Angel Legare shared that she regained her independence close to a year ago. However, a recent municipal bylaw adjustment in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, is compelling her to revert to her previous restricted mobility state as her enclosed scooter, her primary mode of transportation, is now prohibited.
Legare suffered a hip dislocation 14 years ago, left untreated for six years, which severely limits her ability to walk long distances and prevents her from affording a car. Consequently, she was confined to her home for years, only venturing out when friends or family could provide transportation, typically for essential trips like grocery shopping.
Her situation drastically changed when a friend gifted her a lime green GIO enclosed mobility scooter, equipped with advanced features such as air conditioning, heat, windshield wipers, headlights, signal lights, Bluetooth speakers, a backup camera, and more. This scooter allowed Legare to independently take her son out for treats or handle grocery shopping trips, providing her with a newfound sense of freedom and autonomy.
Despite its car-like amenities, the GIO enclosed scooter, valued at $8,000, does not meet the local bylaw and provincial regulations regarding mobility aids. The updated City of Moose Jaw traffic bylaw stipulates that mobility aids must not exceed a maximum speed of 15 kilometers per hour, while the GIO scooter can reach up to 30 kilometers per hour. Additionally, the scooter’s dimensions and weight surpass the defined limits for legally recognized mobility aids.
This discrepancy means that Legare’s enclosed scooter is not classified as a mobility aid under Moose Jaw’s regulations, preventing its use on sidewalks and public roads. Prior to the bylaw modification, individuals in Moose Jaw had faced penalties, including impoundment of their scooters for non-compliance.
Expressing frustration with the city’s handling of the situation, Legare emphasized the vital role her scooter plays in enabling her mobility and independence, highlighting the financial constraints faced by individuals with disabilities who rely on such aids for daily activities. Similarly, Jean Pierre Charron, another affected scooter user, had his scooter impounded by the Moose Jaw police, significantly impacting his ability to navigate his surroundings effectively.
As debates continue in Moose Jaw and other jurisdictions, advocates like Greg Moore, a mobility aid provider, call for a more supportive and inclusive approach that considers the needs and challenges faced by individuals dependent on enclosed mobility scooters for their daily mobility and independence.