BEIJING, June 12 -- Beijing has launched a breakdown service for users of motorized wheelchairs, authorities said Friday.

According to the Beijing Disabled Persons Federation, it will provide free roadside-assistance cover on up to three occasions a year. Once the quota is used up, participants will be charged.

To qualify for the service applicants must have a Beijing "hukou" (permanent-resident permit), a disability certificate, and own a registered motorized wheelchair, it said.

There are 30 maintenance and repair service centers in Beijing that will support this program.

Although Beijing has around 23,600 motorized-wheelchairs in use there are very few repair shops, said Zhao Yunsheng, director of the city's rights protection center for disabled people.

"It is so difficult for me to get a mechanic when my wheelchair breaks down on the road, so I usually have to call my relatives or friends for help," said Song Zongmin, a resident of Xicheng District. He said the program would be a great help.