Airline Friendly Mobility Scooters For Your Holiday This Summer
Summer is here at last – and for many of us, that means a much-needed holiday is right around the corner. If you’re planning to jet off abroad this summer, the good news is that you can take a mobility scooter with you, saving you the hassle (and expense) of renting one for the duration of your holiday.
Unfortunately though, not every mobility scooter is considered ‘airline-friendly’. There are a number of specific safety guidelines relating to mobility aids and air travel, meaning that, depending on the design of the scooter and the battery it uses, your airline might not be able to transport it for you.
To help you demystify these regulations and understand exactly what makes a mobility scooter airline-friendly, we’ve put together a simple, jargon-free guide that tells you everything you need to know. Below, we’ll not only cover the ins and outs of the safety regulations, but provide a list of recommended models available right here at The Mobility Aids Centre.
What makes a mobility scooter ‘airline-friendly’?
Currently, safety regulations require mobility scooters to meet the following requirements in order for them to be transported on a commercial flight:
- They must be powered by either a lithium ion battery or a non-spillable wet battery
- Scooters powered by non-spillable wet batteries must either have their battery removed before being loaded onto the flight (and then transported separately in secure packaging) or the battery terminals must be protected to eliminate the risk of a short circuit
- If the scooter is powered by a lithium ion battery, this battery must not exceed 300 Wh. A spare battery can be transported along with the scooter, but this must also not exceed 300 Wh
- If the scooter is transported with its battery still in place, it must be placed in the correct mode to prevent it from being accidentally operated while onboard the flight
If you’re planning on taking your mobility scooter with you on your next flight, always speak to your airline beforehand. Not only will they be able to advise you more specifically on the safety requirements you’ll need to comply with (as these can vary slightly depending on the airline you choose), they’ll be able to make arrangements in advance to load the scooter onboard safely.
Don’t worry too much about removing the scooter’s battery or protecting the battery terminals yourself: your airline will be able to help with this and tell you exactly what’s required before you check in.
What to look for when buying an airline-friendly mobility scooter
Aside from adhering to the safety regulations outlined above, there are a handful of other factors to consider if you’re shopping for an airline-friendly mobility scooter.
- Low weight: Lightweight, portable scooters are much easier to load and unload from vehicles than more traditional, heavier designs. And lightweight scooters aren’t flimsy or brittle, either: advancements in material technology and ingenious designs make modern portable scooters every bit as robust as regular pavement scooters.
- Ease of use: When it comes time to check in and board your flight, you’ll want a scooter that’s easy to use and simple to operate. A quality portable scooter will come with a specific mode that’s designed to be used when the scooter is being transported, making the process of loading it onto a flight that much easier.
- Durability: Robustness is key. Even though your scooter will have to be thoroughly protected and secured once it’s inside the cargo hold, there’s still a chance it could sustain damage when it’s being loaded and unloaded. Choose a tough, well-built scooter that’s reliable and built to last.
- Foldable design: No matter where you’re travelling with your scooter – whether you’re heading abroad or staying in the UK – opting for a portable model with a foldable design will make life a lot easier.
Models we recommend
Thinking of switching out your current scooter for a new, portable model? Keeping in mind the safety regulations and key considerations we outlined above, here are just a few of our most popular airline-friendly models. Best of all, each of the following scooters are available to purchase under the Motability scheme.
Alumalite
Easily disassembled into five pieces, the Alumalite is a breeze to load and unload, allowing you to travel the world with ease. Its lightweight aluminium frame comes equipped with airline-safe batteries, meaning you can board any flight and explore in comfort when you arrive.
M-Lite
Adopting a more radical design approach compared to other scooters on this list, the M-Lite certainly stands out from the crowd. But it’s this distinctive design that makes the M-Lite’s stats so impressive: a weight of just 17.8kg makes it the lightest folding mobility scooter on the market.
Velumi Li
Like other models on this list, the Velumi Li can be swiftly disassembled into just five sections, making loading and unloading it a simple process. Its lightweight, narrow frame makes it more manoeuvrable than many other scooters, while a removable battery box makes indoor charging simple and convenient.
Discover our range of portable mobility scooters today
Ready to check out our complete range of portable mobility scooters? You can explore it in detail online and find a scooter that suits your requirements with ease. If you’re having trouble narrowing down your selection or want advice from an expert, our team is only an email or phone call away. Get in touch with us today to speak to one of our mobility scooter specialists, or read our FAQs online.
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