2022 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2023)

11B-1002.4 Wheelchair spaces in amusement rides.

Wheelchair spaces in amusement rides shall comply with Section 11B-1002.4.

11B-1002.4.1 Floor or ground surface.

The floor or ground surface of wheelchair spaces shall be stable and firm.

11B-1002.4.2 Slope.

The floor or ground surface of wheelchair spaces shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48 when in the load and unload position.

11B-1002.4.3 Gaps.

Floors of amusement rides with wheelchair spaces and floors of load and unload areas shall be coordinated so that, when amusement rides are at rest in the load and unload position, the vertical difference between the floors shall be within plus or minus 5/8 inches (15.9 mm) and the horizontal gap shall be 3 inches (76 mm) maximum under normal passenger load conditions.

Exception: Where compliance is not operationally or structurally feasible, ramps, bridge plates, or similar devices complying with the applicable requirements of 36 CFR 1192.83(c) shall be provided.

Advisory 11B-1002.4.3 Gaps Exception. 36 CFR 1192.83(c) ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles - Light Rail Vehicles and Systems - Mobility Aid Accessibility is available at www.access-board.gov. It includes provisions for bridge plates and ramps that can be used at gaps between wheelchair spaces and floors of load and unload areas. ◼

11B-1002.4.4 Clearances.

Clearances for wheelchair spaces shall comply with Section 11B-1002.4.4.

Exceptions:

1. Where provided, securement devices shall be permitted to overlap required clearances.
2. Wheelchair spaces shall be permitted to be mechanically or manually repositioned.
3. Wheelchair spaces shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-307.4.

Advisory 11B-1002.4.4 Clearances Exception 3. This exception for protruding objects applies to the ride devices, not to circulation areas or accessible routes in the queue lines or the load and unload areas. ◼

11B-1002.4.4.1 Width and length.

Wheelchair spaces shall provide a clear width of 30 inches (762 mm) minimum and a clear length of 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum measured to 9 inches (229 mm) minimum above the floor surface.

11B-1002.4.4.2 Side entry.

Where wheelchair spaces are entered only from the side, amusement rides shall be designed to permit sufficient maneuvering clearance for individuals using a wheelchair or mobility aid to enter and exit the ride.

Advisory 11B-1002.4.4.2 Side entry. The amount of clear space needed within the ride, and the size and position of the opening are interrelated. A 32 inch (815 mm) clear opening will not provide sufficient width when entered through a turn into an amusement ride. Additional space for maneuvering and a wider door will be needed where a side opening is centered on the ride. For example, where a 42 inch (1065 mm) opening is provided, a minimum clear space of 60 inches (1525 mm) in length and 36 inches (915mm) in depth is needed to ensure adequate space for maneuvering. ◼

11B-1002.4.4.3 Permitted protrusions in wheelchair spaces.

Objects are permitted to protrude a distance of 6 inches (152 mm) maximum along the front of the wheelchair space, where located 9 inches (229 mm) minimum and 27 inches (686 mm) maximum above the floor or ground surface of the wheelchair space. Objects are permitted to protrude a distance of 25 inches (635 mm) maximum along the front of the wheelchair space, where located more than 27 inches (686 mm) above the floor or ground surface of the wheelchair space.

FIGURE 11B-1002.4.4.3 PROTRUSIONS IN WHEELCHAIR SPACES IN AMUSEMENT RIDES

11B-1002.4.5 Ride entry.

Openings providing entry to wheelchair spaces on amusement rides shall be 32 inches (813 mm) minimum clear.

11B-1002.4.6 Approach.

One side of the wheelchair space shall adjoin an accessible route when in the load and unload position.

11B-1002.4.7 Companion seats.

Where the interior width of the amusement ride is greater than 53 inches (1346 mm), seating is provided for more than one rider, and the wheelchair is not required to be centered within the amusement ride, a companion seat shall be provided for each wheelchair space.

11B-1002.4.7.1 Shoulder-to-shoulder seating.

Where an amusement ride provides shoulder-to-shoulder seating, companion seats shall be shoulder-to-shoulder with the adjacent wheelchair space.

Exception: Where shoulder-to-shoulder companion seating is not operationally or structurally feasible, compliance with this requirement shall be required to the maximum extent practicable.