Mobility Scooters Travel: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know In The Past
Mobility Scooter Travel on Airplanes
Mobility scooters allow people to recover their independence and freedom to travel on their own, without anyone else's help. They can also help accelerate the recovery process of individuals by allowing them to walk, shop and connect with other people.
Most airlines will allow your scooter to travel at no cost if you notify them and provide the necessary documentation. They will ask for the model, make and battery size.
Make sure to check with Your Airline
Airplane travel can be stressful, particularly for those with a limited mobility who have to navigate narrow hallways and high curbs. Many airlines are familiar with the requirements of people who use mobility scooters and can offer special accommodations. Contact your airline at least 48 hours prior to departure to learn the steps you have to follow to bring your mobility scooter to the plane.
Most airlines require documentation from you doctor to confirm the need for your scooter. Certain airlines may also ask for information about the model, make and model as well as the type of battery. Take pictures of your scooter to record its condition if you need to file a claim.
Researching airlines with a good reputation for handling mobility scooters is an crucial step. Look into reviews of passengers who have flown with their mobility scooters and choosing an airline with low costs with a good rating from clients.
It is crucial to know that you have the option of choosing whether or your scooter will be gate checked or if it will need to go in the cargo hold. It is recommended to select the gate-checking option, since your scooter will be returned at the door of your plane to avoid any delays or when you arrive at your final destination.
If you need to inspect your scooter, the person working for the airline will place a tag on it and take it to the cargo hold where it will be placed in a specific bin for air travel. Make sure you have plenty of time for your trip to the airport to allow the airline to make all the necessary arrangements.
When it concerns mobility scooters the most popular misconception is that they aren't able to be used on planes because of their lithium or lead acid batteries. These batteries are specifically designed for safe air travel and most airlines allow them to be used on planes. Some even require that the batteries are labeled accordingly.
Bring your Scooter and batteries along
There's a belief that mobility scooters are not allowed on airplanes, but the truth is far from it. With the right preparation, you can take your scooter on a plane and enjoy your holiday without restrictions.
The first step in preparing your scooter for travel is choosing one that is easily disassembled or folded. Smaller models like the Pride Go-Go Elite XL, or a compact scooter such as the iRide Mobility Rover are perfect because they can be disassembled or simply broken into pieces and fit into the back of a car boot which makes them the ideal choice for traveling.
You'll have to think about the kind of battery and the capacity to meet the requirements of your scooter. Look for a battery labeled with an amp hour rating, as this is a good indication of the power output. Scooter batteries come in different amp hours, and at different costs. Be sure to select the right one for your requirements.
Some mobility scooters have a light on the battery that informs you of how much battery is remaining and even provides an estimated time of runtime that can be extremely useful if you intend to use your scooter while traveling. A basket that is removable can be placed on either the front or back of the mobility scooter. This lets you store your belongings when you are out and about.
When shopping for a new mobility scooter, you'll need to ensure it can handle both smooth and rough outdoor terrains and indoor surfaces and even slight inclines. The iRide Rover, for instance is designed to handle all of this and more. It can support up to 265 pounds, and its wheels are flat-free, non-marking and foam filled that means they won't be flat.
Another alternative is the Mojo scooter from Enhance Mobility, which boasts two batteries that are integrated into the frame, and can accommodate riders up to 300 pounds. lightweight folding travel scooters is padded and adjustable to fit various body types and can be turned. It also has electronic brakes and a speed controller.
Make sure you have the correct documentation for your scooter.
When buying a mobility scooter, it's crucial to consider where and when the device will be utilized. This will allow you to determine which model is best suited to your requirements. If the scooter is used indoors, then it may not be as robust as a outdoor model. It also won't require as much clearance from the ground since many indoor scooters come with three wheels (one in front and two behind).
Then there's the issue of how fast the scooter can go. There are compact travel mobility scooter that are able to be as fast as a walking and therefore cannot be used on roads. Some people may only need to travel short distances to destinations such as the library or shops, so a mid-range scooter could be sufficient.
Lastly, the scooter's controls will also play a factor in the model you choose. Certain scooters can be controlled by pulling or pushing a lever that is similar to the handlebars of a bicycle, whereas others have a delta handlebar which allows the user pull and push using their fingers and thumbs.
A final consideration is whether or not the scooter needs to be able to fold up or disassemble for transport. For instance, some travel mobility scooters can break down into smaller pieces and can even fit into the trunk of cars. Some are permanent and don't have this feature.
Before taking a flight with a mobility device, ensure that it passes the security checks required by the airline. It's also recommended to take photographs of your scooter before handing it over to the airline. This can be useful in the event that you need to file an claim for damaged equipment in the future.
In the end, it is crucial to determine what class the scooter falls under. In certain instances the scooter's class can be determined by its weight as well as whether it is equipped with lights and indicators. For instance, a scooter that is class 2 can only be driven on sidewalks and indoors however the class 3 scooter is suitable for highway use and is equipped with lights and indicators.
Get ready for check-in
The best method to travel through airports with your mobility scooter is to get TSA Pre-Check. This gives you a shorter line for the security checkpoint and the chance to get ahead of the rest of the passengers. Otherwise, you'll need to wait in a normal line while TSA agents guide you and your scooter through their usual drill, check bags and metal detectors, as well as body scanners and X-ray machines. They may use a wand with a handle or other tools to look at the interior of your scooter.
It's a good idea to take pictures of your scooter prior to the time you check it in at the airport, so that you have "before and after" evidence in the event that your device gets damaged during transportation. The photos should show the model and brand of your scooter, as well the kind of battery it is using (non spillable lithium-ion batteries are usually acceptable for use in airline travel).
If you plan to bring a spare battery with you make sure you have it in your carry-on bag. It should not spill and not exceed 160 watts. This kind of battery is deemed safe for use in airline travel. Airlines do not charge an extra fee for this type of battery, however, crews will examine the batteries and electrical connectors before the flight is allowed to take off.
In compact travel mobility scooter , it may be necessary to disassemble your scooter prior to transport. It's a great idea to attach the disassembly instruction from the owner's manual of your scooter to the scooter if this is the situation. These instructions will help baggage handlers know how to properly store your scooter in their cargo hold to ensure it arrives in good condition.
Many scooters today are equipped with original designed accessories for holding canes bags and more, and which can be removed when not in use. These new features make it easier than ever before to transport a scooter on air travel. You can also enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing that your mobility equipment will be in good hands. Talk to a professional on scooters today about the best options available for your next trip.