SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Monday, both chambers of the California Legislature approved SB 1384 , a bill to allow wheelchair users expanded opportunity to repair their mobility equipment, and it now awaits the Governor’s signature to become law.
Current state law does not require manufacturers of power wheelchairs to provide information or replacement parts directly to users or independent repair shops.
“If you have a power chair and are using it daily, it needs regular maintenance,” explained Sacramento disability rights activist and powered wheelchair user Russell Rawlings. “There can be months if not longer of wait time. This bill seeks to change that by making it easier for owners and smaller shops to fill the repair need. Also, power chairs are increasingly controlled by software that is currently restricted to a small number of vendors. Owners having access to these tools would enable more freedom and ability to control their driving experiences.”
Colorado adopted a similar law for power wheelchair users that took effect on Jan. 1, 2023.