Mobility aids
Safer travel for passengers using mobility aids on public transport
Mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters are an essential part of daily life for many seniors and people with a disability. Not only do they improve access to everyday services, but they can also greatly enhance an individual's quality of life.
Plan your journey
It is important to plan your journey as much as possible when using a mobility aid on public transport. Your local public transport operator will be happy to provide advice about the accessibility of particular services, stations and other infrastructure on your proposed journey.
Identify your needs as much as possible before purchasing a mobility aid
For those who intend to take mobility aids on public transport, there are a number of factors that must be considered when choosing the most appropriate device. Most Australian-based mobility aid retailers can help you choose a mobility aid that is suitable for use on public transport services. If you purchase a mobility aid privately, second-hand or online, it is important it meets the necessary specifications for transportation on Australian public transport.
Criteria for mobility aids in the Disability Standards
Passengers should consider these criteria when purchasing a mobility aid for use on public transport:
- Weight
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- A boarding device (for example, a ramp) must be able to support a total weight of 300 kg which includes you, the mobility aid, carried goods and an assistant (if required).
- If the combined weight is more than 300 kg, it may not be possible for you to travel on your desired means of transport.
- Dimensions
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- The mobility device should fit within an allocated space of 1300 mm by 800 mm.
- Have a maximum width of less than 750 mm (due to the minimum width between the front wheel arches of a bus).
- Be able to fit through an accessible taxi door height of 1400 mm.
- Orientation
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- Operators may determine the direction of travel according to the orientation of the allocated space.
- Operators are asked to be aware that many people prefer to face forwards to anticipate changes in the speed or direction of the trip.
- Manoeuvrability
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- The mobility device should be able to turn 180 degrees within an area 2070 mm by 1540 mm
- Cross a horizontal gap up to 40 mm wide.
- Mount a vertical rise (a bump) up to 12 mm.
- Cross grating gaps up to 13 mm wide and 150 mm long.
- Climb a 1:14 grade ramp unassisted.
- Climb up to a 1:8 grade ramp unassisted where the ramp is less than 1520 mm long.
- Climb a 1:4 grade ramp with assistance.
- Brakes
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- Mobility aids need to have effective braking systems to maintain stability and be able to withstand acceleration, braking, cornering and pitching of conveyances.
- Anchoring devices
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- If anchoring devices are required by regulation, mobility aids need to be able to accept and travel with anchoring devices fitted.
- Batteries
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- Batteries need to be adequately secured.
- Gel type batteries should be considered.
Travelling in a taxi
Passengers using mobility scooters who use a wheelchair accessible taxi are required to dismount from their scooter and transfer into a seat.
Be careful when attaching extras or enhancements to a mobility scooter, such as canopies or flags, which may impede the view of the driver or affect other passengers.
Make sure your device is not too long, wide or high to board public transport. Here is an example of some of the minimum dimensions you should be aware of:
A mobility aid must be no wider than 750 mm with a maximum length of 1300 mm. The height must be no more than 1400 mm (applies only to taxis).
Reference material
For more details about mobility aids on public transport, please refer to our following publications and other reference websites:
