	September 1999

Scooters Zip Everywhere!

Powered Mobility Vehicles ("scooters") are making inroads to all kinds of environments previously deemed inaccessible due to architectural barriers. First seen in retail settings, such as grocery and department stores, smaller and more powerful versions of the same device are now popping up everywhere; ball parks, football stadiums, the light rail, museums, convention centers, theme parks and zoos are beginning to offer scooters for casual rental not only to individuals with disabilities, but to the general public.

Among the customers for these scooter rentals are not only individuals with conditions which limit standing or walking endurance, but also those who have environmental considerations due to respiratory ailments (allergies, asthma, emphysema), or who are obese, or who simply can't keep up with the grandkids without it. Disney (tm) was the first in the entertainment biz to see the revenue and visitor accommodation potential in this market, but others are following the trend.

There is now a program offering scooter rentals at Camden Yards in Baltimore, and the program is expected to be replicated in other new ADA-compliant stadiums and parks across the country in rapid succession.

Users of the devices say that they add to the enjoyment of the recreational experience by making them independent and able to keep up with companions. Transporting electric convenience vehicles in automobiles and vans is still problematic, requiring special equipmenmt or several strong individuals willing to get their chinos scuffed up. Thus, having the devices available where they're needed - at the mall, the park, or the airport - makes a lot of sense.

In the next ten years, we can expect to see a proliferation of the handy little vehicles, and a lot more folks with mobility limitations out there more able to access and enjoy recreational, sports, shopping and cultural venues as never before.

Key words for more information: scooters, mobility, personal convenience vehicles.

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