A “Lift” on an Electric Scooter

Taken from Zomet Institute
The Zomet Institute is an Israeli high-tech non-profit organization specializing in IT equipment and electronic appliances designed to meet Halacha.

Question: We are a young couple with children aged 4-6. My wife uses an electric scooter with a Shabbat mechanism approved by the Zomet Institute. My question is whether she can take the children on the scooter on her way to the synagogue. In addition, am I allowed to join her on the scooter, since she is riding it in any case?

Answer: We have been asked this question in the past, and the answer is that the scooter is meant exclusively for the use of the handicapped person. The only exception is a rider who cannot drive himself or herself because of physical limitations or because of age – in this case a second rider is permitted to join the handicapped person. Nobody else is allowed to ride on the scooter.

With all my blessings,

Rabbi Yisrael Rozen