Safety Measures to Follow When Traveling With an Electric Travel Wheelchair

Electric wheelchairs are available in models that reach speeds of 3 to 5 miles per hour. Some models fold and disassembled to make it easy for transportation and air travel.

Other features to consider include the capacity for weight as well as the seat width and battery life. You might also want to consider a warranty and after-sales service.

Getting Started

A portable electric wheelchair can transform your life. It lets people explore new places and attend events, while maintaining an amount of independence that would not be possible with a different mobility solution. There are a few things you should be aware of before taking your new power wheelchair on the road.

Ideally, your best option for traveling with an electric wheelchair is to travel by car. You can determine how the wheelchair is loaded and secured, thus avoiding damage. Call the airline prior to departure and provide them with the necessary information about your wheelchair. Include the dimensions, type and location of batteries, and also how you will handle it. You may also want to attach a laminated instructions sheet to assist airline personnel to handle the battery safely and correctly.

If you don't own the vehicle that can carry your electric wheelchair, then you can still take public transportation or ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. Many of these services have lifts that can accommodate motorized wheelchairs. But, make sure to ask the service provider ahead of time whether they have enough trunk space to accommodate your wheelchair.

Another option is to rent the scooter or wheelchair at the location you want to go. This is a great opportunity to try an electric chair for the first time, and make sure it's comfortable. A lot of wheelchair and scooter rental stores offer a free demo to help you get familiar with the model and how it operates prior to making your purchase.

Before you take your first step in your electric wheelchair, take a few minutes to inspect it thoroughly for any issues that need to be addressed. This could be the battery that must be charged, a malfunctioning or damaged parts, or scuffing tires. You should address any problems immediately to prevent them from affecting your driving experience.

Label your wheelchair with the description of the model and serial number. Also, add your name and number. This will assist should your wheelchair ever get lost in transit and will accelerate the process of getting it back to you.

Safety First

It is crucial to know the safety features of your electric wheelchair, and follow the most effective practices prior to travelling. This will help you have a safe mobility experience. These precautions include:

Regular battery charging : A fully charged battery can prevent unexpected failures on the road.

Wheelchair Tire Condition: Make sure your tires are in good condition for maximum performance and safety.

Maneuverability: Make sure that your power chair can be maneuvered in tight areas. This includes turning radius and rear and front stability, as and electrical connections.

Keep your batteries charged overnight. This minimizes battery degradation and prolongs its lifespan.

Traveling in unfavorable terrain or weather: Using a power chair in extreme weather and terrain can cause damage to the device. It is best to have a person help you operate the device in new environments until you feel confident enough to operate it alone.

Air Travel: Staff at the airport may inquire regarding your wheelchair, its dimensions and battery type and how to maneuver it, and its weight. Make your answers ready in advance so that you can respond quickly and confidently to these questions.

Rideshare: Ensure you select a rideshare service that allows you to bring your electric light weight wheelchair wheelchair along. This will let you have a spacious backseat for your chair, and allow you to be flexible in scheduling your transportation.

Bus and Train Travel by Train and Bus. Train cars and buses with wheelchair-accessible seats are the best choice for long-distance travel. Additionally, a few cities and states have train and bus systems that are fully accessible to wheelchair users.

If you are planning to use public transportation, it's a good idea to call the company ahead of time to confirm if they provide accommodations for wheelchair users. If possible, you can also request accessible accommodations in hotels or vacation rentals. You can rest assured that your accommodation is ready for you when you arrive, and your stay will be trouble-free. Also, think about bringing an ounce of muscle pain ointment or cream to deal with any soreness that might result from prolonged sitting in your power wheelchair.

Transport

A portable electric wheelchair can make life much easier for those who needs one. It allows you to take advantage of family vacations and explore new places without worrying about accessibility. It can also provide you with the freedom to do your errands and do day-to-day things without having to rely on someone else to take you there.

When transporting a chair, you must consider its weight and size and also the vehicle you'll be using to transport it. If you own a small vehicle, like a minivan or truck you are likely to find that your wheelchair will fit in the vehicle without any problems. In some cases, you may be able to fold the rear seats of your vehicle to make more space as well.

If you own a larger vehicle, then it's recommended to consider ramps or wheelchair lifts to help you move the mobility device in and out of your car. Many brands, including Pride and EZ Lift provide wheelchair lifts. These lifts allow you to quickly and safely lift the weight of your electric wheelchair into a van, trunk or full sized SUV of your preference.

Alternatively, you can also make use of a trailer to transport your electric wheelchair. This requires the use of a vehicle equipped with a hitch as well as electrical wiring for your trailer's lights, turn signals and brakes.

You should also keep in mind that you'll need to regularly maintain your wheelchair. You'll want to have the wheelchair checked and maintained by certified technicians to ensure it's in good condition to be used and transported. You do not want your wheelchair to be damaged during transport or daily use. This is why it's crucial to schedule regular professional maintenance for your portable electric wheelchair. This will help protect your investment and ensure that your wheelchair is in tip-top shape for many years to come. A well-maintained chair can allow you to live your life to the fullest while maintaining a high level of independence.

Stores

The ideal place to store your electric wheelchair Wheels wheelchair is a climate-controlled area. Extreme temperatures can harm the chair's electrical wiring and deplete its battery. Keep your chair free of dust and moisture. Both could cause damage to it. If you are storing it outdoors, make sure you use garages or sheds with a cover to shield it from the elements. If you have to store your power chair in a non-climate controlled space, take out the batteries and store them separately. This will keep them from freezing and slowing down your chair when you require it.

If you are traveling by car, you can use a special wheelchair bag that can fit a folding electric wheelchair even in the smallest trunk space. This is especially helpful for long trips, like vacations or visits to relatives. It is essential to determine the dimensions of the wheelchair when disassembled prior to selecting a travel bag. Some models can be folded into multiple pieces to fit in the trunk of a small car or small SUV. Others are constructed in one piece.

If you're planning on flying and need to travel with a wheelchair, it's best to contact your airline ahead of time to determine whether they have specific rules and regulations regarding transporting mobility aids. For instance, some airlines only allow you to take an electric wheelchair in the event that it's been folded and its batteries removed. Some of our most popular mobility aids, such as the Jazzy Carbon folding power wheelchair have lithium batteries that are specifically designed for use on airline flights. If you choose to bring your power wheelchair along, lithium batteries can either be checked in or brought on as carry-on depending on the policies of the airline.

An electric travel wheelchair is a great option to move around and enjoy your life to the fullest. We have a broad selection of top-rated wheelchairs and scooters, so you will be able to choose the best model to suit your lifestyle and needs. Try various models and talk to an expert in the field of healthcare or a mobility specialist before making your final purchase. A portable electric wheelchair can help you remain mobile and independent, whether going for a stroll in the park or taking an Uber or Lyft ride to meet up with friends.