Bathrooms can present many access challenges for those who use a wheelchair or need special accommodations. According to Mobility Device Use in the United States by H. Stephen Kaye, 1.7 million Americans are wheelchair or mobility scooter riders, with 6.8 million using some sort of assistive device. This being said, it has become a priority to ensure that public restrooms are universally accessible for those with disabilities and limited mobility.

The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) were created to establish design requirements that most public and commercial bathrooms must meet to accommodate individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. To meet these guidelines, there must be clear space around the toilet with minimum dimensions of 30 by 48 inches to accommodate a wheelchair. Bathroom stalls must also provide a clear circle of at least 60 inches around the side wall and 56 inches from the rear wall to allow a wheelchair to turn.

Environments that are built with accessible designs that follow ADAAG don’t just benefit those with special needs, but also those who use mobility equipment like manual or powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The needs of people using a wheelchair or mobility scooter were used as a general guideline for establishing the ADA design standards that make public restrooms universally accessible.

The SmartScoot mobility scooter is 38″ in length and 22″ wide, allowing for easy access into bathroom stalls and providing more elbow room compared to manual wheelchairs and mobility scooter competitors. SmartScoot’s sleek design and tight turning radius will make accessing restrooms even easier for those with disabilities or limited mobility. Features like the Adjustable rear wheel width can make the SmartScoot even more compact, as well as add an extra touch of stability to your ride.

Contact us today if you would like to learn more about how the SmartScoot mobility scooter can help you overcome any accessibility issues you may encounter during your travels or daily activities.