Motorized Wheelchair to be Viewed as Pedestrians

CHILLICOTHE, MO — By unanimous vote the Chillicothe City Council approved a new ordinance that gives disabled persons on motorized wheelchairs the same rights as pedestrians. Motorized devices can be operated on a roadway with a speed limit under 35 mph and must display a pennant five feet above the device when in operation. No one under 16 can operate the devices unless they have a mobility-related disability. The scooters may only cross roadways at intersections, and must be used on sidewalks when provided. When sidewalks are not provided, operators must drive on the shoulder on the left-hand side of the street as far from traffic as possible.