Has your AFP Funded Enclosed Car Like Mobility Scooters?

Hello-

I am writing to ask if any of your programs have funded “enclosed mobility scooters” for individuals?

We have an application for an Ecolo Et4 Connect Cargo Truck Style Enclosed Mobility Scooter. This device will be sold in Ontario, Canada and the applicant will have to make arrangements to have the device towed down to Phoenix. This Cargo Truck model is a “niche” device that is not actually offered on the Ecolo website and is specially made. There are two vendors in the US (WY and OH) where Ecolos are sold- but as far as I can tell they do not sell the Cargo Truck model

AzLAT- Az Loans for Assistive Technology- does not fund the purchase of vehicles or cars. Our dilemma is trying to decide if Ecolo Mobility Scooters are indeed mobility scooters or vehicles. The applicant plans on driving this device on PHX streets in the bike lanes or side of the road where there is no bike lane. He wants to take it to the grocery store, doctor appointments, and fishing. He plans on putting a lightweight power wheelchair or walker into the truck bed to use inside of buildings. The maximum speed of this device is 18.64 miles per hour. It is an electric device.

If you have financed an enclosed mobility device like this under the designation of MOBILITY DEVICE, what statutes, laws, etc. did you use in your guidance to differentiate this as a mobility device and not a “vehicle or car”? AzLAT staff is reaching out to our local and state governments for more guidance; but so far, from the research that we have conducted, there is no definitive answer to what this device is classified as. We have consulted local, state, and regional laws and experts in the field. Any expertise and opinions are greatly appreciated. Also, for those who financed devices like these, did you require a medical and/ or driving prescription for the device given that it is used in bike lanes and on the sides of the roads? Did you require insurance coverage for the device for the term of the loan?

Is there any reason why your AFP WOULD NOT fund these devices? Please expand on why your organization would not fund these devices.

Thank you for your time and have a great day.

Sincerely,

Cyndi Meyer