Clarifying Mobility Device Repair Services

October 3, 2025

Easy Does It Services (EDI) has announced that, as of Oct. 1, it will no longer provide most emergency mobility device repair services in Oakland. In their public communication, EDI stated that “the CIL becomes your new Repair Provider.” This claim is both inaccurate and misleading. The Center for Independent Living (CIL) does not provide emergency repair services and cannot replace the on-call, same-day model that EDI previously operated in the area.

For decades, CIL’s Assistive Technology (AT) Program has supported people with disabilities across Northern Alameda County, including Oakland. Our team provides non-urgent repairs for wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers as part of a broader program that also covers computer access, communication devices, vision and hearing technologies, and smart-home systems. All requests are placed on a waitlist and triaged not only by urgency, but also by the degree of impact on a person’s self-determination, with priority given to those that most directly affect independence and daily living. 

Although our staff are highly trained and dedicated, CIL is not structured to serve as an emergency repair provider. We do not maintain a dispatch system or on-call technicians. Our role is to empower people with disabilities through peer-led support, advising, and access to adaptive technologies, not to operate an urgent repair service.

The end of EDI’s emergency repair program in Oakland leaves a significant gap for residents who depend on timely mobility support. This loss particularly impacts those who are multiply marginalized and already face barriers to healthcare, technology, and essential services. CIL remains committed to Oakland. At the same time, we will advocate for sustainable, fully funded urgent repair programs that can meet the city’s needs fairly and reliably.

Residents of Northern Alameda County, including Oakland, can continue to access CIL’s repair services by appointment at our West Oakland workshop or, when possible, in their homes. 

Requests may be submitted by:

• Phone: 510-422-5035 AT Coordinator (Morgan Kanninen) 
• Email: assistivetechnology@thecil.org
• Website: thecil.org/assistive-technology

Due to high demand, wait times can be as long as five to six weeks, especially during peak months. 

You can also find a list of other local mobility device repair options here: 

BRANDED – Wheelchair Repair Services in the Bay Area .pdf

We will continue providing non-urgent repair and assistive technology services while pressing for urgent repair programs that meet Oakland’s needs. No one should be left without the essential equipment required to live safely, independently, and fully in their community.