Mobility Scooter Travel on Airplanes
Mobility scooters help people gain their independence and be on their own without the need for assistance from anyone else. They can also help in the rehabilitation of people by allowing them to walk, shop, and interact with others.
Most airlines will allow your scooter to be carried for free if you notify them and provide the necessary documentation. They will want to know the model, make and battery size.
Check with Your Airline
The journey on a plane can be stressful for everyone, but especially for those with a limited mobility who have to navigate narrow corridors and steep curbs. Many airlines are familiar with the needs of mobility scooter travelers and are able to provide special accommodations. It's always a good idea to contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance of your flight to inquire about what steps are necessary to bring your scooter onto the plane.
Most airlines require documentation from you doctor to confirm the need for your scooter. Some may also request details regarding your scooter's manufacturer, model, and battery type. Make sure you take photos of your scooter before you arrive at the airport to record its condition in case a claim is necessary.
Looking for airlines that have a good reputation for handling mobility scooters is another crucial step. Check out reviews from those who have traveled with their scooters, and consider a low-cost airline that has high customer satisfaction ratings when you can.
You can check the gate of your scooter or placed in the cargo hold. The gate-checking option is the best choice, since it guarantees that your scooter will be returned to you at the airplane door for any layovers, and at your final destination.
If you need to inspect your scooter, the employee of the airline will attach a tag to it and take it to the cargo area, which will then place it in a special bin for air travel. Make sure you have plenty of time to reach the airport, since this will give the airline enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
When it concerns mobility scooters the most commonly held belief is that they aren't able to be used on planes due to their lithium or lead acid batteries. These batteries are designed for safe air travel and most airlines allow them to be used on their planes. Some require that the batteries are marked accordingly.
Bring your scooter and batteries
There's a myth that says mobility scooters are banned from planes, but the reality is quite the opposite. With the right preparation, you can bring your scooter on a plane and enjoy your holiday without any restrictions.
To prepare your scooter for travel, pick one that can be easily disassembled or folded. The smaller models, such as the Pride Go-Go Elite XL or an ultra-compact model like the iRide mobility vehicle is ideal for travel because they can easily be disassembled.
You'll need to consider the kind of battery and the capacity to meet the requirements of your scooter. You can gauge 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 are aware of which is the most suitable for your requirements.
Some mobility scooters have a light on the battery that lets you know how much battery is remaining and even offers an estimated time of runtime, which can be very useful when you plan to use your scooter while traveling. Another helpful feature is a basket that can be mounted on the front or rear of the scooter, meaning you can keep your items in order while you are on the move.
If compact travel mobility scooter are looking for a new device to move be sure that it is able to handle outdoor and indoor terrain as well as mild inclines. The iRide Rover, for instance, is built to handle all of this and more. It can carry up to 265 pounds, and its wheels will never flatten. They are foam-filled and flat-free, as well as non-marking.
Another option is the Mojo scooter by Enhance Mobility, which boasts two batteries that are integrated into the frame, and can hold riders up to 300 pounds. The padded seat can be adjusted to fit different body types and be flipped. It also features electronic brakes and a speed controller.
Check the Scooter's documentation
When purchasing a mobility scooter, it is important to consider where and when the device will be utilized. This will help you determine which model is best suited to your requirements. For instance when the scooter is going to be used only indoors, it might not require as much durability as outdoor models. It also will not need to have the same amount of ground clearance because many indoor scooters are equipped with three wheels (one leading and two trailing).
There is also the issue of how fast a scooter can travel. Some indoor scooters are able to go as fast as a person walking, so they cannot be used on roads. Some people only require short distances for places such as the library or shops and a scooter that is mid-range might be enough.
Finally, the controls of the scooter can also be a factor in the model you choose. Some scooters are controlled by pushing or pulling a lever similar to a bicycle's crank, while others have an adjustable handlebar that allows users to push and pull with the thumb and fingers.
The final thing to consider is whether the scooter can be folded or dismantled for transport. For instance, some mobility scooters can disassemble into smaller sections and even fit in the trunk of cars. Some are permanent and don't have this feature.
Before you travel with a mobility scooter, ensure that it passes the airline's safety checks. Additionally, it's an excellent idea to take photos of the scooter prior to when you give it to the airline. This will help you if, later on, you have to file a claim due to damaged equipment.
It is also essential to know the class in which the scooter is classified. The class of a scooter will be determined by its weight and whether or not it comes with indicators and lights. For instance, a scooter that is classified as class 2 is only able to be used inside and on sidewalks however a class 3 scooter is highway-worthy and is equipped with indicators and lights.
Get ready for Check-In
TSA Pre-Check is the most efficient method to travel through airports on your mobility scooter. It lets you skip the long lines of security and get to the checkpoint before others. You'll have to wait in the standard line while TSA agents inspect your scooter and go through their regular drill. They might use tools that are handheld or other tools to check the inside of your scooter.
It's a good idea capture photos of your scooter prior to when you check it into the airport, so that you have "before and after" evidence in case your device is damaged during transport. The pictures should show the model and maker, as well as the kind of battery your mobility scooter uses (non-spillable lithium-ion batteries are typically acceptable for use by airlines).
If you plan to bring a spare battery make sure you have it in your carry-on. It should not spill and not exceed 160 watts. This kind of battery is considered safe for travel on airlines. Airlines will not charge an extra fee for this type of battery, however, crews will examine the batteries and electrical connectors prior to the flight is allowed to take off.
In some instances your scooter might require dismantling for transportation. If this is the situation, it's a good idea to attach clear and concise disassembly instructions from your owner's manual to the scooter. This will let baggage handlers understand how to properly store the scooter in their cargo area and ensure that it arrives at the destination safely.
Many scooters are equipped with original accessories that hold canes, bags, and much more. These accessories can be easily removed when not in use. With these new features, it is now easier than ever before to pack your scooter for air travel and have peace of mind that you'll be able to enjoy your trip without having to worry about your mobility equipment. Talk to a scooter expert today to discuss the best options available for your next trip.