36 CFR Part 1195 Proposed Accessibility Standards for Medical Diagnostic Equipment NPRM - Preamble

Weight Scales

Product data and unit costs were collected for weight scales produced by eight manufacturers. The scales are grouped by the following types: stand-on scales and wheelchair scales. Within each group, there are mechanical and digital scales. Unit costs are presented for stand-on scales with and without handrails. Unit costs are presented for wheelchair scales with raised platforms and with flush platforms in the floor. The number of each type of scale made by the manufacturers, the number of scales included in the sample, and range of lower cost and higher cost products are summarized below.

Question 45. Does the above sample fairly reflect the range of costs for stand-on scales?

Stand-on mechanical scales typically have a weight capacity ranging from 400 to 500 pounds. Stand-on digital scales without handrails typically have a weight capacity ranging from 400 to 750 pounds, and the higher cost products typically have larger platforms. Stand-on digital scales with handrails typically have a weight capacity ranging from 500 to 1,000 pounds, and the higher cost products typically are bariatric scales.

Question 46. Does the above sample fairly reflect the range of costs for wheelchair scales?

Wheelchair mechanical scales with a ramped platform typically have a weight capacity ranging from 350 to 500 pounds. Wheelchair digital scales with a ramped platform typically have a weight capacity ranging from 800 to 1,000 pounds. Wheelchair digital scales with a flush platform in the floor typically have a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds. Some wheelchair digital scales have standard or optional handrails for use as a stand-on bariatric scale.

The Access Board has made a preliminary determination based on the preliminary regulatory assessment that the benefits of the proposed standards will justify the costs; that the proposed standards will impose the least burden on society, consistent with obtaining the regulatory objectives; and that the regulatory approach selected will maximize net benefits.