Wheelchair Right to Repair Act

This proposal, called the Wheelchair Right to Repair Act, would make it easier and cheaper to fix powered mobility devices like motorized wheelchairs and wearable robotic walking aids. It lets owners and independent repair shops bypass software locks to diagnose, maintain, and repair these devices, and allows the making and sharing of the tools needed to do that. Manufacturers would have to share repair manuals, parts, embedded software, firmware, and other tools on fair and reasonable terms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general could enforce these rules.

Key points

• Who is affected: People who use powered mobility devices (motorized wheeled devices for people with disabilities and wearable robotic walking aids), independent repair shops, and manufacturers.
• What changes: Owners and independent shops can legally bypass digital locks to fix these devices, and companies can offer the tools and services needed for those repairs.
• Manufacturer requirements: Provide manuals, parts, embedded software, firmware, and tools needed for repair— including ways to disable and reset security features—on fair and reasonable terms and in a timely manner; secure data release systems may be used.
• Notices and timing: Within 90 days after the law takes effect, manufacturers must notify owners and independent repair providers of these rights and set up a standard request process; new purchases must include a clear notice of these rights. The FTC must also identify, notify, and educate independent repair providers about these rules.
• Enforcement: Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive practices; the FTC can enforce and write rules, and state attorneys general can bring cases to seek penalties and compensation.
• Limits and protections: Manufacturers aren’t liable for damage caused by independent repairs unless it’s due to a design or manufacturing defect; they don’t have to sell parts that are no longer available; trade secrets are protected (while still requiring needed repair information); and contracts can’t be used to avoid these requirements.