Mobility Scooter Travel on Airplanes

Mobility scooters allow people to recover their independence and travel independently, without the need for anyone else's assistance. They also speed up the recovery process because they allow people to walk through the shops, walk around, and connect with others.

Many airlines will let you travel on your scooter for free as long as you notify them and provide the necessary documentation. They will need to know the manufacturer, model and battery size of your scooter.

Check with Your Airline

Airplane travel can be stressful, especially for people with limited mobility who have to navigate narrow hallways and steep curbs. Many airlines are aware of the requirements of people who use mobility scooters and are able to provide 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 onboard.

Most airlines require documentation from your doctor to confirm the need for your scooter. Some airlines might also require information on the scooter's model, manufacturer and model as well as the type of battery. Take photos of your scooter to record its condition if you need to file a claim.

Another crucial step to take when flying on a mobility scooter is to study the airlines recognized for their handling of these devices. Consider reading reviews of people who have traveled with their mobility scooters before selecting a low-cost carrier that has a high rating from clients.

You can opt to have your scooter gate checked or put into the cargo hold. It is better to choose the gate-checking option, since your device will be returned at the gate of your plane to avoid any delays or when you arrive at your final destination.

If you need to inspect your scooter, the airline worker will place a tag on it and take it to the cargo hold, where it will be placed in a bin specifically designed for air travel. Make sure you have plenty of time for your journey to the airport to allow the airline to make all the necessary arrangements.

The most commonly-held misconception about mobility scooters is that their lead-acid or lithium batteries can't be used on planes. Fortunately, these kinds of batteries have been developed to be safe for air travel and most airlines approve them for use onboard their planes. In fact, some even require the batteries to be clearly labeled as the type of battery.

Pack Your Scooter and Batteries

It's a common misconception that mobility scooters aren't allowed on airplanes. It's not the case. You can bring your scooter to the airport and enjoy your trip without restrictions.

To prepare your scooter for travel, pick 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 into the back of an automobile boot which makes them the ideal choice for traveling.

You'll also need to consider the kind of battery your scooter needs and its capacity. Look for a battery labeled with an amp hour rate which is a good indicator of the power output. Scooter batteries are available in various amp hours and come at various price points. Make sure you choose the right one for your needs.

Some mobility scooters have an indicator light for the battery that lets you know the remaining charge and even provides an estimated time of runtime which is useful if you intend to use your scooter while traveling. Another feature that is helpful is a movable basket that can be mounted either on the rear or front of the scooter, so you can use it to store your possessions while traveling.

When you are looking for a new mobility scooter, you'll need to ensure it can handle both smooth and rough outdoor terrains and indoor best Lightweight travel Mobility scooters surfaces as well as minor inclines. The iRide Rover is designed to tackle all of this and more. It can hold up to 265 pounds and its wheels will never flatten. They are filled with foam, flat-free and non-marking.

Another option is the Mojo scooter by Enhance Mobility, which boasts two batteries built into the frame, and can hold riders up to 300 pounds. The cushioned seat offers maximum comfort and can be rotated to accommodate different body types. It features electromagnetic brakes as well as a speed control.

Make sure you have the correct documentation for your scooter.

Take into consideration the place and the time you'll utilize the mobility scooter prior to buying. This will help determine the best model that is suited to the needs of the user. If the scooter is only used indoors, then it may not be as robust as a outdoor model. Also, it won't need to have as much ground clearance as many indoor scooters use three wheels (one leading and two trailing).

There is also the question of the speed at which scooters can travel. Some indoor scooters can only go as fast as a person walking, and therefore cannot be used on the road. Some people just require short trips like to the library or shops. A mid-range scooter should suffice.

Lastly, the scooter's controls will also play a factor in which model to choose. Certain scooters can be controlled by pulling or pressing a lever similar to the handlebar of a bicycle, whereas others have a delta handlebar that lets the user pull and push using their thumb and fingers.

The final thing to consider is whether the scooter needs to be able to fold or disassemble to transport. For instance, some travel mobility scooters are built to break down into smaller pieces and fit in the trunk of cars. Some are more durable and do not come with this feature.

Before flying with a mobility scooter make sure it passes the security checks required by the airline. It's also an excellent idea to take photos of your scooter prior to turning it over to the airline. This will be helpful in the event that you need to file a claim due to damaged equipment.

It is also important to determine what class the scooter falls under. The class of a vehicle can be determined by its weight and whether or not it has indicators and lights. A scooter that is class 2 is only able to be driven on sidewalks and indoors. However the class 3 scooter can be driven on highways and is equipped with indicators and lights.

Prepare for Check-in

TSA Pre-Check is the best method of getting through an airport on your mobility scooter. It allows you to avoid the long security lines and get to the checkpoint earlier than others. Otherwise, you'll need to wait in a regular line as TSA agents take you and your scooter through their standard drill, check bags metal detectors, body scanners, and X-ray machines. They may use a wand with a handle or other tools to examine the interior of your scooter.

It's a good idea capture photos of your scooter before you check it in at the airport, so that you have "before and after" evidence in case your device is damaged during transport. The photos should include the model and make, as well as the type of battery that your mobility scooter is using (non-spillable lithium-ion batteries are generally acceptable for use by airlines).

If you're planning to carry a spare battery, have it ready in your carry-on. This should also be non-spillable lithium ion, and shouldn't exceed 160 watt hours. This type of battery is considered safe for airline travel. Airlines do not charge an extra fee for this type of battery, however, crews will examine the batteries and electrical connectors prior the flight is allowed to take off.

In some cases, your scooter may require dismantling for transportation. If this is the case, it's a good idea to attach clear and concise instructions for disassembly from your owner's manual the scooter. These instructions will help baggage handlers understand how far can mobility scooters travel to properly store your scooter in their cargo holds to ensure it arrives in good condition.

A lot of scooters today come with original designed accessories to hold canes, bags, and more, that are easily removed when not in use. With these modern features, it is now easier than ever to pack your scooter for air travel, and you can have peace of mind that you'll be able to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about your mobility equipment. Talk to a scooter expert today to discuss the best lightweight travel mobility scooters; please click the next website, options for your next vacation.