Bill · H.R. 5039· House(119-HR-5039)
Wheelchair Right to Repair Act
- Introduced
- 8/26/2025
- Last activity
- 8/26/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Maxwell Frost
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Wheelchair Right to Repair Act. It allows people to bypass copyright protection systems specifically to diagnose, maintain, or repair powered mobility assistance devices like motorized wheelchairs and wearable robotic walking devices. Additionally, the bill requires original equipment manufacturers to provide necessary repair documentation, parts, software, and tools to device owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms. Manufacturers must also provide clear notices to buyers and users regarding their repair rights under this legislation. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general are granted enforcement powers to hold manufacturers accountable if they fail to follow these rules. Finally, manufacturers are protected from liability for damages caused by independent repair providers or owners during a repair.
Yes· 3 of 39
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+9
Significantly empowers individuals with physical disabilities by ensuring they can repair and maintain their motorized wheelchairs and wearable robotic devices without manufacturer obstruction.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+8
The legislation directly supports individuals with disabilities by giving them ownership control over the repair of their essential mobility devices.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+7
Low-income individuals often struggle with high proprietary repair costs, which this bill directly alleviates.
The opposite
Would billionaires be better off under this?-2
Original equipment manufacturers and large corporations face increased regulatory burdens and loss of repair monopolies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2: This section provides an exception to copyright laws so that individuals or repair providers can bypass technological locks to diagnose, maintain, or repair powered mobility assistance devices. This is positive because it removes legal barriers for people trying to fix their own essential medical equipment.
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Section 3(a)(1): This provision requires original equipment manufacturers to make documentation, parts, software, and tools available to independent repair providers and owners on fair and reasonable terms. This is beneficial because it gives consumers more affordable and accessible options for repairing their devices instead of being forced to rely solely on the manufacturer.
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Section 3(a)(2): This part requires manufacturers to provide tools and information needed to disable and reset electronic security locks during a repair. This is a positive step because it prevents manufacturers from using security features as an excuse to block third-party repairs.
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Section 3(a)(3) and (4): These provisions require manufacturers to give clear and conspicuous notice of repair rights to owners, purchasers, and independent repair providers. This ensures that everyday people are properly informed about their rights to fix their own mobility devices.
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Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 3(c): This section states that original equipment manufacturers are not liable for any damage or injury caused by an independent repair provider or owner during a diagnosis, maintenance, or repair. While this protects manufacturers, it could potentially leave consumers with the burden of dealing with damages caused by third-party repairs unless the damage is proven to be a design or manufacturing defect.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+9Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Business Owners+6Good For Retirees+6Good For Seniors+6Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Veterans+5Good For Children+4Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For Native Americans+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Women+2Good For Asian Americans+1Good For High Income Households+1Good For Immigrants+1Good For L G B T Q Community+1Good For Men+1Good For Students+1Good For White Americans+1Good For Billionaires-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+7Improves Small Business Support+6Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+8Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Intellectual Property Fairness+5Increases Big Tech Regulation+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increase States Rights+3Increases Federal Power+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+4Improves Veterans Healthcare+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2Reduces Carbon Emissions+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+2
- 8/26/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Marie PerezDemocrat · Washington