Examples of the disclosure relate to example systems and methods for operating a door opening system for a vehicle. An example system includes a motorized door, and a sensor configured to detect obstacles within a travel path of the motorized door. The system also includes one or more processors configured to receive a door control signal, and in response to the door control signal, determine whether an obstacle had been detected within the travel path of the motorized door. In response to determining that an obstacle has been detected, the one or more processors can block activation of the motorized door.