Motorized wheelchair user on crosswalk with Chistmas safety trees. Victoria, B.C. Dec. 2009
While I was shopping in a major outdoor recreational equipment and sporting goods store, there was physically disabled customer in his electric wheelchair in the customer lineup. After the clerk rang in his purchases, the customer then requested the cashier to help him affix his LED red hanging lights he had just bought, onto his miniature Christmas trees. They were the same lights used for cyclists and pedestrians.
He had two artificial trees, each strategically mounted on his wheelchair arm rests. He explained to the cashier, that he really wants to be visible and the lights were in addition to a reflective safety vest draped across the back of his wheelchair.
What an ingenious use of these tiny safety lights. Someone really cares about their own safety. He was willing to be a Christmas tree just so that others could see him.
Cyclists, drivers and pedestrians also share roadways and paths with these vehicles. Where should these mobility units or motorized wheelchairs be on roadways? On the sidewalk? On the road? In bike lanes? Where should they be off-road: on walking paths? Or on bike trails? More debate is needed. Some say that people in these devices, should be with pedestrians. Others say they should be share same space as bicycles on bike lanes and bike trails.
Clip-on LED hanging light 2009.
The theory of separating traffic by same speed, would group these devices with bicycles. The people driving them, have shown that their dexterity to move along , is quite fast. Often the wheelchair drivers are not the best in navigating these units. They may impede pedestrians. Is it not best that these motorized units with the speed of bicycles, share cycling infrastructure and let people walk peacefully on sidewalks and walking paths without fear of a motorized device skirting about in their way? The elderly who might be anxious and spooked by things speeding nearby or by sudden noise, then may be more motivated to go out to walk when electric wheelchair users are separated and driving along in the cycling facilities.
Given a significant aging population and now empowered with the technology of wheelchairs, and yes, low-cost lights, there will be more wheelchair users asserting their right to share transportation space and freedom to move around independently outdoors whenever they wish.
Third Wave Cycling Blog 
What an excellent article. And how clever of this man to think of doing this with the Christmas trees. Not only was he keeping in mind the season, but he was putting his safety first AND incorporating the holiday tree too. My guess is that this same person has a great outlook on life and that the wheelchair is just a means of transportation to him, same as a car or bike would be to people who are not disabled. I may be reading more into this than is there….but somehow, I don’t think so. His action has inspired me and so has the article. Good job to you both, indeed.
I also have an electric wheelchair and I’ve added flashing white lights to it with a Hot Glue Gun that sticks anything to anything. Much easier than buying Zap Straps and trying to find ones that are long enough to go around the frame. Been there, Done that!!!
I’ve also purchased those little flashing lights made for bicycle wheels that are activated by motion, giving me Bright Blue wheels as I go around town at night. I’ve seen a few Cars that do that to their wheels.
On the top of the backrest, I’ve attached one of those orange light-sticks you see the police use to direct traffic. You can buy them at Capital Iron in Victoria for only $9.99. They’re great for pedestrians to carry as they can be seen by motorists from all directions!
And down on the front, I placed a section of a broomstick handle going across, and tied down with Zap-Straps, and use that for two Bright Bike Headlights of 1800 Lumens Each!!! Yes, 1800 Lumens!!! That’s those White lights you see on newer cars that are Super Bright! I’ve even had the Police put their High-Beams on, telling me to turn them off, but as they’re legally Bike-lights, I’m not breaking any rules! Besides, if it’s wrong, then why do the Bike Stores keep selling them?
Mathew
Thank you for contributing your useful insight in making your electric wheelchair very visible at nights. Just last week I was cycling in southern Calgary on a multi-use path that is maintained for cycling during the winter by the city. There along came a person on an electric wheelchair. Just shows that if the infrastructure is maintained for cycling and for electric wheelchairs and the batteries can be kept warm, even at minus 15 degree Celsius, people will use the paths.
We’ve long put one of these lights on our dog’s collar, both so that the dog’s visible when crossing streets and so that we can see where the (black) dog is when walking at night/in the woods.
As an aside, it’s amazing how unheard-of these turtle lights are amongst the canine community; we get stopped regularly by people asking where we got that ‘special collar’. You could probably double your money buying them at MEC and selling them at dog parks at sundown…
-D
Cyclists also appreciate the light on dogs at night.
The Christmas lights are great idea.
I can suggest they another idea for moving around a neighborhood and may be safer, and certainly faster.
A while back I converted a Schwinn tricycle I bought it Walmart to electrically assisted tricycle. I added a front wheel hub motor rim, a controller, of thumb throttle, and a battery pack in about two hours effort.
This allows me to operate on bike paths and neighborhood streets and is opened up getting around the neighborhood and especially local shopping in a way that stop them available to me in a number of years. I’m not suggesting that electric tricycle can take the place of an electric wheelchair, but it is a tremendous opportunity to use your wheelchair for what it’s good for and use your electric tricycle for the outdoors.
If you’re interested in this idea and have questions please feel free to call me or send an email. Also I have a blog article here: http://mybatteryman.com/blog/?p=12