golf cart

[ford_coupe]

Good morning,we are seasonals in 55 plus rv park. wife has severe ra so we bought a golf cart for her to get around in,had it for 5 months now no problem,now we're being told we can not bring it back next year because of liability reasons, we think he is bordering on thin line of discrimanation for disabled .persons. any thoughts on this? we did have someone that fell in a ditch that didn't have a fence around it only tape,they are suing.if my wife can't use her cart to get around we may plan on moving to another park; we're located in florida

[colliehauler]

ford coupe wrote:
thanks for all the replies,we're meeting w/park manager this week to see if we can come to an agreement. already looking into another park that has no problem w/our cart at all.been so many changes in our park since new owners bought it last summer-about 7 people looking to move,rent keeps going up-rumers flying park will be closed because of sewer issues, we don't want all this stress at this point in life.anyone know of a reputable mover who will tear down & set up mobile home in zephyrhills? Not looking to sue not worth it

Sounds like a wise move on your part. As I've always said (Their campground their rules your money your choice). Life is to short to be unhappy.

[Dog_Folks]

Please keep us advised.

[magnusfide]

An alternative to the golf cart would be a four wheel mobility scooter. They are widely recognized as assistive devices for disability issues and have the bonus if being easier to transport than a golf cart when RVing.

[ford_coupe]

thanks for all the replies,we're meeting w/park manager this week to see if we can come to an agreement. already looking into another park that has no problem w/our cart at all.been so many changes in our park since new owners bought it last summer-about 7 people looking to move,rent keeps going up-rumers flying park will be closed because of sewer issues, we don't want all this stress at this point in life.anyone know of a reputable mover who will tear down & set up mobile home in zephyrhills? Not looking to sue not worth it

[Mr_Beebo]

Golf carts were never intended for disabled individuals, but the mobility scooters are. Suing a campground that blatantly discriminates may be one thing if they are the only place in town, but why would someone want to sue a campground in an area covered by so many other parks?
That's like constantly complaining about the food and service at the cafe you eat at every friday night.

[Dog_Folks]

2manytoyz wrote:
A private park can allow or prohibit as they wish. ADA has nothing to do with it.
Good luck...

As much as I hate government interference with business, a private park CANNOT "prohibit as they wish." Any business that is open to the public must comply with ADA.

ADA is federal law and as such, trumps any state law to the contrary.

"Businesses that serve the public must modify policies and practices that discriminate against people with disabilities; comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities; remove barriers in existing facilities where readily achievable; and provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to ensure effective communication with people who have hearing, vision, or speech impairments. All businesses, even those that do not serve the public, must comply with accessible design standards when constructing or altering facilities." ----Dept. Of Justice

Link

[2manytoyz]

I've added insurance for our golf cart since some parks require it, and it's probably a good idea since "we" are a sue happy nation.

You might ask the park if they'd consider letting you use it if you have insurance, and would be willing to sign a liability waiver, releasing them from any damages.

If they still say no, consider going elsewhere. We have PLENTY of great campgrounds in FL. Even state parks now allow them with reasonable exceptions.

A private park can allow or prohibit as they wish. ADA has nothing to do with it. The term "GOLF CART" and "ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES" actually have legal descriptions in the FL statutes. They are not legally the same thing, though many might use it as such.

Good luck...

[Dog_Folks]

Reader1 wrote:
Just wondering if there are places that golf carts are permitted for those who have the parking placard for people with disabilities only? We stay at a wonderful campground in Myrtle Beach, but the golf carts are to the point of being hazardous. Kids and adults "tour" the campground constantly. Riding a bicycle, walking a dog, or just walking to and from the beach is difficult. I appreciate the need for some in order for them to enjoy their experience and hope that there is a way to work this out.

Yes, there are. The COE campground that we host at is that way. Golf carts are allowed only if a disability is established. A parking placard is accepted as proof and must be displayed on the cart.

The cart is only supposed to be driven by the disabled person to and from the parks' amenities.

As long as there are no unsupervised children driving, and there is no constant "touring," by young or old, we will cut them slack, but the rule is there if they want to abuse the privilege.

The Myrtle Beach area is so heavily orientated to tourism, I would not expect to find a park without the wide spread use of golf carts. Some parks even encourage the use of golf cars by renting them.

[Reader1]

Just wondering if there are places that golf carts are permitted for those who have the parking placard for people with disabilities only? We stay at a wonderful campground in Myrtle Beach, but the golf carts are to the point of being hazardous. Kids and adults "tour" the campground constantly. Riding a bicycle, walking a dog, or just walking to and from the beach is difficult. I appreciate the need for some in order for them to enjoy their experience and hope that there is a way to work this out.

[Dog_Folks]

beemerphile1 wrote:
A golf car is NOT a mobility scooter. It would be discrimination if they said a mobility scooter could not be used.

Point of information: Directly from the ADA: "A facility may be required to allow a type of device that is generally prohibited when being used by someone without a disability when it is being used by a person who needs it because of a mobility disability. For example, if golf cars are generally prohibited in a park, the park may be required to allow a golf car when it is being used because of a person's mobility disability, unless there is a legitimate safety reason that it cannot be accommodated."

Dept. Of Justice

Again, the park may be discriminating, but is it worth your time and hassles to be right? Find another park that knows the guidelines. There are lots of them.

[PghBob]

To the OP, you are speaking of the ADA (American with Disabilities Act). It requires all places that do business with the public (and their employees) to make REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS for persons with challenges. So, if you really want to stay at a park that does not seem to care if you are there or not, write a letter to the manager/owner, and calmly indicate that they may be in violation of the ADA if they refuse a reasonable accommodation. As noted by other posters, the manager might claim that a golf cart is not reasonable. Then ask about a mobility scooter or other mobility device. If that is refused, then you might have some grounds to pursue further action if you desire. But, get it in writing. As others have suggested, it might be more trouble than it is worth, compared to moving on to a campground that gladly accepts you. Best wishes.

[mayo30]

It is amazing how fast the word sue shows up!I really don't think that is how to deal with this situation if you can sort through these posts there is some very good and logical posts.

[Vet_Man]

Do you have insurance coverage on the golf karts if you hit someone? That was required in a Fla campground we stayed at.

[colliehauler]

Their campgrounds their rules. Your money your choice.

Find a seasonal site that allows golfcarts.