Columbia Use of mobility aids ordinance (§ 17-44)

(a) Use of mobility aids. Individuals with mobility disabilities are permitted to use wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or other similar devices, designed for use by individuals with mobility disabilities in any area open to pedestrian use. Individuals with mobility disabilities are permitted to use power-driven mobility devices in any area open to pedestrian use in a park unless the director adopts a regulation pursuant to this section.

(b) Regulations on use of power-driven mobility aids. The director is authorized to establish regulations related to the use of a power-driven mobility device if the director determines that a particular powerdriven mobility device cannot be operated in accordance with legitimate safety requirements. In determining whether to adopt a regulation related to the use of a power-driven mobility device in a specific park, the director shall consider:

(1) The type, size, weight, dimensions, and speed of the device;

(2) The park's volume of pedestrian traffic (which may vary at different times of the day, week, month, or year);

(3) The facility's design and operational characteristics (e.g., whether its service, program, or activity is conducted indoors, its square footage, the density and placement of stationary devices, and the availability of storage for the device, if requested by the user);

(4) Whether legitimate safety requirements can be established to permit the safe operation of the power-driven mobility device in the specific facility; and

(5) Whether the use of the power-driven mobility device creates a substantial risk of serious harm to the immediate environment or natural or cultural resources, or poses a conflict with federal land management laws and regulations.

A regulation adopted pursuant to this section shall be posted in the applicable park, the director's office and on the city's website.

(c) Compliance with regulations required. It shall be unlawful to use a power-driven mobility device in violation of a regulation adopted by the director.