Mobility Scooter Travel on AirplanesMobility scooters can help people get back their sense of independence and go out on their own without the need of any assistance from anyone else. They also speed up the recovery of individuals by allowing them to walk, shop and socialize with others.Many airlines will allow your scooter to travel for free if you notify them of your request and provide the required documentation. They will want to know the manufacturer, model and the battery size of your device.Make sure to check with Your AirlineTraveling on planes can be stressful for anyone but it can be particularly stressful for those with mobility issues who have to navigate narrow corridors and steep curbs. Many airlines offer special services for mobility scooter users. It's recommended to contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance of your flight to ask what steps are necessary to bring your scooter onto the plane.Most airlines require documentation from your physician to confirm the necessity of your scooter. They may also ask for information about your scooter's make and model as well as battery type. Take pictures of your scooter to document its condition in the event that a claim is needed.Another important step in flying on mobility scooters is to research the airlines that are well-known for their handling of mobility scooters. Look into reviews of passengers who have flown using their mobility scooters, and then selecting a low-cost carrier with a good rating from their customers.You can opt to have your scooter's gate checked or put into the cargo hold. The gate-checking option is preferable, as it will mean that your scooter will be returned to you at the airport door for any layovers and at your final destination.If you need to inspect your scooter, the airline worker will place a tag on the scooter and then transport it to the cargo hold which will then place it in a specific bin 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 lithium or lead-acid batteries aren't able to be transported on aircrafts. These batteries are designed to ensure safe air travel, and most airlines allow them to be used on planes. In fact, some even require that the batteries are identified as such.Take your Scooter and Batteries with you.There is a widespread misconception that mobility scooters can't be used on planes. This is not true. With the right preparation, you can bring your scooter on a plane and enjoy your trip without any restrictions.The first step in preparing your scooter for travel is choosing one that is easily disassembled or folded. Smaller models such as 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 into pieces 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 needs and its capacity. You can tell the power output of a battery using its amp hour rating. Scooter batteries come in different amp hours, and at different costs. Be best travel scooter to select the right one for your needs.Some mobility scooters come with an indicator light for the battery that informs you of how much battery is remaining and also provides an estimated time of runtime, which can be very useful if you intend to use your scooter while traveling. A removable basket can be mounted either on the front or back of the mobility scooter. This lets you organize your belongings while out and about.When looking for a new device to move be sure that it is able to handle indoor and outdoor terrain as well as gentle inclines. The iRide Rover is designed to tackle all of this and more. It can support up to 265 pounds and its wheels will never flatten. They are filled with foam with non-marking, flat-free and non-marking.The Mojo scooter made by Enhance Mobility is another option. It has two batteries that are built into the frame, and is able to support riders up to 300 lbs. The padded seat is adjustable to accommodate various body types and can be flipped. It also comes with electronic brakes and a speed control.Check Your Scooter's DocumentationWhen you are buying a mobility scooter, it's important to consider where and when the device will be used. This will help you determine which model is most suitable 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. It will also not need as much clearance from the ground since the majority of indoor scooters have three wheels (one in front and two behind).Then there is the matter of how fast the scooter can go. There are some indoor scooters that can only travel at the speed of a pedestrian and therefore cannot be used on roads. Some people may only require short distances to places like the library or shopping and a scooter that is mid-range may suffice.Lastly, the scooter's controls can also be a factor in which model to choose. Certain scooters can be controlled by pulling or pressing a lever similar to the handlebars of a bicycle, and others feature a delta handlebar that allows users to pull and push with their thumb and fingers.Another consideration is whether the scooter will need to to fold up or disassemble to transport. Some travel mobility scooters can be broken down into smaller pieces to fit into the trunk. Some are not permanent and do not have this feature.Make sure that your mobility scooter passes the safety inspections of the airline prior to when you take off. Additionally, it's recommended to take a few photos of the scooter prior to when you hand it over to the airline. This will help you in the event that you need to make a claim due to damaged equipment.It is also important to determine what class the scooter belongs to. The class of a scooter can be determined by the weight and whether or not it comes with indicators and lights. For instance, a scooter that is class 2 can only be driven indoors and on sidewalks, while the class 3 scooter is road-worthy and is equipped with lights and indicators.Get ready for check-inTSA Pre-Check is the best method to travel through an airport on your mobility scooter. It allows you to bypass the long security lines and get to the checkpoint earlier than other passengers. You'll be required to wait in the normal line as TSA agents inspect your scooter and you through their regular drill. They might employ an instrument that is handheld or other tools to inspect the inside of your scooter.It's a good idea take pictures of your scooter prior to the time you check it into the airport to ensure you have "before and after" evidence in the event that your device gets damaged during transport. The photos should contain the model and maker of the scooter, as well as the kind of battery it is using (non spillable lithium-ion is generally suitable for air travel).If you are planning to bring an extra battery, have it ready in your carry-on. It should be non-spillable and not exceed 160 watts. This type of battery is considered safe for travel on airlines. easy travel scooter will not charge extra for this battery, but crews will inspect the batteries and electrical connectors prior taking you on.In used travel scooters for sale might be necessary to disassemble your scooter in order to transport. It's a good idea to attach the disassembly instruction from your scooter's owner's guide to the scooter if that's the situation. These instructions will assist baggage handlers understand how to properly stow your scooter in their cargo hold and ensure that it gets to its destination in good shape.Many scooters are equipped with original accessories that can hold bags, canes, and much more. These accessories are easily removed when not in use. With these innovative features, it's now easier than ever before to pack your scooter for air travel, and you can have confidence that you will be able to enjoy your trip without having to worry about your mobility equipment. Talk to a professional on scooters today to discuss the best options for your next vacation.