The Best Power Wheelchair For Air Travel

The Best Power Wheelchair For Air Travel

• Dec 22, 2021
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If you love traveling but find it difficult to stand or walk, a power wheelchair is an ideal solution. They are readily available in the market and help individuals with traveling. However, we know what you are wondering? Which is the best wheelchair to take on an airplane? Today, multiple brands design electric wheelchairs. With that, there are several options for you to choose from. This is why it is quite challenging to choose the best handicap power chair, models. To simplify your task, we bring this article to you. In this article, we will talk about the best power wheelchairs that you can get on a plane. There are a few basics that you need to consider in a wheelchair before getting it for air travel. Always make sure that you study the device well to learn about the features. An in-depth review of the power wheelchair will help simplify your process. Below, we will discuss the crucial factors that you should know when purchasing a reliable power chair. At the same time, we will list some of the best models that you can take on an airplane with you. So, without wasting any further time, let's get started.

Things to Look for When Shopping for A Power Chair to Take on A Plane

If you are looking for the best power wheelchair to accompany you on an airplane, then there are many things to know. Some significant factors include weight, portability, battery type, and size. All of these factors determine the effectiveness of a power wheelchair. Also, you need to take note that any battery other than lithium batteries are allowed on an airplane. If you purchase a power wheelchair with lithium batteries, you will not be allowed to carry them for air travel. During air travel, the airport officials will first check your wheelchair and the batteries. And if they turn out to be lithium batteries, you won't be able to take the wheelchair in with you. Another factor that you need to consider is the portability of the wheelchair. You will not want to invest in a chair that is too heavy or has a wide frame. It is always best to choose one that is compact, foldable, and small in size. This way, they are easier to carry as well. Foldable wheelchairs can usually be broken down into a few pieces. Often, they weigh anything between 70-140 lbs. With being such lightweight, they are easier to store away and pick up on-air travel.

Air Travel Tips to Explore the World with Your Power Wheelchair

Flying with a wheelchair comes with its own set of complications and worries. But there are a few things you can do to make everything simpler. In this section, we will discuss some air travel tips for wheelchair users. This will ensure that you have a smooth and safe airplane journey. So, let's get started.

 Bulkhead Seating Arrangement

When you book your flight tickets, choose the seat wisely. Book a seat that suits best for your needs and comfort. If possible, consider getting bulkhead seating. These seats are in the first row of the economy class. By booking bulkhead seats, you can avoid traveling to the back of the airplane. At the same time, these seats have more transfer space and legroom. But these seats do not have detachable armrests. So, if that's a cause of concern, you can let the airline know.

Go Through the Air Carrier Access Guideline

As a person with a disability, you should know about your rights as a disabled person. It isn't only necessary before flying but before anything else that you plan to do. The Air Carrier Access Act prevents discrimination against the disabled during air travel. Interestingly, this is a vast subject that you can explore in-depth. You can even consider taking a print of the same to remember the key points before air travel.

Keep the Chair Safe

During air travel, your power wheelchair will possibly go into the cargo space. So, there is a high chance of damage during the flight. But, to prevent damage, here are a few things that you can do. Carry an extra bag to store any loose parts of your wheelchair. For example, you can carry the joysticks, footrests, and headrests in a bag. Ensure to leave fewer parts on the wheelchair. This will reduce the risk of damage to your wheelchair. Also, with the parts, you are not able to carry, wrap a protective cushioning around them. You can also print out a sign with instructions on how to operate the chair. Next, tape it on your wheelchair.

Make Use of a Sling

Until now, it isn't possible to remain in your wheelchair during your flight. Though a lot of airlines are working on it, nothing has come about yet. But this means you will have to transfer from the wheelchair to the flight seat. All this, within the narrow aisle of the airplane. Though the cabin crew can help you with the process, it is a tricky one. But you can carry your transfer sling to make the transfers an easy process. There is a wide range of transfer slings available in the market. Simply choose the one that suits you perfectly. Not only will they ensure a smooth transfer process but also a safe one.

Make A Plan for Using the Restroom

It’s tough for wheelchair users to use the restroom while on a flight. However, there are some things that you can consider: As a wheelchair user, you can request an onboard chair on the flight. This chair is quite similar to the aisle chair. But the cabin crew cannot help you with transfers into onboard chairs or restrooms. If you cannot assist yourself with the same, you will need a caregiver. Else, a companion can also help you with the process. If you are comfortable with the onboard chair, you can use it to go to the restroom. However, the lavatories on flights are quite small. So again, you might face difficulty with transfers. On the other hand, if the onboard chair isn't suitable, there are other options. You can use a disposable urinal. Use the disposable urinal while covering with a blanket. Sadly, this is how air travel looks for a majority of wheelchair users.

Be Prepared for Damage Control

At times, no matter how many precautions you take, your wheelchair can still get damaged during air travel. In the worst-case scenario, if this happens, make sure you file a complaint against the airline. Also, don't wait until you reach home. But, file a complaint instantly before you leave the airport. You can either file a complaint with the airline or a damage report before exiting the airport. If you file the complaint after you exit the airport, the airline is no longer liable for the damage. On the other hand, if you file a complaint instantly, they are responsible to fix the wheelchair. Not only should you file a report with the concerned airline but also with the Department of Transportation. You will find the form online that you can fill up and submit your concerns.

Some of The Best Air Approved Power Wheelchairs That You Can Take on Your Next Air Trip

eVolt Traveler

Features

• Folds in under 3 seconds
• Easy button fold
• Sturdy aluminum frame
• Flat-free tires
• Airline approved battery
• Back height of 16.5"

This compact wheelchair boasts a superior quality motor. The power wheelchair has two 250W motors with 12" rear wheels. With large rear wheels, it can tread through every terrain with ease. The eVolt traveler easily folds into a space of 31” x 25” x 13. This simply means it will fit into a car trunk. Interestingly, it weighs only 48 lbs. which is super lightweight. Weighing less than 50 lbs., this is one of the best lightweight wheelchairs you can get. What's more? This wheelchair is an affordable power chair that will fit your budget. Not only is this compact, but also powerful and super light. Is there anything more you need in a wheelchair?

Move Lite Folding Power Chair

Features

• Flat freewheels
• Easily foldable design
• Easy transportation
• Removable seat covers
• Easy to maintain
• Airline approved
• Adjustable speed control

This power wheelchair is the world's lightest device you can lay your hands on. Weighing only 50 lbs., this All-New Move Power Chair is an ideal choice for air travel. Besides, it folds into one piece as well. This means you can easily fit it into the trunk of your car. In addition, this simplifies your travels too. The power wheelchair is made using high-quality aluminum. So, it is very durable and strong. Furthermore, the wheelchair has a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. With a simple folding design, this chair allows for easy storage and transportation. Featuring 12" flat-free rear tires, you can easily tread over different terrains with ease. Not to forget, the wheelchair has removable seat covers. This allows for easy cleaning.

Featherweight 33 lbs.

Features

• 13 miles range
• Padded flip-back armrests
• Easy fold to one piece
• Folds under 3 seconds
• Lightest wheelchair weighing only 33 lbs
• Electromagnetic brakes
• Airline approved

The Featherweight Power Chair is an incredible choice for air travel that you can make. Weighing only 33 lbs., this is one of the lightest models available in the market. Even though the wheelchair is lightweight, it does not compromise the power aspect. The power wheelchair has an amazing foldable design. You can fold the seat to 13" and then back down to 28". Thus, you can easily fit it into the smallest or tightest of space. A majority of the power wheelchairs available on the market have numerous pieces. Thus, the assembly and disassembling a lot of time. It is a real challenge every time you need to fold and unfold. Not to forget, the amount of time it takes! This makes it a difficult choice for air travel. But the Featherweight Power Chair folds and collapses into one piece. Sounds amazing, isn't it? Also, since the power wheelchair is lightweight, you can easily lift it. In addition, with a single charge, the chair can travel 13 miles.

Golden Compass

Features

• Easy seat removal
• Adjustable armrests and headrests
• Off-board charger
• 75-amp peak Dynamic Shark controller standard
• Slide seat mechanism

Are you looking for a stable, reliable, and heavy-duty power wheelchair? Then, this power wheelchair is what you should invest in. A popular version of the Compass HD weights 450 lb. At the same time, it also has a modest turning radius of 20". It features a grey captain's seat with an exclusive seat hinge design that folds flat. This special yet unique design allows for hassle-free transport and storage. Similar to the Standard Golden Compass, this Compass HD boasts several mention-worthy features. Some of the features comprise a sliding seat bracket and padded flip-up armrests. In addition, it also features adjustable seat posts and an adjustable footplate. This dreamy wheelchair can transport you to places like no other!

Golden LiteRider Envy

Features

• Comes with a battery and charger
• Comfortable stadium-style seats
• 15.5 miles of operating range
• Free shipping
• Features 2 22AH batteries
• Highest speed of 3.5 mph

Get your hands on the Golden LiteRider Envy for the most comfortable ride ever! This is another lightweight power wheelchair that is suitable for air travel. The Golden LiteRider Envy is designed keeping in mind the user's comfort and requirements. It has a dissembling feature that allows you to easily place the chair into the trunk of your car. Also, it fits into the tightest of spaces without any hassles. The wheelchair is easy to lift as well as transport. So, this makes your air travels simpler and stress-free. At the same time, the wheelchair offers 22-amp hour batteries.  With such powerful batteries, you can travel as further as possible.

Bottom line

Air travel for the disabled requires a lot of planning. If you are dependent on a wheelchair and consider air travel, then there are a lot of things you must consider. We have mentioned quite some important things that you should know before air travel. We understand the entire process can get stressful and troublesome. But we hope that this article gives you a clear idea on the same. Make sure to incorporate these amazing tips and wheelchairs ideas for your next air travel! We assure you that you will have a pleasant and smooth air journey with these useful pointers.