Safety Measures to Follow When Traveling With an Electric Travel Wheelchair

Depending on the model, you can find electric wheelchairs that range from 3 to 5 mph. Some models fold up and disassemble for simple transportation and air travel.

Take into consideration the seat’s width, weight capacity, and battery life. It is also possible to look for a warranty and after-sales service.

Getting Started

A electric wheelchair that is portable can be life-changing. It allows people to travel to new places, attend events and maintain an amount of independence that wouldn’t be possible with a different mobility option. However, there are some things to consider before taking your new power chair out on the road.

The most convenient method of traveling with electric chairs is to travel by car. You can regulate how it is loaded and secured, thus avoiding damage. If you do choose to fly, be sure to contact the airline in advance and provide them with important information regarding your wheelchair. This includes the dimensions, the type of batteries and how it will be handled. It is also possible to attach a laminated instructions sheet to help the staff at the airport manage it safely and in a safe manner.

If you don’t have a vehicle that can transport your electric wheelchair, you are able to use public transportation or ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft. A lot of these services provide lifts to accommodate motorized wheelchairs. However, be certain to inquire with the service provider in advance if they have enough trunk space to accommodate your wheelchair.

Renting a scooter or a wheelchair at the location you are visiting is a different option. This is a great opportunity to try an electric chair for the first time, and make sure it’s comfortable. Many wheelchair and scooter rental places offer a no-cost demo to help you get familiar with the vehicle and how it operates prior to making your purchase.

Before your first outing in your electric wheelchair, take some time to inspect it thoroughly for any issues that need to be taken care of. This could include loose parts or a battery that’s not fully charged or tires that have been damaged. If you spot any issues, be sure to address them immediately to ensure they don’t affect your experience on the road.

Lastly, be sure to label your power wheelchair with your name, phone number, as well as a description of the model and serial number. This will assist you in the event that your power chair is lost during transport and could speed the process of getting it back to you.

Safety First

Before using an electric wheelchair, it’s important to be aware of the safety features that are built into the device and adhere to the best practices. This will help you enjoy a safer mobility experience. This includes

Regular Battery Charging : A fully charged battery will avoid unexpected failures while driving.

Wheelchair Tire Conditions: Make sure that your wheelchair tires are in good condition for optimal performance and safety.

Maneuverability: Ensure that your chair is able to move well in tight spaces. This includes turning radius as well as front and rear stability, and electrical connections.

Keep your batteries charged overnight. This reduces the degradation of batteries and prolongs its lifespan.

Travelling in unfavorable weather or Terrain: Using your power wheelchair in extreme conditions or terrain can cause damage to the device. It is recommended to have someone assist you in operating the device in new environments until you are confident enough to operate it alone.

Air Travel: Airline employees might ask questions regarding your wheelchair’s dimensions and battery type and how it should be handled, and its weight. Prepare your answers in advance to ensure you are able to respond quickly and confidently to these questions.

Rideshare: Choose a rideshare service that allows you to take your wheelchair with you. This will enable you to have a comfortable back seat for your chair, and allow you to be flexible in the scheduling of your transportation.

Train and Bus Travel: Trains and buses with designated seats for passengers with disabilities are the ideal options for long distances of travel. Some cities and states also have accessible bus and train systems for wheelchair users.

It is a good idea to confirm with the company that they will accommodate wheelchair users if you intend to travel on public transport. If possible, you can also request accessible accommodations in hotels or vacation rentals. This way, you can be sure that your accommodation will be fully prepared for your arrival and that your stay will be stress-free. Consider bringing with you cream or ointment to treat any muscle pain that may occur from prolonged periods of sitting in a power chair.

Transport

Anyone who needs an electric wheelchair with a portability will find it easier to move around. It can help you explore new places and take family vacations without stressing about accessibility or having to find an area to park. It can also provide you with the freedom to do your errands and do day-to-day things without relying on others to get you there.

When transporting a wheelchair, you must consider its size and weight, as well as what vehicle you will be using to transport it. If you have a small car, minivan or truck, then it’s likely that the chair will fit into the vehicle without issue. In some cases you might be able to fold the rear seats of your vehicle for additional space.

If you own an extra large vehicle, it is recommended to consider ramps or wheelchair lifts as an option for transferring the mobility device into and out of your vehicle. There are a range of lifts for vehicles that can be used with your wheelchair from various brands like Pride and EZ-Lift. These lifts will allow you to safely and easily raise an electric chair that weighs a lot into a van, a full-sized SUV, or trunk of your preference.

Alternately, you could make use of a trailer to transport your electric wheelchair. This will require the use of a vehicle with a hitch and electrical wiring for your trailer’s lights, turn signals and brakes.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to maintain your wheelchair regularly. You’ll need to have the wheelchair checked and maintained by trained technicians to ensure that it is in good working order to be used and moved. The final thing you want is for your wheelchair to become damaged during transport or when being used on a daily basis. This is why it’s critical to schedule regular maintenance for your electric automatic wheelchair wheelchair that is portable. This will safeguard your investment and keep your wheelchair in tip-top shape for many years to come. A well-maintained wheelchair can allow you to live your life to the fullest while maintaining a high level of independence.

Storage

The ideal location to keep your electric wheelchairs near me wheelchair is in a climate carer controlled electric wheelchair space. Extreme temperatures can harm the chair’s wiring and deplete its batteries. Keep your wheelchair away from dust and moisture and dirt, which could also harm it. If you store it outdoors, make sure you use garages or sheds with a cover to shield it from the elements. If you have to keep your power wheelchair in an un-climate controlled location, remove the batteries and keep them in a separate location. This will keep them from freezing during storage and slowing the chair when you need it.

You can use a special bag designed for wheelchairs that can fit the electric chair fold-down inside the tiniest trunk of a car. This is especially useful for long trips, like vacations or visits to family. Before you pick a bag for travel it is important to be aware of the dimensions of the chair when it is disassembled. Some models can be folded into multiple pieces to fit into the trunk of a small car or a small power chair SUV. Others are constructed in one piece.

If you’re planning to fly and need to travel with a wheelchair, it’s best to consult with your airline ahead of time to determine whether they have specific rules and regulations for transporting mobility aids. For example certain airlines will only allow an electric wheelchair if it’s been folded up and its batteries removed. Many of our most well-known mobility aids such as the Jazzy Carbon folding power wheelchair come with lithium batteries that are specifically designed for use on airline flights. If you decide to bring your wheelchair on board the lithium batteries can be inspected or added as carry-on items, based on the policies of the airlines.

Electric travel wheelchairs are a great option to have fun and get around. We have a wide selection of the top-rated wheelchairs and mobility scooters so you can select the perfect model that fits your needs and your lifestyle. Make sure you test various models and speak to an expert in healthcare or a mobility specialist prior to making your purchase. A portable electric wheelchair can help you stay mobile and independent, whether you’re walking in the park, or taking an Uber or Lyft ride to meet up with friends.