The Biggest "Myths" About Mobility Scooters Travel May Actually Be Right
Mobility Scooter Travel on Airplanes
Mobility scooters can help people get back their sense of independence and freedom to travel on their own, without any assistance from anyone else. They also help speed up the recovery of people by allowing them to walk, go shopping, and interact with others.
Most airlines will allow your scooter to be carried for free if you inform them and provide the necessary documentation. They will want to know the model, make, and battery size of the device.
Make sure to check with Your Airline
The journey on a plane can be stressful for everyone however, it is especially stressful for those with limited mobility who must navigate narrow corridors and high curbs. Many airlines offer special services for people who use mobility scooters. Contact your airline 48 hours in advance to find out what steps you must take to bring your mobility scooter onboard.
Most airlines require documentation from your physician to confirm the necessity of your scooter. Some airlines may also require information on the scooter's model, manufacturer, and battery type. Make sure you take photos of your scooter before you arrive at the airport to document its condition in case a claim is necessary.
Finding airlines with a positive reputation for handling mobility scooters is an important step. Look into reviews of passengers who have flown using their mobility scooters and choosing the lowest-cost airline that has high ratings from their customers.
It is important to know that you have the option of choosing whether or your scooter will be gate checked, or if it will have to be placed in the cargo hold. The gate checking option is preferable, as it will mean that your scooter will be returned to you at the airplane door for any layovers, and at your final destination.
If you have to inspect your scooter, a worker from the airline will attach a tag to it and transfer it into the cargo hold. It will then be placed in a special bin that is specifically designed for air travel. Allow plenty of time for your trip to the airport so that the airline can make all the necessary arrangements.
When it comes to mobility scooters, the most common misconception is that they cannot be used on planes due to their lithium or lead acid batteries. Luckily, these types of batteries have been designed to be safe for air travel and most airlines approve the use of these batteries on their planes. Some even require that the batteries be labeled as these.
Pack Your Scooter and Batteries
It's a common misconception that mobility scooters cannot be taken on planes. It's not the case. You can take your scooter with you on the plane and have a great time without restrictions.
To prepare your scooter for travel, pick one that can be easily disassembled or folded. The smaller models, like the Pride Go-Go Elite XL or an ultra-compact model such as the iRide mobility Rover, are perfect for traveling 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. You can determine the power output of a battery by its amp hour rating. There are scooter batteries that have different amp hours for sale at various costs, so be sure you know which one is the best fit for your requirements.
Some mobility scooters come with a light on the battery that lets you know how much charge is left and even provides an estimate of the time to run which is useful if you intend to use your scooter while traveling. A basket that can be removed is mounted either on the front or the rear of the mobility scooter. This allows you to organize your belongings while on the move.
When looking for a new device to move be sure that it is able to handle outdoor and indoor terrain, as well as moderate inclines. The iRide Rover, for instance is designed to take on all of this and more. It can hold up to 265 pounds and its wheels will never be flat. They are foam-filled with non-marking, flat-free and non-marking.
Another alternative is the Mojo scooter from Enhance Mobility, which boasts dual batteries integrated into the frame that can support riders as high as 300 pounds. Its padded seat provides maximum comfort and can be rotated to accommodate different body types. It also features electromagnetic brakes as well as a speed control.
Check the Scooter's documentation
Take into consideration the place and the time you'll utilize the mobility scooter prior to purchasing. This will help you determine the best model for your needs. If the scooter is used indoors, then it may not be as robust as a model for outdoor use. It will also not need as much clearance from the ground because many 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 indoor scooters that can only travel as fast as a pedestrian which means they cannot drive on roads. Some people will only need to travel short distances to destinations such as the library or shops, so a mid-range scooter could be sufficient.
The controls of the scooter will also determine the model you select. Some scooters are controlled by pulling or pushing a lever, similar to a bicycle's tiller, while others feature a delta handlebar that permits users to pull and push using the thumb and fingers.
A final consideration is whether or not the scooter will need to be able to fold up or disassemble for transport. For instance, some travel mobility scooters are designed to break down into smaller sections and fit in the trunk of the car. Some aren't permanent and don't come with this feature.
Before taking a flight with a mobility device, ensure that it passes airline's safety checks. In addition, it's a good idea to take photos of the scooter before you give it to the airline. This will help should you need to file an insurance claim for damaged equipment in the future.
It is also important to know what class the scooter belongs to. The class of a scooter will be determined by its weight and whether or not it has indicators and lights. A scooter classified as class 2 is only allowed to be driven on sidewalks and indoors. However, a class 3 scooter is able to be driven on highways, and is equipped with indicators and lights.
Get ready for check-in
TSA Pre-Check is the best method to travel through an airport on your mobility scooter. It lets you avoid the long security lines and get to the checkpoint ahead of other passengers. Otherwise, you'll have to wait in a normal line as TSA agents take you and your scooter through their usual drill, check bags metal detectors, body scanners and X-ray machines, while they may use a wand with a handle or other tools to look at the inside of your scooter.
It's a good idea take photos of your scooter prior to the time you check it in at the airport so that you can have "before and after" evidence in case your device gets damaged during transportation. The photos should include the model and make, as well as the type of battery your mobility scooter has (non-spillable lithium-ion batteries are usually acceptable for use by airlines).
If you plan to bring an extra battery ensure that it is in your carry-on bag. It should not spill and not exceed 160 watts. Airlines consider this type of battery safe for air travel and will not charge you extra for it, but the crew should check the batteries and electrical connections prior to when they let you aboard.
In some cases, it may be necessary to disassemble your scooter for transport. It's a good idea to attach the disassembly manual from your scooter's owner's guide to the scooter if that's the case. These instructions will aid baggage handlers understand how to properly store your scooter in their cargo holds, ensuring that it arrives in good condition.
Many scooters are fitted with original accessories that carry bags, canes and more. These accessories can be easily removed when not being used. With lightweight folding travel scooters , it is now easier than ever to load your scooter for air travel, and you can have confidence that you'll be able enjoy your vacation without having to worry about your mobility equipment. Speak to a scooter expert today to discuss the best options for your next trip.