Town of Sidney calls for riders of motorized scooters to be licensed

The town of Sidney on Vancouver Island is calling for the training, testing, and licensing of all motorized wheelchair and scooter riders.

Sidney has a population of 11,000, including a significant number of retirees.

The town council says there’s been an increase in complaints of dangerous habits and near misses.

Now, council has the backing of the Union of B.C. Municipalities to impose new regulations, which may involve training and testing those using the chairs.

“We see some things in town that are really quite worrisome,” says Larry Cross, Mayor of Sidney. “The goal of all this is to make it safe for everyone.”

The resolution will be put forward at the UBCM convention in Vancouver next month.

If passed, it would fall on the provincial government to develop some sort of licensing program.

Critics say the proposal is discrimination against people with disabilities.

“Because it’s on wheels and motorized, why not classify it as some sort of vehicle. But this is really the simple right to get out on the sidewalk,” says Tom McGregor of the Coalition of People with Disabilities. “To have to jump through a hoop for that would be ridiculous.”

Many retailers already offer free lessons with the purchase of every scooter. Top speeds are around 13 km/h.

“Sometimes people go a little too fast,” says Barbara Brunlees of Sidney Scooters. “Scooters are a lot of fun – it’s fun to go fast.”