People with disabilities – motorised wheelchairs

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An increasing number of people are using self-propelled or motorised wheelchairs (sometimes referred to as mobility scooters). They can be of great benefit to people with physical disabilities or health conditions that limit their ability to walk.

Under the Australian Road Rules there are special conditions that apply to their use, on footpaths and on crossing roads.

Following the tips for safe wheelchair use, when sharing the footpath with other users and crossing the road, can help you avoid accidents.

Road Rules
Under the Road Rules, a person using a self-propelled wheelchair is classified as a pedestrian provided:

• the wheelchair cannot travel at a speed greater than 10 km/h on level ground
• the wheelchair has an unladen weight of less than 110 kg
• the driver has a reasonable need to use a wheelchair due to a physical condition.

Operating conditions
The wheelchair does not need to be registered and you do not need a licence to drive it. However, you must comply with the following conditions on public roads in South Australia.

• The wheelchair user must observe all the same road rules as apply to pedestrians.
• The wheelchair must not travel on the road except where a footpath is not available, is being repaired, or is unsafe due to damage.
• Third Party Bodily Injury Insurance is automatically provided to the wheelchair user by the Motor Accident Commission, free of charge. However, if the operator is seen to be more than 25% responsible in an accident they will be required to pay an excess of $300.
• It is recommended that the wheelchair user contact an insurance company to arrange personal insurance cover for fire, theft, and any damage that they may cause to property.

Safety rules:
On the footpath

• Watch out for cars turning into or reversing out of driveways.
• Do not assume that other pedestrians have heard your approach and are aware of your presence on the footpath.
• When travelling in congested areas, use the slowest speed possible to ensure you do not have an accident with someone or something.
• Increase your visibility by displaying a small yellow or orange flag on your wheelchair, and wearing light-coloured clothing.

When crossing the road

• Use an open area to make you more visible to motorists, and look to see that there is a safe exit on the other side.
• Do not assume that other road users have seen you and will give way.
• Always travel up and down ramps and inclines in as straight a line as possible to avoid tipping the wheelchair over.
• If you are forced to use the road, the wheelchair should keep as close to the left as possible.
• If the wheelchair is used at night, the device should display a white light at the front and a red light at the rear. It is recommended that reflectors are also fitted to the rear of the wheelchair.

Links
Independent Living Centre