Safety Measures to Follow When Traveling With an Electric Travel Wheelchair
Electric wheelchairs are available in models that can reach speeds of 3 to 5 3 to 5 mph. Some models even fold and disassemble for easy transport and air travel.
Consider the seat width and weight capacity as well as battery life. You may also want to look into a warranty or post-sales services.
Getting Started
A portable electric wheelchair can transform your life. It lets people explore new areas as well as attend events and maintain the level of independence that would not be possible without a mobility device. There are some things you need to be aware of before taking your new power wheelchair out on the road.
The best choice to travel with an electric wheelchair is to travel by car. You can control how it is loaded and secured, thus avoiding damage. Contact the airline ahead of time and give them important information regarding your wheelchair. This includes the dimensions, the type of batteries, and how it should be handled. It is possible to include a laminated instruction sheet to help airline staff in a safe and proper manner when handling the item.
If you don't have a vehicle that can transport your electric wheelchair, you can still take public transportation or ride-share companies like Uber or Lyft. Many of these services have lifts that can accommodate wheelchairs with motors. It is important to inquire ahead of time whether the service provider has enough room in its trunk for your wheelchair.
Another option is to lease the scooter or wheelchair at the point of departure. This can be a great way to test the electric wheelchair for the first time and make sure it's comfortable for you. Many rental places offer a no-cost demo to help you get familiar with the model and the way it drives prior to buying.
Take a few moments to inspect your new electric chair before you use it for the first time. electric wheelchairs for sale can include loose parts or battery that is not charged, or tires that are damaged. If you spot any issues, make sure to address them promptly so that they don't impact your driving experience.
Also, be sure to label your power wheelchair with your name, telephone number, as well as a description of the model and serial number. This will help if your wheelchair is ever lost in transit and will accelerate the process of returning it to you.
Safety First
Before traveling with an electric wheelchair, it's important to know the safety features built into your device and adhere to the best practices. This helps foster an enjoyable and safe mobility experience. This includes
Regular Battery Charging: A fully charged battery will avoid unexpected failures while driving.
Wheelchair Tire Condition: Make sure that your tires are in good condition for maximum performance and security.
Maneuverability: Ensure that your power chair can move well in tight spaces. This includes turning radius, front and rear stability, as well as electrical connections.
Battery Care: It's essential to ensure that your batteries are in good condition at night. This will help prevent battery degradation and extend its life.
Traveling in Unfavorable Terrain or weather: Using a power wheelchair on extreme terrain and weather can cause damage to the device. It is recommended to have someone assist you with using the device until you are at ease.
Air Travel: Staff at the airport might inquire regarding your wheelchair, its dimensions, battery type, how to handle it, and even its weight. Prepare your answers in advance so that you can respond quickly and confidently to these questions.
Rideshare: Select a rideshare that lets you take your wheelchair with you. This will let you have a large back seat for your chair, as well as 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 option for long-distance travel. In addition, some cities and states have bus and train systems that are completely accessible to wheelchair-bound passengers.
It's a smart idea to verify with the company whether they can accommodate wheelchair users if you plan to travel on public transport. In addition, you should inquire about accessible accommodations at hotels or vacation rentals if possible. You can be assured that your accommodation is ready for you when you arrive, and that your stay will be smooth. Additionally, consider bringing the bottle of muscle pain ointment or cream to ease any soreness that might result from extended periods of sitting in your power wheelchair.
Transport
A portable electric wheelchair can make life much easier for those who needs one. It can help you enjoy family vacations and explore new destinations without having to worry about accessibility. It can also give you the freedom to do your errands and do day-to-day things without having to depend on anyone else to take you there.
However, when it comes time to transport a power wheelchair, it is important to take into consideration the weight and size of the wheelchair as well as the vehicle you'll be using to transport it. If you're using a smaller vehicle, minivan or truck, then it's likely that the chair can fit inside the vehicle without difficulty. In some instances, you may be able to fold the rear seats of your vehicle for additional space.
If you own a large vehicle, a ramp for wheelchairs or lift is a great option to transfer the mobility device inside and out of your vehicle. There are a wide range of vehicle lift solutions for your wheelchair from different brands including Pride and EZ-Lift. These lifts will allow you to easily and safely raise the weight of your electric wheelchair into a trunk, van or a full-sized SUV of your choice.
You can also use a trailer to transport your electric wheelchair. This requires a vehicle with a hitch and electrical wiring for your trailer's lights, turn signals and brakes.
It's important to keep in mind that your wheelchair will require regular maintenance. You'll need trained technicians examine and service the device as necessary to ensure it's in good shape for transportation and use in general. The most important thing you'd like to avoid is that your wheelchair gets damaged during transportation or while being used on a regular basis. This is why it's critical to schedule regular maintenance for your portable electric wheelchair. This will protect your investment and keep your electric wheelchair in top condition for a long time. A well-maintained wheelchair can enable you to live life to the fullest while maintaining a high level of independence.
Stores
The ideal place to store your electric wheelchair is a climate-controlled area. Extreme temperatures can cause damage to the chair's wiring and deplete its batteries. Keep your wheelchair out of moisture and dust. Both could cause damage to it. If you store it outdoors, make sure you use garages or sheds with a cover to shield it from the elements. If you must keep your power chair in a climate-controlled space, remove the batteries and store them separately. This will stop them from freezing while in storage, and slowing your chair down when you require it.
You can also use a travel bag for a wheelchair that will fit an electric chair that folds in the tiniest trunk of a car. This is especially helpful when you are traveling for a long time, such as vacations or visiting family. Before choosing a bag for travel it is essential to know the dimensions of the chair when it is disassembled. Some models can be folded into multiple pieces to fit in the trunk of a small car or small SUV. Others are made as a single piece.
If you're planning to fly in the near future, it's a good idea to consult with your airline ahead of time to determine if they have specific rules and regulations regarding transporting mobility aids. For example certain airlines will allow you to take powered wheelchairs on board when it's been folded and its batteries removed. Some of our most sought-after mobility devices, such as the Jazzy Carbon folding powered wheelchair are equipped with lithium batteries specifically designed for airline travel. If you do decide to take your wheelchair with you on the plane the lithium batteries can be checked or used as a carry-on, depending on the airline's policies.
Electric travel wheelchairs are an excellent way to relax and get around. We have a broad range of top-rated wheelchairs as well as scooters, so you can find the ideal model to suit your lifestyle and needs. Be sure to try out different models and speak with an expert in healthcare or a mobility specialist prior to making your purchase. A portable electric wheelchair can allow you to remain mobile and independent, no matter if you're going for a stroll in the park or taking an Uber or Lyft ride to meet friends.