Florida fun is made feasible
LIGHTWEIGHT folding scootd scooters and powerchairs hi are perfect for those who love to travel. They can be used inside and out, they’re quick to fold and can be easily fitted inside a car boot.
It’s perfectly feasible to fly abroad with a lightweight scooter or powerchair.
Some are designed to fold down to the size of a standard suitcase and come with a lithium-ion battery that’s suitable for air travel. You’ll find models that fold down automatically, making them even easier to take on board.
Of course, you will need to inform the airline as soon as possible that you are bringing a scooter, by sending them an email or calling directly. Check where your batteries should be kept when flying, and make sure you take the right plug adaptor for charging.
Tony Plant (pictured) recently took his powerchair on holiday to Walt Disney World Florida, during an America trip.
He says: ‘We had ten flights in total and they all went smoothly, and the batteries lasted fine even on a long
day at the theme parks.’ Cruising is also perfectly feasible with one of these smaller scooters or powerchairs, meaning you can get from the captain’s table to the theatre without strain.
Tony Gregory took his electric folding wheelchair on Cunard’s Queen Victoria, cruising to the Mediterranean. He says: ‘Aboard ship it was very useful. f l Cabins C bi can be a long way from the restaurant and it fitted perfectly at the dining table, so I used it instead of a chair.’
For users on the go in the UK, lightweight folding electric wheelchairs and scooters can be taken on trains, depending on size. And some can be used on buses, with a permit.
They are useful in many other situations — from getting down hospital corridors to shopping expeditions. With summer coming up and beckoning us outside, it’s worth asking a specialist company to show you some models to try at home.
The best companies even offer an assessment by an occupational therapist, to ensure you find a model that’s exactly right for you.