design of buildings and related infrastructure (e.g., signage and lighting).

  16. Defining the Scooter: an interactive workshop on MMDs • RESULTS • What research needs to be done (continued): • Enforcement Research: • To enable the creation of effective guidelines, standards and regulations for TMMDS and NTMMDs. • Education Research • To develop training, education and outreach program to provide information to users, transportation industry front line staff and dealer • Data on MMD import, sale, including secondary sales of used devices, and accident statistics are needed

  17. Next Steps

  18. Thank you! Daniel Blais, MUP Project Officer, Accessibility and Human Factors Transportation Development Centre (613) 993-6261 e-mail: daniel.blais@tc.gc.ca Transport Canada

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