Mobility Scooter Travel on Airplanes

Mobility scooters allow people to recover their independence and travel independently, without the need for anyone else's help. They also accelerate the process of recovery by allowing people to walk or shop and also interact with other people.

Most airlines will permit you to travel on your scooter free of charge as long as you notify them and provide the proper documentation. They will require the model, the make and the battery size.

Make sure to check with Your Airline

Traveling by plane can be stressful for anyone, but especially for those with limited mobility who have to navigate narrow corridors and high curbs. Many airlines are familiar with the needs of mobility scooter travelers and are able to provide special accommodations. Contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance to determine what steps you need to take to bring your mobility scooter to the plane.

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 type of battery. Be sure to take pictures of your scooter prior to when you arrive at the airport to record its condition in case a claim is necessary.

Finding airlines with a positive reputation for handling mobility scooters is another crucial step. Look for reviews from people who have travelled with their mobility scooters, and think about an airline with low cost that has a high rating for customer satisfaction when you can.

It is important to know that you can decide whether or not your scooter will be checked for gate access 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 at your final destination.

If you have to check your scooter, the airline worker will put a tag on the scooter and then transport it to the cargo hold which will then place it in a specific bin for air travel. Plan ahead for your trip to the airport so that the airline can make all the necessary arrangements.

When it comes to mobility scooters, the most popular misconception is that they aren't able to be taken on an airplane due to 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 require that batteries are labeled accordingly.

Bring your Scooter and batteries along

It's a common misconception that mobility scooters cannot be taken on planes. This is not true. With the proper preparation, you can bring your scooter on an airplane and enjoy your holiday without restrictions.

To prepare your scooter for travel, choose one that is easy to disassemble or folded. Smaller models, such as the Pride Go-Go Elite XL, or a compact scooter, such as the iRide Mobility Rover are great because they can be disassembled, or simply broken into pieces and fit in the back of the car boot making them the perfect option for travel.

It is also important to determine what type of battery you'll need for your scooter and its capacity. You can determine the power output of a battery by its amp hour rating. You can find scooter batteries that have different amp hours at various prices, so make sure you're aware of which is best for your requirements.

Certain mobility scooters feature a battery indicator that shows how much power is left. It can also give you an estimate of how long it will take to complete. This is useful when you plan to use your scooter for travel. Another feature that is helpful is a basket that can be positioned either on the rear or front of the scooter, so you can keep your items in order while you are on the move.

If you are looking for a new mobility device, make sure it can handle indoor and outdoor terrain, as well as moderate inclines. The iRide Rover, travel mobility for instance is designed to handle all of this and more. It can support up to 265 pounds and its wheels are flat-free with foam, non-marking and non-marking, which means they'll never ever flat.

Another option is the Mojo scooter made by Enhance Mobility, which boasts dual batteries integrated into the frame, and can accommodate riders up to 300 pounds. Its padded seat provides maximum comfort and can be rotated to accommodate various body types, and it comes with an electromagnetic brake as well as a speed control.

Check Your Scooter's Documentation

When purchasing 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 your requirements. 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 companion. There are indoor scooters that can only travel at the speed of a pedestrian, which rules out driving on roads. Some people just require short distances such as to the library or to shops. A mid-range scooter will suffice.

The controls of the scooter can affect the model you pick. Some scooters are controlled by pulling or pushing a lever similar to a bicycle's crank, while others have a delta handlebar that allows the user to pull and push with the thumb and fingers.

The final thing to consider is whether the scooter can fold or dismantled for transport. Some travel mobility scooters can be broken into smaller pieces and fit in the trunk. Some are more durable and do not come with this feature.

Make sure that your mobility scooter passes safety checks of the airline prior to when you take off. Additionally, it's a good idea to take photos of the scooter before you hand it over to the airline. This will help in the event that you need to submit a claim for damaged equipment later on.

It is also important to know which class the scooter falls under. In some cases the scooter's class can be determined by its weight and if it has indicators and lights. For instance, a scooter that is class 2 is only able to be used on sidewalks and indoors, while a class 3 scooter is highway-worthy and comes equipped with indicators and lights.

Prepare for Check-in

The best method to navigate an airport using a mobility scooter is to get TSA Pre-Check, which allows you a short line for the security checkpoint and a chance to skip ahead of everyone else. Otherwise, you'll have 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, while they might use a wand that is handheld or other tools to look at the interior of your scooter.

Take photos of your scooter prior to checking it in at the airport. This will allow you to have "before and afterwards" evidence in the case that your device becomes damaged during transport. The photos should include the model and maker of the scooter, as well as the type of battery it's using (non spillable lithium-ion is generally acceptable for use in airline travel).

If you are planning to bring a spare battery with you ensure that it is in your carry-on bag. It should also be a non-spillable lithium ion and it shouldn't exceed 160 watts. This type of battery is deemed safe for airline travel. Airlines will not charge extra for this battery, but crews will inspect the batteries and electrical connectors before taking you on.

In certain situations your scooter could be required to be disassembled for transportation. It's a great idea to attach the disassembly manual from your scooter's owner's guide to the scooter if this is the situation. This will let baggage handlers know how to properly store the scooter in their cargo hold and ensure that it arrives at your destination in good condition.

Many scooters today are equipped with original designed accessories for holding canes, bags, and more, which can be removed when not in use. These innovative features make it easier than ever to pack a scooter for air lightweight travel scooter. You can also enjoy your vacation with peace of mind knowing that your mobility equipment will be well taken care of. Talk to a professional on scooters today about the best options for your next trip.