Traveling via Mobility Scooter - Public Transportation and Beyond

When walking gets difficult, a mobility scooter is a great option to get around. But what if you wish to go farther than your mobility scooter allows? Or fly abroad on vacation while still seeing the sights?

To maintain your freedom, you can travel with your mobility scooter using public transportation. If you're going on vacation, you can even use your mobility scooter on aircraft and cruise ships. Learn how to travel around on your scooter, no matter how close or far you go.

Traveling with a Mobility Scooter

Make a strategy for where you're going and how you're going to get there before you leave. Consider what kind of assistance you'll need to get around whether you're traveling across town or across the nation.

 If you're going to an event or for a special reason, phone ahead to inquire about entry points and whether they can set aside room for your mobility scooter. Similarly, prepping for any ramps, slopes, or tough terrain where you're going can make things a lot simpler when you arrive.

Smaller mobility scooters are often handier for travel since they can fit into fewer areas and can frequently be folded up to fit in the boot of a vehicle or cab. Even larger scooters, however, may normally be carried on public transportation, including accessible taxis.

Some public transportation companies will place restrictions on the size of your mobility scooter to ensure safe boarding and disembarking.

Taking a Cab Ride

If you need to go a little further than your mobility scooter can carry you, an accessible cab is an excellent choice. Major cities will have a fleet of them ready to go, and you won't have to wait long for them to arrive. You may also book ahead of time by calling.

You will be able to drive your mobility scooter up the ramp while loading it. You'll then have to sit in a regular seat with a lap-sash seatbelt until you get to your destination.

Traveling by Train

Most major rail lines have wheelchair and mobility scooter access. This might be accomplished by using ramps or elevators to access the platform.

Position yourself at the front of the platform where the first carriage will arrive at metro stations. To allow you to drive aboard the carriage, the driver will lower a ramp. Ascertain that your scooter is parked or locked. You have the option of being seated on your scooter or sitting in one of the accessible chairs.

On regional train travels, you may request assistance from rail workers to help you board and ensure your luggage is securely secured for the duration of your journey.

Taking the bus

Newer buses contain a technology that allows the floor to be lowered to accommodate passengers with special requirements. Check with your local bus route to see if they provide accessible transportation. You may need to give at least 24 hours notice to guarantee that an appropriate bus is allocated to your route.

Getting on a flight

Many individuals are unsure about flying with a mobility scooter. Typically, the primary question revolves around the batteries. Batteries and other dangerous goods are, unsurprisingly, prohibited from being transported by airlines. Powered mobility equipment, including scooters, is an exemption.

Contacting the airline, like with other modes of transportation, should be your first point of call. They'll be able to tell you if there are any limits on the size of mobility scooters they'll be allowed to transport - smaller travel scooters are usually OK to travel as is, while larger ones may need to be dismantled. You may also need to store the battery somewhere else or detach it from the scooter.

Going on a cruise

While not precisely public transportation, cruises are an excellent opportunity to explore the globe while avoiding many of the difficulties associated with traveling with a disability. All major cruise lines allow you to carry a mobility scooter on board, and you'll find it just as simple to travel around as you would on land.

Depending on the size of your scooter, you may need to get a bigger room. However, being allowed to bring and utilize your mobility scooter onboard might make your vacation a lot more enjoyable.

Conclusion

It's not uncommon to feel a bit wary of traveling via a mobility scooter. In fact, there's a lot that needs to be considered before embarking on a journey. Unfortunately, if you're not prepared, you may find yourself in a terrifying or dangerous situation. This post is intended to give you the information that you need to feel more confident about traveling via a mobility scooter. If you are willing to buy a mobility scooter for sale prior to your vacation. You can browse the internet to get the best product with the best deals. Scootaround Canada offers you a premium range of mobility scooters for sale and the best electric wheelchairs for sale as well.