Best Mobility Scooter For Air Travel
Those who want to live like a free spirit cannot be restrained because of mobility challenges. They might have mobility impairment but want to enjoy life to its fullest. So, if you are someone who fosters the same belief then this article is for you. You might have a heart of a traveler going from one place to another. In that case, having a mobility scooter is a must. As you grow older, standing for a while or walking for hours might be tiring or downright painful. Mobility scooters are good options here too. Many people get confused and often ask if they can take their mobility scooter when they are traveling by air. You know there are plenty of mobility scooters available in the market. But all of them are not for air travel. And if you lack the information you might end up buying the wrong mobility scooter. A few years back the scenario was something else but now many commercial flights are allowing mobility scooters. Even alternative transportation mediums such as trains are getting lenient about them. When it comes to travel permits for mobility scooters you need to visit the website of that airline company. There you would find what type of mobility scooters are allowed. It’s best to be aware than be sorry later. To make it easy for you we have compiled a list of the best mobility scooter for air travel. Each of these mobility scooters is air-approved. Along with the list, you would find some very important information that will help you in making the best choice.
Features You Should Look For In A Mobility Scooter For Air Travel
As I said, you cannot take just any mobility scooter for air travel. Airline companies permit some specific mobility scooters which are equipped with special features. Following are some important features you should look out for while making your purchase. And these features are:
Compact
The size of the mobility scooters can be a big issue when you are thinking about traveling by air. While you are choosing, go for the smallest one possible. It would be easier to handle it. Apart from that, there is a high chance that you would encounter some damage to your mobility scooter. If yours is smaller then the damage might not be much but for a heavier mobility scooter, that might not be the case. You should get a compact-size scooter unless you want to struggle in a crowded place like an airport because of the size of the mobility scooter.
Portable
You should check how portable the mobility scooter is. You can get a foldable mobility scooter. You can find mobility scooters that can be disassembled. If your mobility scooter is easily foldable then the baggage handlers can manage it well reducing the chances of damage. Another great thing about these types of mobility scooters is that you can carry them to your seat or cabin. But of course, it depends on the airline company. Some seats are spacious but others might not have much room. Also, remove the batteries beforehand if you want to carry the mobility scooter with you.
Batteries
The kind of batteries a mobility scooter is using can approve or disapprove your air travel with a mobility scooter. So before buying a mobility scooter do some digging. Find out what type of batteries are preferable by most airline companies for mobility scooters. The choice of batteries differs relying on the airline company but lithium-ion batteries are the most popular choice. They are risk-free when it comes to air travel. In case you need more information on this matter you can look into FAA PacSafe’s guidelines.
Strong Built
The material used for building the mobility scooter is a crucial feature. If you are someone who needs to make a lot of trips by air your mobility scooter is inclined to receive some damage. It can be just scratched but you cannot avoid them. Staff in charge of handling wheelchairs and loading them in the plane might cause some damage. It can happen when you are using the mobility scooter after reaching the destination. Whatever the reason might be you should always choose a mobility scooter that uses high-quality materials. The good thing is manufacturers are well aware of this fact and use tough materials for building mobility scooters. But you have to be careful on your end too. Check if the mobility scooter passes the safety test. Then make sure the material used in making is top-notch.
What Type Mobility Scooter Should You Select?
Now that you know the essential features of a mobility scooter for air travel the next thing is much easier. In this part, you have to select the type of mobility scooter you want. In terms of air traveling the following types of mobility scooter options would be best. These mobility scooters are:
Travel Scooters
In modern days manufacturers are producing products keeping in mind the needs of their customers. They know what the customers want. Thus, they have come up with the idea of travel scooters. These scooters are specifically made for traveling purposes. What features do you want in your travel mobility scooter? These scooters are made according to your preferences. They tend to be small but sturdy. It’s easy to maneuver so you can get through jam-packed places.
Folding
Getting a foldable mobility scooter solves several problems at once. The folding feature is best when you think about air travel. All you have to do is fold it and load it in the plane. It also decreases the possibility of damage. These mobility scooter’s seats tend to be low in height. This feature is also great for traveling.
Lightweight
Last but not least is lightweight mobility scooters. Lightweight scooters are very popular among numerous customers. The reason behind it is a given. Lightweight mobility scooters are small, easy to navigate doesn’t weigh much, can fit anywhere. Because of the compact size and minimum weight, you should consider buying a lightweight mobility scooter.
What To Do Before Traveling on A Plane with A Mobility Scooter
Traveling on air is the fastest possible way for exploring the world but you cannot deny how tiring it can be. Waiting for hours in the lounge, going through the checking process and other things might leave you frustrated. Now try to imagine how stressful it would be if you are bringing the mobility scooter. Although you cannot avoid a few issues, with proper planning some of them can be easily tackled. Make a plane in your head try to imagine the problems you might face while on the plane. Take precautions for preventing them. Do the following things for having safe hassle-free air travel with your mobility scooter. These things are:
Confirm With Your Airline Company
Don’t just show up at the airport with your mobility scooter and find out they don’t allow it for air travel. Imagine the frustration and humiliation of not being informed enough. If you don’t want to see yourself in this kind of situation, reach out to your airline company. Visiting their website should provide you with adequate information. If they are fine with the mobility scooter then you can take it for traveling.
Notify At Least Two Days Earlier
Many people use mobility scooters because walking is tough or they lost control of their legs. In both cases, you would require help. Airline companies wouldn’t charge extra money for the mobility scooter except a few. But you have to notify them about your travel a minimum of 48 hours prior. So be sure to inform and enjoy a smooth trip.
Ensure Full Charge
Like your phone, your mobility scooter batteries should have a full charge unless you want to face an adverse situation. Flight delays are a common occurrence. You would need a full charge on your mobility scooter to get by. Don’t forget to carry your charger because charging your scooter with another charger is not a wise option.
The Best Mobility Scooters for Air Travel
1. Flex Folding Mobility Scooter
This amazing mobility scooter is introduced by Drive Medical. This model has won many hearts because of its looks and small size. It weighs only about 27.25kg which is a defining feature. It can go up to 13 miles after receiving a full charge. The folding feature makes it easy to operate, takes less space, and fits anywhere.
Safety Features - Anti-roll back system
- Puncture-proof tires
- Anti-tip rear wheels
The anti-roll back feature ensures that you don’t roll down while using the mobility scooter on terrain like hills. Apart from that, mounting sloped places gets easy. The anti-tip feature prevents falling from the mobility scooter. Another remarkable feature of the scooter is that the tires are puncture-proof. No matter what the terrain is like you wouldn’t have to worry about the tires.
2. Minimo Plus Folding Mobility Scooter
This compact mobility scooter is from TGA. The applying outer appearance, strong build, and speed make it the perfect choice for air travel. It has all the benefits of a folding mobility scooter.
Features - Can go up to 10 km if charged fully
- Robust design
- Lithium-Ion Battery
- Foldable
- Easily maneuvered
- Built with carbon fiber
- Anti-tip mechanism
The batteries used in this model are air-approved. You can take it for a short or long trip. Because of the folding feature, it weighs less than other mobility scooters. It’s great on any type of terrain and the anti-tip mechanism ensures your safety. The quick-release feature of the seat makes it easy to operate. The carbon fiber is responsible for the robust build of the mobility scooter.
3. Yoga Folding Mobility Scooter
Roma is the manufacturer of this mobility scooter. For those who plan on taking their mobility scooter on a plane, this model can prove to be a good choice. The word yoga used in the name suits perfectly with it. The mobility scooter is very flexible weighing just 26kg. Don’t get confused because of the small frame as it is equipped with all the necessary features and more.
Features - Highly flexible
- Compact size
- Puncture-proof tires
- Can adjust height and steering
You can drive it on any terrain and puncture-proof. You can customize it according to your height.
4. Transformer Scooter by Enhance Mobility
The manufacturer of the mobility scooter is Enhance Mobility. This highly portable mobility scooter can be maneuvered with remote control. It has lithium-Ion dry cell batteries. You can fold it with ease and save space.
Features - Can carry 300lb weight
- It can go up to 13.5 Miles
- Auto fold system
- Has remote control
- Lithium Batteries
- Air approved
5. Go-Go Elite Plus
This remarkable mobility scooter is from Pride. They designed the mobility scooter to provide the best comfort to their customers. It is convenient to use without compromising the look of the mobility scooter. You can drive this scooter for a long period. It doesn’t make you uncomfortable and has enough room for your legs.
Features - The turning radius is 45.75"
- Has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
- The top speed is about 4.5 mph
- Can go up to 14.5 miles when fully charged
- Disassembles with no trouble
Another great thing about this mobility scooter is the seat space. Compared to the usual optioned this mobility scooter’s seat is two inches wider. Individuals who need more space would love this scooter. You can handle the mobility scooter even with one hand because of the fine grip and steering.
Bottom Line
Your mobility impairment should never limit your possibilities. Enjoy your life the way you want. Be a global citizen if that’s what your heart wants. Each day the manufacturers are bringing new things to the table when it comes to mobility scooters. These are equipped with amazing features and necessary accessories. The mentioned mobility scooters are all flight approved. Their lightweight and foldable features make them the best option for traveling by air. Also, they have lithium-ion batteries the kind is permitted by several airline companies. You can remove them and carry them with you. We did our best to help you out in finding the best mobility scooter for air travel but the choice should be yours.
