Safe Use of Personal Mobility Aids And Devices

According to the 2017 Disability Survey; more than 102,593 users of motorized personal aids such as the electric wheelchairs and  scooters and more than 200,000 people will be use them in near future. However, compared to the increasing number of users of the aids, the environment and safety are very poor. The environmental improvement and safety measures for the use of the aid were planned. We, however, have eyes on the real problems continuously and listed 3 problems that don't improve smoothly.

      Walking environment issues

The aid must be classified as pedestrians and only drive on the sidewalk stipulated by the Act on Walking Safety and Convenience. Bumpy sidewalkblocks, slopes, and narrow walkways make it difficult to drive on the sidewalks. 

       Lack of awareness issues

The aids are pedestrians, not vehicles, but 54,7 % of non-disabled people said they were "pedestrians" 27.5 % of people who use the aids also said they don't know they are pedestrians.

     Safety concerns of the aid 

The aids do not have a compulsory training time for  users, and even though you do not wear any safety gear, you are not subject to any sanctions for driving. This may be causing problems that put others who use other kinds of personal aid at risk.

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So what can you do to solve this problem?

Monthly Policy Report of KODAF (V. 394, 2020) contains information on safety issues and ways to improve the movement of motorized personal aids. The report solves the discomfort of PwD centered on the cases of the parties,

The report is published every month reflecting the issues in a content structure that is easy for everyone to understand. We will continue to address a variety of issues in the future.