How To Beat Your Boss On Mobility Scooters Travel

Mobility Scooter Travel on Airplanes

Mobility scooters help people to get back their sense of independence and freedom to travel on their own without the need of anyone else's assistance. They also accelerate the recovery process of individuals by allowing them to walk, shop and connect with other people.

Most airlines will let you travel with your scooter free of charge provided you inform them and provide required documentation. They will need to know the manufacturer, model and the battery size of your scooter.

Make sure to check with Your Airline

Traveling on planes can be stressful for anyone, but especially for those with mobility issues who have to navigate narrow corridors and steep curbs. Many airlines offer special services for those who use mobility scooters. Contact your airline 48 hours in advance to find out what steps you must take to bring your mobility scooter onto the plane.

Most airlines require documentation from your doctor to confirm that the scooter is needed for medical purposes. They may also ask for details about your scooter's model, model, and battery type. Be sure to take photographs of your scooter before you get to the airport to document its condition in case you need to file a claim.

Finding airlines with a positive reputation for handling mobility scooters is an crucial step. Check out reviews from those who have travelled with their scooters, and consider a low-cost airline that has high ratings from customers when you can.

You can choose to have your scooter gate checked or placed 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 for any layovers or at your final destination.

If you must check your scooter, the airline worker will place a tag on it and take it to the cargo area, where it will be placed in a specific bin for air travel. Make sure you have plenty of time to travel to the airport, as this will allow the airline time to make the necessary arrangements.

The most common misconception about mobility scooters is that their lithium or lead-acid batteries aren't able to be transported on aircrafts. Fortunately, these kinds of batteries have been designed to be safe for air travel and most airlines allow them for use onboard their planes. Some even require that the batteries are labeled accordingly.

Pack Your Scooter and Batteries

There's a misconception that mobility scooters can't be used on airplanes, but the truth is far from it. You can take your scooter to the airport and enjoy your trip without any restrictions.

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

You'll need to consider the kind of battery and the capacity to meet the requirements of your scooter. You can determine the power output of a battery based on its amp hour rating. Scooter batteries are available in a variety of amp hours and at different prices. Make sure you pick the best one for your needs.

Some mobility scooters come with a battery light which lets you know the remaining charge and prices even provides an estimated time of runtime that can be extremely useful when you plan to use your scooter when traveling. Another feature that is helpful is a basket that can be placed on either the front or back of the scooter, meaning you can use it to store your possessions while on the move.

When looking for a new device to move, make sure it can handle outdoor and indoor terrain as well as mild inclines. The iRide Rover is designed to take on all of this and more. It can hold up to 265 pounds and its wheels will never go flat. They are filled with foam, flat-free and non-marking.

Another option is the Mojo scooter from Enhance Mobility, which boasts two batteries that are integrated into the frame that can support riders as high as 300 pounds. The seat is padded and adjustable to fit various body types and can be flipped. It also features electromagnetic brakes and speed controller.

Make sure you have the correct documentation for your scooter.

Think about the location and time you'll make use of the mobility scooter prior to buying. This will help you determine the best travel mobility scooter model that is suited to the user's needs. For instance when the scooter is going to be used primarily indoors, it won't require the same durability as outdoor models. It also won't require as much clearance from the ground as the majority of indoor scooters come with three wheels (one in front and two behind).

Then there's the issue of how fast the scooter can go. Some indoor scooters can only be at the speed of walking, so they cannot be used on roads. Some people may only need to travel short distances to places such as the library or shops, so a mid-range scooter could be sufficient.

The controls of the scooter may 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 with the thumb and fingers.

The final thing to think about is whether the scooter is foldable or dismantled to transport. For instance, some travel mobility scooters are designed to disassemble into smaller sections and even fit in the trunk of the car. Some are permanent and don't have this feature.

Make sure that your mobility scooter passes safety inspections of the airline before you fly. It's also a good idea to take a few photos of the scooter prior prices to when you give it to the airline. This can be useful should you need to file an claim for damaged equipment later on.

It is also important to know what class the scooter falls under. In some cases, the scooter's class will be determined by its weight and if it is equipped with lights and indicators. For instance, a vehicle that is classified as class 2 can only be driven indoors and on sidewalks and sidewalks, whereas a class 3 scooter is road-worthy and is equipped with indicators and lights.

Get ready for Check-In

The best method to navigate an airport with your mobility scooter is to use TSA Pre-Check. This gives you a shorter 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 typical drill, check bags, metal detectors, body scanners, and X-ray machines, while they possibly use a hand-held wand or other tools to look at the interior of your scooter.

Take pictures of your scooter prior to registering it at the airport. This will give you "before and afterwards" evidence in the case that your device becomes damaged during transport. The photos should contain the model and maker of your scooter, as well the kind of battery it is using (non spillable lithium-ion batteries are usually acceptable for airline transportation).

If you plan to bring an extra battery ensure that it is in your carry-on. It should also be non-spillable lithium ion, and shouldn't exceed 160 watts. This type of battery is considered safe for airline travel. Airlines do not charge an extra fee for this type of battery, but crews will examine the batteries and electrical connectors prior to allowing you to board.

In some instances your scooter might need to be disassembled to transport. If this is the case, it's a good idea to attach explicit and clear instructions for disassembly from your owner's manual to the scooter. These will help the baggage handlers to safely stow the scooter in their cargo area and ensure that it reaches the destination safely.

Many scooters today are equipped with original accessories for holding canes bags, and other items, and that are easily removed when not in use. With these innovative features, it's easier than ever before to pack your scooter for air travel and have peace of mind that you will be able to take your time and not have to worry about your mobility equipment. Speak to a scooter expert today about the most suitable options for your next vacation!