Is it against the law to drive a power chair or scooter in the street?

Question

Some sidewalks are cracked, too narrow, or raised in sections because of tree roots that have grown underneath. Is it against the law to drive in the streets in Maryland under those conditions for the owner of the chairs/scooters? Would those individuals get a ticket?

Answer 1

Most towns and cities have bylaws for "mobility devices", such as power chairs and scooters used by disabled seniors, etc.

Where I live, they are to use the sidewalks. Now, of course, if a sidewalk is unavailable, I think that the user of such a device should take precautions and use the side of a roadway.

These bylaws are made for public safety reasons. I know that I have had a few near misses in the dark when a person was using one of these scooters on a roadway.........

Some of the "users" are also somewhat challenged as far as their short term memory is concerned which is why they are no longer licenced to  drive a vehicle on the roadways.

Most police would no doubt give a warning, and some  police aren't even aware of this bylaw......so, check with your local city or town bylaw department.

Answer 2

i know in the state of illinois....if you do not have a liscence or sticker on it basically warning people you are on the road (ex a bright *** orange or yellow reflector and a headlight at night) you are breaking the law

Answer 3

The same things happens where I live and I dont think that you ever see a police officer give a ticket to one of them even though they are very dangerous on the streets and they should abide by the vehicle laws...........