Updated: December, 2020
We get a lot of questions about different airline transportation policies and figuring out how to travel with mobility scooters. Are there lightweight, or airplane-friendly mobility scooters that you should aim to purchase if you plan to travel a lot?
For starters, there are different airline policies for transporting new or used mobility travel scooters. It’s important to read up on the various guidelines and figure out if your mobility scooter is suitable for air travel or regular transport with a wheelchair lift attached to a vehicle.
Marc’s Mobility has a diverse selection of different types of mobility scooters for your travel needs. You can choose from 3 or 4-wheel travel mobility scooters depending on your preference for speed or maneuverability. Marc’s Mobility carries brands like Buzzaround XLS, Pride Mobility, and more.
If you are traveling by plane, different airlines have guidelines and regulations in place for individuals who need assisted travel mobility scooters. For instance, Southwest Airlines says that each aircraft has a designated wheelchair storage compartment to allow in-cabin storage of at least one standard-size, adult collapsible wheelchair. You should know the type of battery your mobility device uses. Is your battery spillable, or non-spillable (a dry battery, for example).
If your medical device is powered by a spillable battery, Southwest Airlines must assess and determine whether it can be approved for transportation. Southwest writes the battery must show no signs of any defects or damage. The battery will be removed and placed in a protective battery box. The same goes for a non-spillable battery. Southwest Airlines must also be able to assess the battery. Customers are also allowed to bring a spare non-spillable or spillable battery for the mobility device as long as they are in good condition and labeled correctly for easy identification. For lithium batteries, the assistive device needs to be transported as checked baggage. For detailed information on lithium batteries for transport, read Southwest’s information.
Make sure your used or new mobility scooter has been designed to comply with airline policies. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you can bring your small, manual mobility device with you into the airplane, so long as it is stored in an overhead compartment or stored in the cabin area. However, keep in mind that most battery-powered wheelchairs that are too large are typically stowed in the cargo portion of the aircraft. You can pick it up from baggage claim at the end of the flight.
Some of the best mobility scooters to take on airplanes as compiled by Mobility Scooters Direct include the Transformer Mobility Scooter, The FreeRider Luggie Classic, The Go-Go Sport, and several other cheap, and affordable rentals or new and used mobility scooters.
If you are a frequent travel, you want to invest in a lightweight mobility scooter that is easy for airline or outdoor transport. You should aim for mobility scooters that are around 50 to 100 pounds, according to Mobility Scooters Direct.
Before you travel, it is important to communicate with the airline you are flying with to ensure that your rental or lightweight travel mobility scooter can enter the aircraft or the cargo area. Also provide written and detailed instructions in the event of disassembling the mobility device. You can read more about how to travel with a rental, or small or large mobility scooters for flying commercial here.
The key elements that we’ll summarize include the following:
- Prior to your flight, check-in with the airline you are flying with and read up on battery safety and whether your mobility scooter can be placed in cargo or the overhead compartment.
- Double-check with the airline if you are not sure what spare batteries you can bring.
- Write instructions for the person assisting you if your mobility device needs to be disassembled.
In the age of COVID-19, it’s more common for people to vacation by car. Road trips to national parks or even just short day trips have become the norm as far as travel experiences go. If you’re unable to take a plane, or perhaps you just prefer to cruise by car, we’ve still got you covered! Check out this amazing resource full of helpful tips and modifications to make traveling by car comfortable and easy.
You can read the guidelines about Zero 8 Scooter, to know whether you can travel with it or not.
Updated: December, 2020
