Kaohsiung Man's Modified Hospital Wheelchair Goes Viral: 'Ageless Rider' Stuns Onlookers

An elderly man in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was recently spotted riding a modified hospital wheelchair at an alarming speed on public roads, drawing astonishment from onlookers. The wheelchair, clearly marked with "Chang Gung Hospital" and a specific identification number, was observed moving faster than motorcycles, leading to speculation that it had been illegally fitted with an accelerator.

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I saw him on Ruilong Road too, faster than a motorcycle, and he even overtook!

Footage of the man speeding on the wheelchair was shared on social media, prompting a flood of comments. Netizens humorously dubbed him an "ageless rider" and questioned where such a modified wheelchair could be purchased. Some joked about him needing a license plate or receiving speeding tickets, while others expressed admiration for his spirit.

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This is what happens when the spirit of 'ageless riders' doesn't fade.

Chang Gung Hospital addressed the incident, clarifying that their wheelchairs are intended for patient use within the hospital for mobility assistance. While the hospital acknowledges that wheelchairs are frequently borrowed, they cannot track every user or ensure their return. The hospital emphasized that modifying wheelchairs with accelerators for use outside the premises is not permitted and poses safety risks to both the user and other road users.

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Hospital wheelchairs are assistive devices for patients with mobility impairments during their hospital visits. They should be returned according to regulations after use to protect the rights of other patients.

The hospital urged the public to use wheelchairs according to their intended purpose and borrowing regulations to ensure the safety of patients and the preservation of medical service resources. The incident highlights a unique intersection of necessity, ingenuity, and disregard for regulations, captured in a viral social media moment.

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The use of hospital wheelchairs outside the hospital premises and on roads is not in line with the original intended use and purpose of the wheelchairs, and it may pose safety risks to the user and other road users. This is neither encouraged nor permitted.