Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a longer road trip, there are plenty of mobility aids that can help make travelling easier. You will, of course, have no trouble taking walking sticks, crutches, and other daily living aids with you in a car for general use and support.
The vast majority of wheelchairs and rollators are designed to fold down flat. This is a simple process that requires little effort. Modern wheelchairs and rollators are designed to be as convenient as possible for those with reduced arm strength, limited mobility, and older users. Therefore, lifting them in and out of a boot is simple.
Boot scooters have come a long way, even in the last decade. In previous years, users often had to contend with steel chassis and heavy lead-acid batteries. Today’s boot scooters have shed much of that weight. Lithium batteries are increasingly becoming the norm, and modern scooters are often built with aluminium frames.
There are two main types of boot scooters: foldable scooters and those that can be disassembled. Folding scooters are simple to use, but because the scooter remains as one complete unit, they are often heavier to lift than the individual components of a disassemblable model.
Our guide to breaking down disassemblable scooters into simple steps should help dispel any concerns about the process being difficult. As for folding scooters, the process is simple and requires only a couple of smooth, simple movements to fully collapse them. Auto-folding scooters are also available but the folding motor and mechanism does come at the expense of some weight.
It’s best to do as much research as possible before your journey rather than discovering potential issues upon arrival. Your approach will differ depending on the form of transport you are using.
Unfortunately, not all forms of transport are fully compatible with the everyday needs of disabled travellers. This is not necessarily the fault of the transport provider, but it is certainly something for both operators and travellers to bear in mind.
Cruise ships and planes are often restricted by width. This is especially noticeable on cruise ships, where cabin doors and interior spaces are not always designed with mobility and stability needs in mind.
Wheelchairs generally have a minimum width of around 16 inches to ensure the seat is comfortable and suitable for the average user. Even rollator users may struggle in tighter spaces, as rollators designed to provide genuine stability typically require a base width of 55 cm or more. Tight cabins on smaller cruise ships can therefore restrict access and manoeuvrability.
Whether travelling by train, ship or plane, it is always best to reach out to the travel provider for more information and be sure to give them as much warning. This will allow them to put the necessary provisions in place for your journey.
If you need help finding the best mobility aid for your journey, don’t hesitate to contact our team, and we can offer all the advice you need. We also offer the chance to get hands-on with products for yourself. Book a consultation today!
