More and more people are looking for options to enjoy unrestricted travel experiences and comfortable and accessible destinations, especially those who use electric wheelchairs.

We know mobility is essential for exploring new destinations, discovering different cultures, and having unforgettable adventures. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to compiling the best tips, and recommendations so you can enjoy your travels to the fullest without worries or limitations.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a business trip, or a solo adventure, this guide will provide you with valuable information on how to prepare for your trip, how to approach different means of transportation and how to overcome the challenges you may encounter along the way.

Catalogue

• How do you transport a travel electric wheelchair?
  • Stairs
  • Vehicle
  • Airplane
• How do you pack a travel electric wheelchair for a flight?
• Considerations of accessible hotels
  • Physical accessibility
  • Assistive devices and services
  • Communication and reservations
• Considerations of accessible travel destinations
  • Accessible destinations
  • Adaptive adventures
  • Local cultural and historical exploration
• Considerations of wheelchair-accessible restaurants
  • Physical accessibility
  • Accessible amenities and services
  • Inclusive design and ambiance
• Addition: Popular wheelchair travel bloggers

Let’s get started!

How do you transport a travel electric wheelchair?

Transporting a travel electric wheelchair requires considering different options depending on the type of transport to be used. Let’s look at the three main options:

Stairs：

• Vehicle lift: In the case of stairs or unevenness, a vehicle lift can allow the power wheelchair to be raised or lowered safely and conveniently.
• Ramp: These ramps are usually lightweight and easy to transport and can be quickly attached and removed as needed.
• Bumper-mounted bracket: Some vehicles have a bumper-mounted bracket that allows the travel electric wheelchair to be transported in the car’s rear.

Vehicle：

• Wheelchair van: these vans usually have integrated ramp or lift systems to facilitate the loading and unloading of the wheelchair.
• Foldable wheelchair in the trunk: travel electric wheelchairs are usually more compact and lighter, making them easier to transport and store in the vehicle.

Airplane：

• Check with the airline: Ensure you get the necessary information about documentation, packing, and any special requests you need to make.
• Disassembly and packing: In some cases, you may need to disassemble certain parts of the power wheelchair, such as batteries, for transportation on the aircraft.

How do you pack a travel electric wheelchair for a flight?

Properly packing a power wheelchair for a flight is essential to ensure it arrives safely and in good condition at its destination. Here are a few tips:

• Contact the airline: Find out about the airline’s specific regulations and any additional requirements you may need to meet to bring your travel electric wheelchair.
• Check battery regulations: Check the airline’s policies on batteries. For example, you may need to disconnect or secure the battery correctly.
• Secure loose parts: Make sure footrests, armrests, or other moving parts are securely fastened or removed and stored safely.
• Protect the joystick or controls: Wrap and protect the joystick or controls with cushioning material, such as foam or towels.
• Use a sturdy case to protect the equipment from shock and damage during airport and flight handling.
• Label the equipment: Place clear and visible labels on the travel electric wheelchair case with your name, address, and contact number.
• Arrive early: It is advisable to arrive at the airport early enough to have time to complete all the necessary formalities and ensure that the travel electric wheelchair is documented correctly and labeled.
• Keep track: Record all documents and tracking numbers related to the power wheelchair’s transport.

Get more practical travel tips!

Considerations of accessible hotels

There are some things to keep in mind in finding the best hotel:

Physical accessibility:

• Check the facilities: make sure they have ramps or elevators, wide doorways and hallways, adapted rooms, and accessible bathrooms with grab bars and accessible showers.
• Convenient location: opt for hotels close to accessible public transportation, restaurants, stores, or other attractions.

Assistive devices and services：

• Find out about amenities: Check if the hotel offers assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, shower chairs, or adjustable beds.
• Pool and fitness center access: If you want to use the pool or fitness center facilities, make sure they are adapted and accessible.

Communication and reservations：

• Hotel website: Some hotels provide details about the accessibility features of their rooms and common areas.
• Call the hotel: Ask about the availability of accessible rooms on the dates of your stay and any special requests you may have.
• Book early to ensure an accessible room: Demand for accessible rooms can be high, so it is advisable to book well in advance to ensure availability.

Considerations of accessible travel destinations

To ensure you have a pleasant experience with an electric travel wheelchair, in addition to contacting customer service, you should consider several factors, such as：

• Accessible destinations: Look for travel agents with experience organizing vacations for people with disabilities in various destinations worldwide. Such agents will have the necessary knowledge of wheelchair-accessible accommodations, attractions, and transportation options in different locations.
• Adaptive adventures: Ask travel agents about the availability of tours and activities adapted for people with travel electric wheelchair. Some agencies offer plans for wheelchair basketball, skiing, scuba diving, or other activities designed to meet various mobility needs.
• Local cultural and historical exploration: Accessible travel should not only focus on physical accessibility for people with wheelchairs but also provide opportunities for cultural and historical exploration. Travel agents can arrange accessible tours to landmarks, museums, and cultural sites, enriching your travel experience and immersing yourself fully in local culture and history.

Note: For more detailed information, to customize your travel plans, or to resolve any questions or concerns, we recommend contacting the wheelchair travel agents or their customer service representatives. Contact one of the 13 Wheelchair Travel Agencies for disabled travelers.

Considerations of wheelchair-accessible restaurants

Leverage the power of the internet to find valuable information about restaurant accessibility. Online platforms and reviews play a significant role in providing real-time and user-generated details on a place’s physical accessibility and its services and amenities. One of the best options is to consult the reviews of bloggers specializing in people in wheelchairs. They provide detailed information based on their experience, giving you a reliable source of information.

Another option is to use the popular app and website “Yelp,” where you can search for restaurants based on different criteria, including accessibility. Use the filters to find the most wheelchair-friendly options and review customer reviews regarding amenities and the overall eating experience.

When consulting the platforms above to find the best accessible restaurants that provide a pleasant dining experience, you should consider some relevant considerations, such as：

• Physical accessibility: look for restaurants that have availability of wheelchair ramps or elevators, wide doorways, and spacious seating areas. In addition, their parking spaces must be accessible and have restrooms with grab bars.
• Accessible amenities and services: Consider restaurants that offer the amenities needed by people with mobility disabilities, such as wheelchair mobility spaces, accessible restrooms, and staff trained to assist customers with disabilities.
• Inclusive design and ambiance: Look for restaurants with a welcoming atmosphere and inclusive elements such as adjustable tables, comfortable seating options, and well-lit spaces that make it easy for people in wheelchairs.

Addition: Popular wheelchair travel bloggers

The wheelchair travel community is vibrant and supportive, with bloggers dedicated to sharing their experiences, tips, and knowledge about accessible travel. These include Simply Emma, Wheels No Heel, Tori Hunter, Little Miss Turtle, Carrie Ann Lightely, Kerry Thompson, Curb Free with Corylee, Wonder Within Reach, Free Wheelin Travel, Wheelchair Travel, I Wheel Travel, Caregiver Japan, and Grab Your Wheels.

Each of these bloggers has significantly contributed to the community, inspiring others to explore the world and fostering a sense of belonging. They have been recognized for significantly contributing to the wheelchair travel community and inspiring others to explore the world. Three bloggers have stood out for providing a wealth of information, personal stories, and practical advice for wheelchair users aspiring to explore the world and these are:

• Simply Emma is a leading wheelchair travel blogger from the UK dedicated to sharing her travel stories, accommodation reviews, live event reviews, and travel tips to inspire people with disabilities to travel more and discover new possibilities in their daily lives.
• Wheels No Heels: founder Gem Hubbard is a famous UK-based travel electric wheelchair blogger and YouTuber dedicated to creating fun and innovative content to encourage people with disabilities to go further. She is known for having a positive attitude in her life experiences.
• Curb Free with Corylee: The creator, Cory Lee, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, has traveled to over 30 countries in a wheelchair. She aims to show people with disabilities how to travel, where, and why travel matters. Her blog began in 2013 and has since provided accessible travel resources, valuable information, and tips for travelers with disabilities

Conclusion of Travel Electric Wheelchair

Overall, you can embark on rewarding trips in a wheelchair by understanding your travel needs, selecting a suitable power wheelchair, considering accessibility in all aspects of travel, and ensuring you have the correct travel insurance. However, it’s essential to be prepared for potential challenges and know how to overcome them. For instance, you might need help finding wheelchair-accessible accommodations in specific destinations. In such cases, it’s best to contact local travel agents specializing in accessible travel for assistance. 

This guide and the plethora of information and resources provided ensure you are well-prepared and confident in making informed decisions. It’s time to embrace your travel adventures worry-free, knowing you have all the necessary tools and knowledge to overcome potential challenges. 

Follow our tips to enjoy your travels to the fullest and worry-free!

Related Article:
How to Choose a Travel Electric Wheelchair
Best Electric Wheelchair for Travel

Additions