Title:Specifications of electric powered wheelchairs for outdoor use.
Author:Naoto Fujii (The Kanagawa Rehabilitation Institute), Tetsuo Akiyama (Tokyo Metropolitan University),Tsutomu Hashizume (Tokyo Metropolitan Technical Aid Center),Masataka Itou (The Kanagawa Rehabilitation Hospital)
Proceedings of 12th Japanese Conference of Advancement of Rehabilitation Technology, vol.12,pp.83-86(August,1997)
Keywords:
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
Naoto FUJII (The Kanagawa Rehabilitation Institute)
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Abstract:
This paper describes public transportation system and specifications of electrical powered wheelchairs in Europe, U.S.A. and Japan. In Europe, non-step bus, which was developed in 1990's, is in practical use in these days. U.K. has three categories of wheelchairs. Electrical powered wheelchairs are categorized in class 2 and class 3. The class 2 is for powered wheelchairs whose maximum speed is 4 mph and less than it. The class 3 is for them whose maximum speed is between 4 mph and 8 mph. The powered wheelchairs in class 3 run on a roadway, however, don't need driver's license to drive them. In U.S., ADA came into force in 1990. According to it, accessible public buses are running. Maximum speed of regular powered wheelchair is 5 mph. Also 11 mph-maximum-speed type is available to be purchased. There seems to be no regulation about the maximum speed. In Japan, there are buses with lift and non-step buses running. There are a lot of powered wheelchair users on them. So, they are very effective for powered wheelchair users going out. However, there are some reports that environmental barriers caused accidents. More improvement is needed.