Mobility Scooter Travel on AirplanesMobility scooters help people recover their independence and travel on their own without the need for anyone else's help. They also speed up the recovery of individuals by allowing them to walk, go shopping and connect with other people.Many airlines will let you travel with your scooter free of charge provided you inform them and provide the proper documentation. They will need to know the make, model type and battery size of the device.Check with Your AirlineTraveling by plane can be stressful, particularly for those with a limited mobility who have to navigate narrow hallways and high curbs. lightweight folding travel mobility scooters are aware of the requirements of those who travel with mobility scooters and offer special accommodations. It's recommended to contact 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 medical certificate from your physician to confirm the need for your scooter. They may also ask for details regarding your scooter's manufacturer, model, and battery type. Be sure to take pictures of your scooter prior to when you leave for the airport to record its condition in the event that you need to file a claim.Finding airlines with a positive reputation for handling mobility scooters is an important step. Consider reading reviews of people who have traveled with their mobility scooters, and then selecting the lowest-cost airline that has high ratings from their customers.It is crucial to understand that you can choose whether or your scooter will be gate checked or if it will need to go in the cargo hold. It is better to choose the gate-checking option, since your device will be returned at the door of your plane for any layovers or at your final destination.If you must check your scooter, the person working for the airline will attach a tag to the scooter and then transport it to the cargo hold, where it will be put in a specific bin 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 commonly held belief is that they can't be taken on an airplane because of their lead acid or lithium batteries. Luckily, these types of batteries have been developed to ensure safety during air travel, and most airlines approve them for use onboard their planes. Some even require that the batteries are labeled as these.Pack your scooter and batteriesIt's a common misconception mobility scooters can't be used on planes. It's not the case. With the proper planning, you can easily take your scooter on a plane and enjoy your holiday without restrictions.The first step to prepare your scooter for travel is choosing one that is easily removed or folded. Smaller models, such as the Pride Go-Go Elite XL, or a compact scooter, such as the iRide Mobility Rover are perfect because they can be disassembled or simply broken into pieces and fit in the back of a car boot making them the perfect choice for traveling.You'll need to consider the type of battery and its capacity that your scooter needs. Look for a battery labeled with an amp hour rating which is a good indicator of the power output. You can find scooter batteries that have different amp hours at various prices, so make sure you know which one is best for your needs.Certain mobility scooters feature indicators for battery power that show the remaining power. It can also give you an estimate of how long it will take to run. This is helpful when you plan to use the scooter to travel. Another feature that is helpful is a movable basket that can be mounted on either the front or back of the scooter, meaning you can store your possessions while on the move.When looking for a new device to move be sure that it is able to handle outdoor and indoor terrain as well as gentle inclines. The iRide Rover, for instance is designed to take on all of this and more. It can support up to 265 pounds, and its wheels will never go flat. lightweight travel scooter are foam-filled with non-marking, flat-free and non-marking.Another alternative is the Mojo scooter from Enhance Mobility, which boasts two batteries that are integrated into the frame and can support riders as high as 300 pounds. travel scooter padded seat provides maximum comfort and can be rotated to accommodate various body types. It comes with an electromagnetic brake and a speed control.Check Your Scooter's DocumentationConsider the place and the time you'll make use of the mobility scooter prior to purchasing. This will help determine which model is best suited to the user's needs. If the scooter is used indoors, it may not be as robust as a model for outdoor use. Also, it won't need to have as much ground clearance because many indoor scooters use three wheels (one leading and two trailing).There is also the question of the speed at which scooters can travel. Some indoor scooters can only travel at the speed of walking, so they cannot be used on roads. Some people may only require short distances for places such as the library or shops, so a mid-range scooter may suffice.The controls of the scooter may determine the model you select. Certain scooters can be controlled by pulling or pressing a lever similar to the handlebar of a bicycle, while others feature a delta handlebar that lets the user pull and push with their fingers and thumbs.The final thing to consider is whether or not the scooter needs to to fold or disassemble for transport. For instance, some mobility scooters are built to break down into smaller pieces and even fit in the trunk of cars. Others are more durable and do not have this feature.Make sure your mobility scooter passes the safety inspections of the airline before you take off. It's also a good idea to take some pictures of the scooter prior to when you give it to the airline. This will help you should you need to file a claim due to damaged equipment.In the end, it is crucial to know which class the scooter falls under. In some cases the scooter's class can be determined by its weight and if it has indicators and lights. For instance, a vehicle that is classified as class 2 is only able to be used on sidewalks and indoors however a class 3 scooter is highway-worthy and is equipped with indicators and lights.Get ready for check-inThe best way to get through an airport with your mobility scooter is to have TSA Pre-Check. This gives you a quick line to the security checkpoint and the chance to get ahead of the rest of the passengers. Otherwise, you'll have to wait in a regular line as TSA agents walk you and your scooter through their standard drill, checking bags, metal detectors, body scanners and X-ray machines. They may use a wand with a handle or other tool to inspect the interior of your scooter. mobility scooters travel before you check it in at the airport. This will give you "before and after" evidence in the case that your device becomes damaged during transport. The pictures should show the model and make, as well as the kind of battery your mobility scooter uses (non-spillable lithium-ion batteries are usually suitable for flights).If you plan to bring a spare battery with you ensure that it is in your carry-on. It should be non-spillable and not exceed 160 watts. This type of battery is considered to be safe for travel on airlines. Airlines do not charge extra for this battery, however, crews will examine the batteries and electrical connectors prior allowing you to board.In some cases it's possible to disassemble your scooter for transport. If this is the case, it's a good idea to attach explicit and clear instructions for disassembly from the owner's manual to the scooter. These instructions will aid baggage handlers know how to properly stow your scooter in their cargo hold and ensure that it arrives in good condition.Many scooters are equipped with original accessories that can carry bags, canes and much more. These accessories are easily removed when not being used. With these new features, it's easier than ever to pack your scooter for air travel and have peace of mind that you'll be able to enjoy your vacation without having to worry about your mobility equipment. Speak to a scooter expert today to discuss the best options for your upcoming trip!