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Yetserday, I was at a public event with narrow aisles and lots of people. There was a place there that rented motorized mobility aide scooters to people who wanted to sit and drive around and enjoy the festivities. Since these people walked to and from the event, I think it is safe to assume that these are not medically necessary devices, as opposed to motorized wheelchairs which are used by people with a medical disability.
When in a crowded aisle, the person with the motorized scooter decided that she needed to see something down my aisle and started waving us to move out of her way so she could get down there.
I was in a quandry. If it was a wheelchair, I would be expected to show sensitivity to the person and move out of their way. It's proper ettiquette. On the other hand, if the person was on a bicycle, it would clearly be inappropriate for him to wave everyone out of the way because we're not expected to get out of everyone's way who wants us out of their way. The mobility aide scooter is about half way in between. It's not a bicycle, and it's not a wheelchair.
I'm not one to pick fights about it, so I got out of the way, but realized that I didn't know what is correct. Are we expected to clear paths for non-medical scooters? Are they expected to wait their turn?
Dear Emily Post: Do I have to yield to somebody on a scooter if, like, you know, they don't have an obvious disability, and I think they're just lazy?
Dear TwoIncomes: Yes, you do. It's called "common courtesy", and it makes the world a nicer place. What is poor etiquette, is expecting anyone to have to justify what constitutes a worthy disability to a perfect stranger.
They're not disabled. This is a motorized scooter that is rented from the event. They're not just for the disabled. Parents could also rent strollers (non-motorized) for the kids.
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Do I have to yield to somebody on a scooter
I'm not talking yielding. I'm talking clearing an aisle that is full of people, kids, and strollers because someone in a motorized scooter wants to go down there.
I will also say that while I don't mind being courteous, it's very difficult in crowded venues to be courteous because there are people everywhere and gobs of people tend to conglomerate around the same thing.
I accomodate those in wheelchairs, including those in motorized wheelchairs, because I recognize that they have no alternative.
But motorized scooters that are rented on-site are a different story. The people using them should get up and walk if it is too crowded rather than expecting the crowds will clear to accomodate them.
You are making the assumption that these people were not disabled because they rented scooters from a public place?
Aside from that... instead of being upset at the people who rented said scooters, why not address that company that planned the event at a venue that clearly could not accomodate scooter traffic. Sounds like the aisles were nowhere big enough. You should target your angst toward the event planners...
You are making the assumption that these people were not disabled because they rented scooters from a public place?
Yes. People who are actually disabled would not be able to walk to the parking lot to the place where scooters are rented, as that was a minimum of about 1/4 to 1/2 mile. In addition, people who are actually disabled don't go around renting stuff all of the time, because they bring their own.
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instead of being upset at the people who rented said scooters, why not address that company that planned the event at a venue that clearly could not accomodate scooter traffic.
I'm annoyed that they allowed scooter rental. The issue wasn't the size of aisles, it was the volume of crowds. I don't live in Small Town Montana and we get massive crowds at most summer events and scooters just don't mix well with massive crowds.
I've never known anyone who would even think to rent a scooter if they weren't in pain from a bad back or whatever...never the less, I do think that just because someones in a scooter it doesn't give them any special dibs, they should have to wait till the gettings good, like everyone else. You know they couldn't get away with being rude, and butting in, if people wouldn't let them...I do agree that they should have to wait their turns like everyone else.
Yes. People who are actually disabled would not be able to walk to the parking lot to the place where scooters are rented, as that was a minimum of about 1/4 to 1/2 mile. In addition, people who are actually disabled don't go around renting stuff all of the time, because they bring their own.
Or their friend / family member dropped them off at the entrance or went and got the scooter and took it to them...
People who are disabled DO "go around" renting wheelchairs and scooters when they know they will be available at the event they are going to. It is much easier to rent one when you get there than try and fold up and cram a wheelchair in the trunk with the rest of the stuff (been there - done that).
I'm annoyed that they allowed scooter rental. The issue wasn't the size of aisles, it was the volume of crowds. I don't live in Small Town Montana and we get massive crowds at most summer events and scooters just don't mix well with massive crowds.
All I can say if that you seem to make some massive snap judgments about the people you come in contact with. Example: disabled people always bring their own scooters or wheelchairs to events you attend or that I have (apparently) lived my entire life in Hicksville Montana and never seen a "massive" crowd.
The fact that you say "scooters just don't mix well with massive crowds" borders on offensive. Should disabled folks be banned from events that will have numerous people at them because their scooters don't mix well with large volume crowds?
OP seems to make a lot of assumptions based on what? Someone on a rented scooter wanted to get past her. A little bit give or take makes life a lot easier. Somewhat along the line of mole hill and mountain.
It sounds like only those in wheels chairs are handicapped thus entitled to courtesies generally extended to those with special needs according to OP. It does not take much not to be able to handle extended walking. Been there done that and was grateful for every bit of good will from others be is customers in a grocery stores or ushers in a theatre. Needing some support to be able to enjoy life can happen to all of us; to some on a permanent basis; so some on a temporary basis. Count your blessings!
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