Comparative Safety Analysis of Electric Wheelchairs Based on Sidewalk Width Differences

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of different sidewalk widths on the driving characteristics of electric wheelchairs and on the user’s psychology and safety. Eighteen participants drove electric wheelchairs on both wide and narrow sidewalks. Data collection included: (1) the number of cyclists and pedestrians passing by, (2) driving speed, (3) an 11-item questionnaire, and (4) a post-test ride interview. The results showed that the number of cyclists and pedestrians they passed and their driving speed were significantly higher on wide sidewalks. On the other hand, on narrow sidewalks, negative evaluations were frequently given, including the difficulty of avoiding steps, slopes, and utility poles, anxiety and psychological tension associated with pedestrian consideration, and difficulty in operation. These results indicate that sidewalk width is not just a physical space, but also an important environmental factor that strongly influences users’ anxiety, operational burden, and distance adjustment from pedestrians. Creating a safe and comfortable mobility environment requires both improvements to sidewalk infrastructure and innovations in mobility devices.