Accessibility and the Use of "Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices" at Natural Areas

Nature trails (including concrete and boardwalk portions), observation platforms, overlooks, shade shelters, boat docks and piers are designed and constructed for use by pedestrians and individuals with mobility disabilities that may use wheelchairs (including electric wheelchairs) and manually-powered mobility aids.  Individuals with mobility disabilities also may use “Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices” as defined under the US Code of Federal Regulations Title 28 PART 35, Subpart A, Subsection 35.10 as follows:  ​

  • Only electric-powered OPDMDs are permitted in the County's natural areas. The use of fuel-powered OPDMDs is strictly prohibited.​
  • OPDMD operators need credible assurance including, but not be limited to, the presentation of a valid, State-issued disability parking placard or card, or other State-issued proof of disability.
  • OPDMDs exceeding 800 pounds total weight are prohibited on concrete and boardwalk portions of nature trails, observation platforms, overlooks, boat docks, piers and similar structures.
  • OPDMDs 30 inches or less in width are allowed on any natural area trail (paved or soft surface) or public use facility that is designed and constructed for use by pedestrians and that can accommodate their entry.
  • OPDMDs between 31 and 48 inches in width and a maximum weight of 2,000 pounds will require a no-fee permit from ERM for authorized use on a natural area. Email ERM for the application at erm-natural@pbc.gov or call at 561-233-2400.
  • Unless otherwise indicated, OPDMDs may not be operated at speeds that exceed 5 miles per hour.

​ 


Trail use protocols. All non-equestrian users must come to a complete stop  and yield to riders on horseback; bicyclists and OPDMD users must yield to pedestrians and wheelchair users.


The County does not represent that the trails and accessways found on the natural areas are designed, maintained, managed, or safe for use by any particular person, manually-powered mobility aid, or OPDMD. Certain risks are inherent in the use of any trail or access way, and the County assumes no liability for the user's decision to traverse any particular trail or access way. The County does not accept liability for injury to any person or for damage to a manually-powered mobility aid or OPDMD, whether caused by the operator, another visitor to a natural area's trail or facility, or any other circumstance.

Individuals with mobility disabilities should carefully consider whether their mobility device can safely operate under existing trail conditions and whether they have the specialized training/experience necessary to safely use their mobility device under extreme trail conditions.

The County reserves the right to change, modify, or amend this policy at any time.

OPDMDs must stay on the trails approved for their use and certain trails on a given natural area may be closed to OPDMD use due to safety factors, because of the presence of environmentally sensitive areas or species protected under State or Federal law, or potential degradation of the trail. 

Natural Area Trail OPDMD Access:

The following natural area sites have conditions where all trails are designed for pedestrians and all management accessways are available for OPDMD use:
Frenchman's Forest
High Ridge Scrub
Hypoluxo Scrub
Juno Dunes
Jupiter Inlet
Jupiter Ridge
Yamato Scrub

The following natural areas have limited OPDMD use on paved sidewalks:
Acreage Pines 
Delaware Scrub
Delray Oaks
Limestone Creek
Pondhawk
Rosemary Scrub
Royal Palm Beach Pines
Seacrest Scrub

​