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3/18/2025
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House approves Diaz legislation to protect right to repair wheelchairs, other mobility aids
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STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) that would protect people’s right to repair their own wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
The bill (2025-H 5017) would require manufacturers of assistive technology devices, including wheelchairs, scooters and mobility positioning aids, to make documentation, parts and software available to independent repair providers or the owner of the devices.
“Shameless corporate greed must not be tolerated in an industry that produces equipment that is essential to the daily lives of people living with disabilities. This legislation will give users and local industry access to the information and parts they need to repair this equipment as quickly as possible,” said Representative Diaz.
Power wheelchair users, in particular, suffer from manufacturers’ monopoly on parts and repairs. The devices are highly specialized, each with their own branded parts, and are sometimes prone to defects and sudden failure. The market for wheelchairs has become increasingly concentrated, with a very small number of vendors/distributors controlling the entire marketplace, and having little competitive reason to be responsive to users’ needs. Some chairs even require a software passcode or a physical key for any repairs, and “unauthorized” repairs may void warranties or result in insurance refusing to pay for repairs.
Among those who testified in favor of the legislation was Johnston resident Zach Gauthier, who is confined to a wheelchair. He told the House Committee on Corporations, “This bill is crucial for individuals, like myself, who rely on electronic assistive technology devices, such as wheelchairs, scooters and communication devices, to enhance their mobility or communication. It ensures that manufacturers are obligated to provide fair and reasonable access to service and repair for these devices.”
Under the legislation, manufacturers would be prohibited from using parts that would prevent installation of any non-manufacturer-approved replacement part or component. Violators would be subject to penalties for unfair or deceptive trade practices.
The measure now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation has been introduced by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick).
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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