Mobility Scooter Travel on Airplanes
Mobility scooters help people regain their independence and go on their own without needing anyone else's help. They also help in the rehabilitation of people by allowing them to walk, shop and socialize with others.
Many airlines will allow your scooter to be transported at no cost if you notify them and provide the necessary documentation. They will require the manufacturer, model and the battery size of your scooter.
Check with Your Airline
Airplane travel can be stressful, especially for those with limited mobility who have to navigate narrow hallways and steep curbs. Many airlines are aware of the needs of mobility scooter travelers and are able to provide special accommodations. It's always recommended to contact your airline at least 48 hours prior to your flight to inquire about what steps are required to bring your scooter onboard.
Most airlines require documentation from your doctor to confirm that the scooter is needed for medical reasons. Some airlines may also require information on the model, make and type of battery. Be sure to take pictures of your scooter before you get to the airport to record its condition in the event that a claim is necessary.
Researching airlines with a good reputation for handling mobility scooters is an important step. Find reviews from passengers who have travelled with their mobility scooters, and think about an airline that is low-cost and has high ratings from customers, if possible.
It is crucial to understand that you can decide whether or whether your scooter will be gate-checked, or if it will have to be placed in the cargo hold. The gate-checking option is preferred, as it will mean that your scooter will be returned to you at the airport door for any layovers, and at your final destination.
If you need to inspect your scooter, the airline worker will put a tag on it and transport it to the cargo area, where it will be put in a bin specifically designed for air travel. Allow plenty of time for your journey to the airport so that the airline can make all the necessary arrangements.
The most commonly-held misconception about mobility scooters is that their lead-acid or lithium batteries prevent them from being taken on an aircraft. These batteries are specifically designed for safe air travel, and most airlines allow them to be used on their planes. In fact, some even require that the batteries are labeled as such.
Pack Your Scooter and Batteries
There's a myth that says mobility scooters can't be used on airplanes, but the truth is far from it. You can take your scooter with you on the plane and enjoy your vacation without any restrictions.
The first step to prepare your scooter for travel is to choose one that can easily be disassembled or folded. The smaller models, like the Pride Go-Go Elite XL or an ultra-compact model like the iRide mobility Rover is ideal for travel because they are able to be easily taken apart.
You'll have to think about the type of battery and its capacity that your scooter needs. Find a battery that is marked with an amp hour rate, as this is a good indicator of the power output. Scooter batteries are available in various amp hours, and at different prices. Make sure you pick the best one for your requirements.
Some mobility scooters come with a light on the battery which lets you know the remaining charge and even provides an estimate of the time to run that can be extremely useful when planning to use your scooter when traveling. A basket that can be removed is placed on either the front or rear of the mobility scooter. This allows you to keep your items in order when you are you are out and about.
If you are in the market for a new device to move be sure that it is able to handle indoor and outdoor terrain as well as mild inclines. The iRide Rover is designed to take on all of this and more. It can hold up to 265 pounds and its wheels are flat-free and non-marking. They're also foam-filled so they'll never go flat.
The Mojo scooter from Enhance Mobility is another option. It comes with two batteries integrated into the frame, and can support riders of up to 300 pounds. The padded seat offers maximum comfort and can be rotated to accommodate various body types. It also features electromagnetic brakes and a speed control.
Make sure you have the correct documentation for your scooter.
When you are buying a mobility scooter, it is important to consider where and when the device will be used. This will help you determine which model is best suited to the user's needs. 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 as the majority of indoor scooters come with three wheels (one in front and two behind).
There is also the issue of the speed at which scooters can travel. There are a few indoor scooters that can travel as fast as a pedestrian and therefore cannot be used on roads. Some people only need to travel short distances to places such as the library or shops, so a mid-range scooter could be sufficient.
The controls of the scooter will also influence which model you choose. Some scooters are controlled by pulling or pushing a lever, similar to a bicycle's tiller, while others have an adjustable handlebar that allows the user to pull and push with the thumb and fingers.
The final thing to consider is whether the scooter can be folded or broken down for transportation. Some mobility scooters for travel can be disassembled into smaller pieces and can be tucked away in the trunk. Some are not permanent and do not come with this feature.
Make sure that your mobility scooter passes the safety checks of the airline before you travel. It's also a good idea for you to take photos of your scooter prior to handing it over to the airline. This can be useful if you have to make a claim for damaged equipment later on.
Finally, best travel mobility scooter is important to know what class the scooter is classified as. The class of a scooter will be determined by its weight and whether or not it comes with indicators and lights. For instance, a vehicle that is classified as class 2 is only able to be used indoors and on sidewalks, while a class 3 scooter is suitable for highway use and is equipped with lights and indicators.
Get ready for check-in
The best way to navigate an airport with your mobility scooter is to have TSA Pre-Check. This gives you a quick line to the security checkpoint and the chance to get ahead of the rest of the passengers. You'll be required to wait in a normal line while TSA agents examine your scooter and go through their routine drill. They might use an instrument that is handheld or other tools to look at the inside of your scooter.
Photograph your scooter before you check it in at the airport. This will allow you to have "before and afterwards" evidence in the event that your device gets damaged during transport. The photos should include the model and make of the scooter, as well as the kind of battery it is using (non spillable lithium-ion batteries are usually acceptable for use in airline travel).
If you plan to carry an additional battery, make sure that it's in your carry-on. It should also be a non-spillable lithium ion and should not exceed 160 watts. Airlines consider this type of battery to be safe for travel and will not charge you extra for it, but the crew will want to check the batteries and electrical connections before they let you aboard.
In certain situations it might be necessary to disassemble your scooter prior to transportation. If this is the case, it's a good idea to attach clear and concise disassembly instructions from your owner's manual to the scooter. These will help the baggage handlers to safely stow the scooter in their cargo hold and ensure that it reaches your destination in good condition.
Many scooters today are equipped with unique accessories for holding canes bags, and more, that can be easily detached when not in use. With these innovative features, it's now easier than ever to load your scooter for air travel, and have confidence that you'll be able take your time and not have to worry about your mobility equipment. Talk to a professional on scooters today about the best options for your next trip.