A woman from British Columbia who has a neurological condition expressed her anticipation in regaining her mobility device from a ride-hailing driver in Toronto. The driver failed to return the $8,000 SmartDrive device after she inadvertently left it in his vehicle in October. Despite efforts from Bronwyn Berg, her son, Lyft, and Toronto police, the device was not returned promptly.
The SmartDrive device, which empowers her wheelchair by providing motorized assistance, is crucial for Berg to navigate hills and rough terrain. Without it, the 55-year-old has been confined to her home for months. Although she is relieved to have the device back, Berg described the ordeal as draining and questioned why it had to escalate to such lengths over the past three months.
Suffering from a neurological disorder and seizures, Berg has relied on a wheelchair for approximately nine years. The SmartDrive, obtained seven years ago, was essential for her mobility. Being on disability support, she cannot afford to replace the wheel, which further emphasizes the significance of retrieving the device.
After being contacted by CBC Toronto, the Lyft driver eventually agreed to return the SmartDrive and sent it via FedEx to Berg’s son in Toronto. However, during an interview, the driver could not provide a clear explanation for holding onto the device since October when Berg misplaced it in his car trunk.
The incident occurred when Berg visited Toronto from Chemainus, B.C., for a weekend with her son. Following a Lyft ride to Toronto Pearson Airport, she realized the SmartDrive was missing upon her arrival in Victoria. Several communications later, it was determined that the device was left in the driver’s vehicle trunk.
Lyft facilitated the return process by providing a prepaid FedEx label and coordinating with Berg’s son. Despite the initial agreement to return the device, the driver ceased communication with both Lyft and the Berg family. Lyft took action by deactivating the driver’s account and expressed concern over the situation.
In efforts to retrieve the device, Magnus, Berg’s son, contacted Toronto Police Service in December. While TPS acknowledged the report, documented emails indicated challenges in persuading the driver to return the device. Magnus emphasized the need for better protocols to ensure drivers cooperate in similar situations involving essential medical equipment.
The safe return of the SmartDrive brought relief to the family, but they advocate for policy changes to empower companies to enforce cooperation from drivers when passengers’ belongings are misplaced. The incident sheds light on the importance of prompt and responsible handling of crucial medical equipment in transit situations.
