Mobility Scooter Travel on AirplanesMobility scooters enable people to recover their independence and travel on their own without the need for assistance from anyone else. They also help speed up the recovery of people by allowing them to walk, shop and socialize with others.Many airlines will permit you to travel on your scooter free of charge as long as you notify them and provide required documentation. They will want to know the model, make and battery size.Make sure to check with Your AirlineAirplane travel can be stressful, particularly for those with a limited mobility who must navigate narrow hallways and high curbs. Many airlines provide special accommodations for those who use mobility scooters. It's always an ideal idea to call your airline at least 48 hours prior to your flight to inquire about the steps are necessary to bring your scooter onto the plane.Most airlines require documentation from your doctor to prove that the scooter is necessary for medical purposes. Some may also request details about your scooter's model and model as well as battery type. Be sure to take pictures of your scooter before you arrive at the airport to document its condition in case a claim is necessary.Another important step in flying on mobility scooters is to research the airlines that are recognized for their handling of these devices. Look into reviews of passengers who have traveled with their mobility scooters before selecting an airline with low costs that has a high rating from their customers. travel scooters near me can choose to check the gate of your scooter or placed in the cargo hold. The gate checking option is preferable, as it will mean that your scooter will be returned to you at the plane door for any layovers and at your final destination.If you need to check your scooter, a worker from the airline will attach a tag and take it to the cargo hold. Then, it will be placed in a special bin that is specifically designed for air travel. Plan ahead for your trip to the airport so that the airline can make all the necessary arrangements.When it concerns mobility scooters the most common misconception is that they aren't able to be taken on an airplane due to their lithium or lead acid batteries. Fortunately, these kinds of batteries are designed for safe air travel, and most airlines approve the use of these batteries on their planes. Some require that batteries are labeled accordingly.Bring your scooter and batteriesThere is a widespread misconception that mobility scooters can't be used on airplanes. This is not true. You can bring your scooter on an airplane and enjoy your trip without any restrictions.To prepare your scooter for travel, select one that can be easily disassembled or folded. The smaller models, like the Pride Go-Go Elite XL or smaller models, such as the iRide mobility scooter is ideal for travel because they are able to be easily disassembled.You'll also have to think about the type of battery you'll need for your scooter and the capacity of the battery. Find a battery that is marked with an amp-hour rate which is a good indication of the power output. You can find scooter batteries that have different amp hours at different price points, so make sure you know which one is the best fit for your needs.Certain mobility scooters include a light on the battery that informs you of how much battery is remaining and also provides an estimate of the time to run, which can be very useful if you intend to use your scooter when traveling. A basket that is removable can be placed on either the front or the rear of the mobility scooter. This allows you to store your belongings when you are out and about.If you are in the market 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 carry up to 265 pounds and its wheels will never flatten. They are filled with foam with non-marking, flat-free and non-marking.Another option is the Mojo scooter from Enhance Mobility, which boasts dual batteries integrated into the frame and can hold riders up to 300 pounds. Its padded seat provides maximum comfort and can be repositioned to accommodate different body types. It features electromagnetic brakes and a speed controller.Check Your Scooter's DocumentationWhen buying a mobility scooter, it's important to consider where and when the device will be utilized. This will help you determine the best model for your requirements. If the scooter is only used indoors, then it might not be as durable as an outdoor model. It also will not need to have the same amount of ground clearance as many indoor scooters use three wheels (one leading and two trailing).Then there's the issue of how fast the scooter can travel. Some indoor scooters are able to travel as fast as a person walking, and therefore cannot be used on the road. Some people just require short distances, such as to the library or shops. A mid-range scooter should suffice.Lastly, the scooter's controls will also play a role in deciding which model to pick. Certain scooters can be controlled by pulling or pressing a lever similar to the tiller of a bicycle, while others feature a delta handlebar that lets the user pull and push with their thumb and fingers.The final thing to think about is whether the scooter can be folded or dismantled for transport. For instance, some mobility scooters are designed to break down into smaller sections and even fit in the trunk of a car. Some are more durable and do not have this feature.Before you travel with a mobility scooter ensure that it passes the security checks required by the airline. In addition, it's a good idea to take photos of the scooter before you give it to the airline. This can be useful if you have to file an claim for damaged equipment in the future.It is also important to know the class in which the scooter is classified. In some instances the scooter's class can be determined by its weight as well as whether it is equipped with lights and indicators. A scooter class 2 is only able to be driven on sidewalks or indoors. However a class 3 scooter can be driven on highways, and is equipped with indicators and lights.Prepare for Check-InThe best way to navigate an airport with your mobility scooter is to have TSA Pre-Check, which gives you a quick line to the security checkpoint and an opportunity to be ahead of everyone else. You'll have to wait in a normal line as TSA agents examine your scooter and go through their regular drill. They might use a hand-held tool or other tools to check the inside of your scooter.Photograph your scooter before you check it in at the airport. travel scooters near me will give you "before and afterwards" evidence in the case that your device becomes damaged during transport. The photos should show the make and model and the type of battery your mobility scooter uses (non-spillable lithium-ion batteries are usually suitable for flights).If you are planning to bring a spare battery with you ensure that it is in your carry-on bag. It should be a non-spillable lithium ion and should not exceed 160 watts. Airlines consider this kind of battery safe for airline travel and will not charge additional fees for it, however the crew should check the batteries and electrical connections prior to when they allow you to board.In certain situations, it may be necessary to disassemble your scooter prior to transportation. If this is the scenario, it's a great idea to attach explicit and clear instructions for disassembly from the owner's manual to the scooter. These instructions will assist baggage handlers to know how to properly stow your scooter in their cargo hold to ensure it arrives in good condition.Many scooters today are equipped with original designed accessories for holding canes bags and more, and that are easily removed when not in use. With travel mobility , it's now easier than ever before to pack your scooter for travel, and have peace of mind that you will be able to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about your mobility equipment. Talk to a scooter specialist today about the best options for your next trip!