A few tips can make traveling with a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, go smoothly.

If you use a mobility device, and you’re considering wheelchair travel, you’re not alone. More than 25 million Americans who use mobility devices travel, according to the Bureau of transportation statistics. What’s more, over 15 percent of those individuals use a manual or motorized wheelchair.

However, packing for travel can prove tricky for anyone. When traveling, for example, it’s impossible to predict the weather.

If you use a mobility device, preparing for all potential circumstances becomes even more important. You’ll likely need extra space for your wheelchair accessories, medication, and mobility equipment.

Check out these packing tips for easy wheelchair travel.

Preparing for Wheelchair Travel

Before you start packing, it’s helpful to know the rules of engagement. You can find out more about travel regulations by calling the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) helpline. For information on traveling with mobility aids, you can check the TSA website or call (855) 787-2277.

Make sure to ask questions about the screening policies and procedures at TSA checkpoints. More importantly, find out if there are policies for your mobility devices and equipment. For instance, the TSA may have special policies regarding your wheelchair, portable medical equipment, batteries, respirators, or oxygen.

Alternatively, you might consider renting a wheelchair once you reach your destination. If so, you can research rental companies online. Also, you can check the Mobility International USA website.

If you’re traveling to Europe, you can try the European Network for Accessible Tourism. The site can provide you with access to medical equipment while you’re overseas.

If you’re traveling overseas and use a powered wheelchair, you might want to weigh the pros and cons of using a manual or powered mobility device. Depending on where you travel, the reliability of the electrical infrastructure might make a manual wheelchair preferable.

If you decide to use a manual wheelchair, a wheelchair travel bag will prove handy. You’ll want to rent or buy a lightweight travel wheelchair that’s easy to manage.

Helpful Packing Tips

If you travel with a powered wheelchair, you may want to invest in a portable travel charger, especially if you’re traveling in the summer. A portable travel charger is a small, travel-friendly charger for your powered wheelchair.

If you choose to buy one, you should shop for it well in advance of your trip. You’ll need time to test it out before taking it on the road.

You may also want to consider a portable shower chair. Often, a hotel will list that it offers shower chairs for travelers. However, you may find that there are only one or two shower chairs in the entire hotel or that the device is outdated.

A better option is to find a compact shower chair. You can pack the device into a travel case.

With a compact shower chair, you also get the benefit of double duty. After your trip, you’ll have a handy shower chair to use at home.

If you’re taking a road trip, you may want to consider bringing along a portable ramp. Most likely, you already have a system for entering and exiting your vehicle. However, a portable ramp can prove useful for navigating curbs or steps once you arrive at your destination.

You can find a portable ramp that fits conveniently in the trunk of your car. Portable ramps are ideal for when you’re unsure of whether your travel destination is as accessible as your home.

Managing Your Luggage

The biggest challenge of almost any trip is packing your luggage. There are many things that you must consider. For example, you’ll need accessories, clothes, equipment, medication, and toiletries.

It may help to lay everything out before you start putting things into your suitcase. When you can see everything at once, it’s easier to figure out what you can leave behind. It’s also easier to see what you may have forgotten.

As for clothing, consider flexibility. Bring along clothes that you can wear in layers.

This way, you can prepare for any weather that may come your way. You may also want to bring a few extra garments for emergencies.

Now that you have everything packed, you need to think about getting around. Again, it’s important to contact the transportation company if, for example, you’re flying or taking the bus or rail.

Here, you want to find out about any requirements or restrictions. You also want to find out about any conditions or restrictions at your hotel. If you’re traveling by bus or train, check the carrier’s website for the rules.

If you’re flying, most airlines can’t charge you for bringing along medical equipment. It’s a good idea to pack all your medical equipment in one bag so that it’s easy for the TSA to check. This preparation will prevent you from having to pull your luggage apart as you work your way through the airport check-in.

Finally, if you’re driving, don’t give in to the temptation to overpack. If you pack too many items, you may have a heck of a time finding what you need once you arrive at your destination.

A Few Considerations to Make Your Trip Easier

If you use a mobility device, it can prove challenging managing your packed luggage. Accordingly, a spinner suitcase can make it easier for you to navigate transportation centers and your hotel accommodations.

A spinner suitcase has four wheels on the bottom. It’s an upright suitcase that changes direction and rolls easily. You can fasten it to your powered wheelchair and tow it along effortlessly.

You may also want to consider bringing a bed assist strap. If you use a mobility device, you may need assistance getting in and out of bed or transferring seating arrangements.

A bed assist strap can help you in this regard. Some manufacturers call it a caddy or rope ladder. It’s a combination of straps and handles that you can use to pull yourself around.

However, you can use it for more than getting out of your hotel bed. It can serve as an anchor to anything that can help to make it easier to get around.

Ready Your Mobility Device for Adventure

Now that you know more about wheelchair travel, you’re ready for your next adventure. If you have a powered wheelchair, it’s a good idea to have a technician give it a once over before the big day.

Freedom Mobility Center is the largest independent supplier of complex rehab chairs and powered wheelchairs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. We specialize in helping patients find the correct powered wheelchair or complex rehab chair solution. We’ll work with your physician to determine the best equipment for your needs.

Our staff members consist of highly qualified and experienced mobility device specialists, insurance specialists, and mobility trained service technicians. We’re dedicated to serving as part of the team that enhances your continued health.

Whether your power chair needs a once over before an exciting trip or you need new equipment, feel free to contact one of our friendly specialists at (800) 298-3789 or connect with us online.