Power Wheelchair Dangers and User Safety

Power wheel chairs are the types of wheelchairs that are electric or motorized and can be maneuvered with the help of a joystick or a pedal. While these chairs can be idea for disabled individuals, they can also be somewhat dangerous. Some supermarkets provide these mobile vehicles for disabled shoppers, and they are frequently seen at theme parks or other tourist attractions where people often have to walk around. Recently at the Disneyland Resort, a man was standing in line to enter into the park with his family when he was suddenly hit from behind by an elderly woman on an electric wheelchair. The heavy vehicle hit him in the calves, causing the man to twist his ankle. As he limped about, the woman in the white motorized wheelchair spun around and moved towards the back of the line, yelling an apology.

When people don’t understand how to accurately control their motorized wheelchairs, they can cause significant damage. A driver who cannot control the speed on the vehicle may end up slamming into a pedestrian like in the instance above, or may accidentally hit a wall or another stationary object, harming himself or herself in the process. It is illegal to drive a power wheelchair when drunk, and in some states offenders can even be charged with a DUI for this offense. Men and women should not be allowed to operate these scooters on their own if they do not have adequate hand and arm mobility. Typically, they will need to steer a handlebar and be able to operate the hand controls which make the scooter stop and go.

Also, scooter drivers should be able to transfer out of their scooter seat alone and unaided. It is extremely dangers to drive one of these motorized scooters on wet grass and soil. Whenever it is raining, wet, or icy outdoors it’s best to refrain from using one of these electric scooters. If you have been injured by an electric scooter and you are a Missouri local, then an injury attorney from Wendt Law Firm P.C. may be able to help you. Contact an attorney at the firm today to discuss your case and determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation.