Motorised scooters for independent mobility : issues of equipment design, driving the machine, and the road environment : a challenge for the safety of impaired users and the community.

Motorised scooters were originally designed to improve mobility, particularly for people who could no longer walk long distances in the outdoors. An overview of the development of the motorised scooter illustrates its changing role and purpose in a society demanding more mobility and accessibility. While a percentage of users become competent operators of the motorised scooter, for some, challenges continue to exist which potentially impact upon pedestrian and road safety and the safety of the users themselves. Issues for discussion include: 1. Design of motorised scooters and the operation of controls and accessories; 2. Practical implications of design on manoeuvrability and accessibility; 3. Position of the motorised scooter in the pedestrian and traffic community; 4. Human factors demanded in the safe operation of the scooter; 5. Learning to operate a scooter with particular reference to the challenges presented to scooter users who may be cognitively and/or visually impaired. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E209619. This paper may also be accessed by Internet users at: http://www.rsconference.com/index.html