Mobility Scooters

  • Mobility Scooters

    Posted by Unknown Member on May 31, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    Hello, could you pls let me know what is the current status of the use of mobility scooters in Shinkansen (to go to Kyoto and Hiroshima) and train lines in Tokyo?

    Thanks

     

    Accessible Japan replied 5 years, 11 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
  • 1 Reply
  • Accessible Japan

    Moderator
    May 31, 2018 at 1:09 pm

    Hello,

    Thank you for your question.  Until recently, mobilitiy scooter users have faced many challenges in Japan (see: https://www.tabifolk.com/forums/topic/travel-with-mobility-scooter/).  However, the rules are being changed.

    According to JR:

    Handle-type electric wheelchairs that can be used

    • Wheelchairs with the following approximate dimensions: height and length of 120 cm, width of 70 cm.
    • In case of using a car with a deck, they’ll need to use the multipurpose room, so we should verify that the wheelchair is 180 degree turn and straight angle capable.
    • It should be able to turn a straight angle in no more than 5 direction changes on a 90 cm wide path. Also, it should be able to do a straight turn on a 100 cm path with no direction changes.
    • It should be able to do a 180 degree turn on a path of less than 180 cm width.

    In case the conditions are not met

    The facilities are designed based on the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and they have the above as requirements, as such, if the wheelchair doesn’t meet them, it cannot be used.

    http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/support/accessibility/

    Still, far from ideal.

    We suggest you contact JR directly and tell them your scooter specifics. You can use the following inquiry form to ask for help directly:
    https://entry.jr-odekake.net/webapp/form/18112_quab_1/index.do

    Hope this helps.

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