Last week, Discover Weyburn News spoke with Weyburn Chief of Police Marlo Pritchard, regarding traffic laws for motorized scooters.

Today, the Weyburn Police Service released a clarification regarding medical scooters, entitled, “The Basic Information and Rules of the Road for Medical Scooters”. In the post, which was made via social media, the WPS does contend that “the rules of the road that apply to pedestrians also apply to persons using a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or medical scooter for medical reasons.”

It goes on to state that, when approaching an intersection, drivers must yield the right of way to any person crossing the street who is using a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or medical scooter. This does not apply to wide streets if the person in the wheelchair is at a safe distance from the driver’s side of the street.

Drivers must also stop their vehicle before the crosswalk, which will either be painted on the road or be an imaginary extension of the sidewalk.

Drivers may not pass any vehicle that is stopped at an intersection to permit persons using wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs or medical scooters to cross.

Also important to note is, “Persons in wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs or medical scooters must not attempt to cross at an intersection unless they have given motorists a chance to stop.”

The main purpose of the clarification is the statement, “The sidewalk should always be the first choice while using a wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or medical scooter. When there is no wheelchair accessible curb, get onto the sidewalk using the first available driveway.”

Like pedestrians, persons using wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs or medical scooters travelling along a road where no sidewalk exists should travel on the left shoulder, facing oncoming traffic. Wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs or medical scooters should also have a brightly-coloured flag attached to increase visibility to motorists.

The statement Chief Pritchard made last week regarding street use is still upheld, “If there are motorized scooters that are operating on the roadway, they must follow the rules of the road."

Impaired driving and distracted driving are still a concern, whether on the sidewalk or the road.

"Historically, we have charged people for impaired driving on a scooter. So, all of the other rules would apply."

Distracted driving tickets can be issued for using a cell phone while driving a scooter.

No amendments were made to the fact that motorized scooters are not meant for carrying passengers.