Motorized Wheelchairs

If you drive a motorized wheelchair in the City of Cornwall, you must follow the rules of the road. You may use it on roadways and sidewalks when needed. Please pass others carefully. As per the City of Cornwall Traffic and Parking By-Law, you can only use a motorized wheelchair to carry a person with a physical disability.

Rules for roadways and sidewalks

Follow these rules when operating your wheelchair on roadways and sidewalks:

• On a roadway, travel as close to the right-hand side as practical

• On a sidewalk, travel as close to the right-hand side as possible

• Slow down or stop when encountering or passing pedestrians, and always yield to them

• On one-way streets, follow the direction of traffic

• Travel in single file

Equipment your wheelchair must have

Your motorized wheelchair must be equipped with the following:

• A "slow moving vehicle" sign as required by the Highway Traffic Act

• Mirrors to give you a clear view of the roadway and traffic behind you

• In dark or poor conditions, a white or amber light on the front and a red light on the back

Safety tips for using your wheelchair

Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Do not carry passengers

• Do not carry packages or articles while driving

• When parking, cause the least possible obstruction to pedestrians or vehicles

• Pass other vehicles with care

Stay visible and predictable

In any collision with a car or truck, you will be more vulnerable. Make sure drivers can see you and predict your movements. Wear bright clothing and use hand signals.