Is Your Wheelchair Or Scooter Suitable For Public Transport?

Check the specs

To maximise your safety and make sure that your wheelchair or mobility scooter can be safely carried on accessible public transport, take a look at the specifications outlined below. And remember, transport operators have the right to refuse access if they believe your mobility device doesn’t meet these standards.

Dimensions

Size: Fits in an allocated space of 1300mm by 800mm
Total width: Less than 750mm
Total height: less than 1500mm when you’re seated (or less than 1400mm if the accessible taxi was introduced into service before 1 January 2013). This only applies when travelling in an accessible taxi.

Weight

Boarding devices such as ramps and hoists can support a total weight of 300kg. This includes the wheelchair or scooter, its occupant and any carried goods (such as groceries, oxygen, etc). If someone assists you with boarding by pushing a manual wheelchair up a boarding ramp, their weight is also included.

Manoeuvrability

Your mobility device must be able to:

• Cross a horizontal gap up to 40mm
• Mount a vertical rise (bump) up to 12mm high
• Cross grating gaps up to 13mm wide and 150mm long
• Climb a 1:14 grade ramp unassisted
• Climb up a 1:8 grade ramp unassisted where the ramp is less than 1520mm long
• Climb a 1:4 grade ramp with assistance.

Turning

To make sure you can access public transport, you must be able to navigate your wheelchair or scooter through a 180 degree turn within an area of 2070mm by 1540mm.

Medical Oxygen Cylinder

A medical oxygen cylinder or tank is permitted on public transport if it is medically prescribed for you, weighs no more than 5kg when full, and is restrained to your device or in a travel pack. Cylinders, valves and regulators, where fitted, must be protected from damage that could cause inadvertent release of the contents.

Extra requirements

Your wheelchair or mobility scooter must be checked regularly and must not pose a risk to other passengers. For example, it needs to have effective braking systems to maintain stability on board public transport.

Passengers using mobility scooters who use a wheelchair accessible taxi must dismount from their scooter and transfer into a seat. Be careful when attaching accessories to your mobility scooter, such as canopies or flags, which may increase the overall height and impede the view of the driver or affect other passengers.

Think about your needs before you buy

The friendly, experienced team at Power Mobility can help you choose a mobility device that’s suitable for use on public transport. You can also ask your therapist for suitable options.

To make sure you can use your wheelchair or mobility scooter the way you want, consider the following before you buy:

• How far do you need to travel?
• Where will you be travelling?
• Is the mobility device suitable for public transport?
• What surfaces will you be travelling on?

We know our stuff at Power Mobility

With more than 40 years experience, our team can provide the right assistive technology solutions to support your lifestyle. So if you’re looking for quality mobility equipment, Power Mobility has an extensive range including Quantum, Pride, Magic Mobility and Ottobock power chairs, manual chairs, scooters, bathroom aids, plus much more. Drop into our showroom or call our friendly team on (07) 2102 7563 to find the best solution for you.

Please note: This is general advice only. You can find out more about travelling on public transport here or by calling 13 23 80.