Are motorized wheelchairs on the streets safe?

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - It’s a safety concern that continues to grow throughout the Wabash Valley.

Motorized wheelchairs on the roadways are creating a dangerous mix for both drivers and riders.

Scooter and mo-ped laws have been put in place by the city of Terre Haute.

The laws have been laid out to help keep people on the vehicles and in the streets safe.

But where does the law stand for motorized wheelchairs?

“They’re not supposed to be driving down the street with those. Now, if there’s a street with no sidewalk, like we have some of those in town, that’s allowable. But they need to be off to the side as much as they can because they might not be able to go in the grass,” said Terre Haute Police Chief John Plasse.

Having a vehicle in the street that isn't able to keep up with traffic can be a hazard to the rider and drivers.  

But where else can you go if there's no sidewalk?

“There are some sidewalks where there’s not a ramp. They’re not handicapped-accessible. That’s probably what’s going on. They can’t get up on the curb and that’s their issue,” said Chief Plasse.    

Due to The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, the city of Terre Haute has been adding on handicapped accessible ramps throughout the city to become compliant with ADA requirements.   

The city has a half million dollar budget a year to spend on two phases in sidewalk repairs.   

The first phase was designated for Ohio Street.   

The second phase will be added on later this year and based on areas in Terre Haute that need the handicapped accessible ramps the most.   

But Chief Plasse said if wheelchairs on the road become more of an issue, they might be added to the scooter ordinance.

“But if it becomes an issue, we’ll look at that and try to regulate it, because we want them to be as safe as they can be. We don’t want the person to be hit by a car, by any means, that’s just not safe for them,” said Chief Plasse.    

Chief Plasse recommends using common sense. Stay as close to the side of the road as possible.

“The main thing with that is they’re not, most wheelchairs don’t have reflectors. There’s not lights on them, so it’s really a hazard for the operator. Plus, the vehicles that are out there, we don’t want someone to get hurt because of that,” said Chief Plasse.

Check out the list of ADA requirements for handicapped-accessible sidewalks and ramps.