SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Monday, both houses of the California Legislature approved SB 1384, which would give wheelchair users expanded options for repairing their mobility devices. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
Under current national law, manufacturers of power wheelchairs are not required to provide information or spare parts directly to users or independent repair shops.
“If you have a power wheelchair and use it every day, it needs regular maintenance,” explained Sacramento-based disability rights activist and power wheelchair user Russell Rawlings. “The wait time can be months or even longer. This bill aims to change that by making it easier for owners and smaller repair shops to meet repair needs. Additionally, power wheelchairs are increasingly being controlled by software that is currently available to only a few vendors. Owners who have access to these tools will be given more freedom and control over their driving experience.”
Colorado has passed a similar law for power wheelchair users that will take effect on January 1, 2023.
This bill in Colorado is the first in the country to introduce a right to repair for users of power wheelchairs, the office of state Senator Dodd said in a press release announcing the passage of the bill on Monday.
According to Senator Dodd’s office, the California version of the bill would require independent repair shops to provide users with written notice before making repairs and would establish guidelines that determine which parts can be replaced.
Customers of independent repair shops would be required to be informed of the terms of their wheelchair’s warranty provided by the original manufacturer. In addition, the bill would not undermine the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
In addition, SB 1384 provides exceptions to manufacturers’ obligation to disclose trade secrets and provides civil penalties for violations.
“We need to improve the quality of life for people with mobility impairments,” said State Senator Bill Dodd, the bill’s author. “I’m pleased that the legislature has passed this proposal that will allow power wheelchair users to have their wheelchairs repaired efficiently and in a timely manner. It’s important that when something goes wrong, wheelchair users can return to surgery as quickly as possible.”
SB 1384 was unanimously passed by the California Assembly on Monday after already passing the state Senate and now needs the governor’s signature to take effect.
