Mobility Scooter Travel on Airplanes

Mobility scooters can help people recover their independence and freedom to travel on their own without the need of any assistance from anyone else. They also in the rehabilitation of people by allowing them to walk, go shopping and connect with other people.

Many airlines will allow your scooter to travel at no cost if you notify them of the need to provide documentation. They will ask for the model, make and battery size.

Make sure to check with Your Airline

Traveling by plane can be stressful, especially for those with limited mobility who have to navigate narrow hallways and high curbs. Many airlines are aware of the requirements of those who travel with mobility scooters and offer special accommodations. It's always an ideal idea to call your airline at least 48 hours in advance of your flight to ask what steps you need to take to bring your scooter onto the plane.

Most airlines require a letter from your doctor to confirm that the scooter is necessary for medical reasons. Some airlines may also require information on the scooter's model, make and model as well as the type of battery. Make sure you take photos of your scooter before you get to the airport to document its condition in case a claim is necessary.

Finding airlines with a positive reputation for handling mobility scooters is another crucial step. Consider reading reviews of people who have traveled with their mobility scooters, and then selecting an airline with low costs with a good rating from clients.

It is crucial to know that you can choose whether or your scooter will be gate checked or if it will need to go in the cargo hold. The gate checking option is preferable, as it guarantees that your scooter will be returned to you at the airplane door for any layovers and at your final destination.

If you require a check on your scooter, a worker from the airline will attach a tag and take it to the cargo hold. It will then be placed in a special bin specifically designed for air travel. Allow plenty of time for your trip to the airport to allow the airline to make all the necessary arrangements.

When it comes to mobility scooters, the most commonly held belief is that they can't be taken on an airplane because of their lithium or lead acid batteries. Fortunately, these kinds of batteries are designed to be safe for air travel and many airlines have approved the use of these batteries on their planes. In fact, some even require that the batteries be labeled as such.

Bring your scooter and batteries

It's a common misconception mobility scooters cannot be taken on planes. It's not the case. You can bring your scooter on an airplane and have a great time without restrictions.

The first step in preparing your scooter for travel is to choose one that is easily disassembled or folded. Smaller models like the Pride Go-Go Elite XL, or a compact scooter, such like the iRide Mobility are perfect because they can be disassembled or simply broken down into parts and fit in the back of the car boot making them the perfect choice for traveling.

You'll also have to think about what kind of battery your scooter requires and its capacity. You can gauge the power output of a battery by its amp hour rating. Scooter batteries are available in various amp hours, and at different price points. Make sure you pick the right one for your needs.

Some mobility scooters come with an indicator light for the battery that lets you know how much charge is left and even provides an estimate of the time to run that can be extremely useful when you plan 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.

When shopping for a new mobility scooter, it is important to make sure it can handle rough and smooth indoor surfaces and outdoor terrain and even slight inclines. The iRide Rover is designed to take on 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 so they'll never ever flat.

The Mojo scooter from Enhance Mobility is another option. It has dual batteries built into the frame, and is able to support riders of up to 300 pounds. The cushioned seat offers maximum comfort and is able to be turned to accommodate different body types. It also features electromagnetic brakes and 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 the best model that is suited to the needs of the user. If the scooter is only used indoors, it might not be as robust as a model for outdoor use. Also, it won't 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 could travel. There are some indoor scooters that can only travel as fast as a walking which means they cannot drive on roads. Some people may only require short distances to places such as the library or shops and a scooter that is mid-range may suffice.

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

The final thing to consider is whether or not the scooter will need to to fold up or disassemble to transport. Some travel mobility scooters can be disassembled into smaller pieces and fit into the trunk. Others are more durable and do not come with this feature.

Check that your mobility scooter passes safety checks of the airline prior to you take off. It's also a good idea for you to take photos of your scooter prior to turning it over to the airline. This will assist you if, later on, you need to file a claim due to damaged equipment.

Finally, it is important to know which class the scooter is classified as. The class of a scooter can be determined by the weight and whether or not it has indicators and lights. For example, a scooter that is classified as class 2 can only be driven on sidewalks and indoors however a class 3 scooter is highway-worthy and comes equipped with lights and indicators.

Get ready for Check-In

The best method to travel through airports using a mobility scooter is to use TSA Pre-Check, which gives you a short line for the security checkpoint and a chance to skip ahead of the rest of the passengers. Otherwise, you'll have to wait in a regular line while TSA agents walk you and your scooter through their standard drill, Scooters travel 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.

It's a good idea to take photos of your scooter prior to when you check it in at the airport, so that you have "before and after" evidence in case your device gets damaged during transport. The photos should include the model and maker of your scooter, along with the type of battery it uses (non spillable lithium-ion is usually acceptable for airline transportation).

If you intend to bring an extra battery, make sure it's 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 won't charge you additional fees for it, however the crew should check the batteries and electrical connections prior to when they let you aboard.

In certain situations, your scooter may be required to be disassembled for transportation. If this is the case, it's a good idea to attach clear and concise instructions for disassembly from the owner's manual to the scooter. These instructions will assist baggage handlers understand how to properly stow your scooter in their cargo hold and ensure that it arrives in good condition.

Many scooters are fitted with original accessories that can carry bags, canes and more. These accessories are easily removed when not being used. With these new features, it's now easier than ever before to pack your scooter for travel, and you can have peace of mind knowing that you will be able to enjoy your trip without having to worry about your mobility equipment. Talk to a specialist on scooters today about the best options for your upcoming vacation!