Mark and his Adventure with a Power Wheelchair

Are you Flying with a Wheelchair? Want to know more about how it works? Mark shares his thoughts after a 3-Week vacation in Europe with his EasyFold Powerchair!

Mark is one of our happy customers who recently purchased an EasyFold Pro 2.0 Folding Powerchair. He decided to take his new powerchair on a 3 week vacation in Europe with his wife. He kindly agreed to share his thoughts and experiences with us and other potential buyers. Here’s what he had to say:

“We travelled to Budapest, Krakow and Prague. The chair was invaluable for me to travel. Without it, there would have been no way for me to go on this trip. I don’t use the chair at home. I use a cane most days and occasionally a rollator walker. But for all the walking required to get around these cities, my Easyfold Pro 2.0 made our vacation quite enjoyable. Prague and Krakow were very good in terms of accessibility in getting around the streets and into shops etc. Budapest has some work to do to get ramped corners at intersections. There weren’t many to be found.”

Thank you, Mark, for sharing your thoughts with us! We wish you all the best!

Flying with a power wheelchair, such as the EasyFold Pro 2.0, is increasingly accessible but still involves careful planning, communication, and understanding of airline policies. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate air travel confidently with a power wheelchair:

1. Pre-Trip Preparation

a. Research Airline Policies

• Airlines vary in how they handle power wheelchairs. Check the policies for battery types, size/weight restrictions, and documentation required (Quantum Rehab, n.d.; Wheel the World, n.d.).
• Some airlines may request advanced notice (typically at least 48 hours before departure) and specific battery information, especially if your chair uses lithium-ion batteries (Civil Aviation Safety Authority, 2021).

b. Notify the Airline

• Inform the airline when booking that you will be traveling with a power wheelchair. Provide all required specifications, including chair dimensions and battery details.

2. Preparing Your Wheelchair

a. Battery and Safety

• Most airlines allow non-spillable gel or lithium-ion batteries, provided they meet airline requirements regarding watt-hour (Wh) limits.
• Secure or disconnect the battery as instructed. For the EasyFold Pro 2.0, which uses lightweight lithium batteries, removal and reattachment are straightforward.

b. Secure Removable Parts

• Remove and keep any detachable parts (such as cushions, footrests, and controls) in your carry-on, or tape them securely if removal is not possible.

c. Label and Protect

• Attach clear instructions for handling and contact information to your wheelchair.
• Use covers or travel bags to protect vulnerable parts like the joystick and control panel.

3. At the Airport

a. Early Arrival

• Arrive two hours before departure for international flights and two hours for domestic, to allow adequate check-in and transfer time.
• You will likely need to transfer from your power chair to a provided aisle chair at the gate. Airport staff will assist you.

b. Gate Procedures

• Your chair will likely be stowed in the aircraft’s hold, as battery-powered wheelchairs cannot be taken into the cabin.
• Keep your owner’s manual handy; it will help airline staff if the chair needs partial disassembly.

4. On Board and After Landing

a. On Board

• Airline staff will assist you to your seat using a manual aisle chair.
• During the flight, your wheelchair will be transported securely in the cargo hold.

b. Upon Arrival

• Mobility devices are usually returned promptly at the aircraft door or on the jet bridge.
• Check your chair for any damage before leaving the airport! 

5. The EasyFold Pro 2.0: Why It’s a Good Choice

The EasyFold Pro 2.0 is designed for travel:

• Lightweight & Foldable: Weighs 53lbs without the batteries and folds to a compact size, fitting car trunks and airline size restrictions.
• Battery: Features easy-to-remove quick-connect lithium batteries, each offering a range of up to 12km, for a total of 24km on two batteries. Batteries are compliant with most airline requirements!
• User-Friendly: Comes fully assembled, requires minimal setup, and includes comfort features such as a padded seat and suspension for rougher surfaces, ideal before and after air travel.

Tips for a Smoother Trip!

• Arrange accessible local transport at your destination in advance.
• Consider travel insurance covering mobility aids.
• Take photographs of your chair before the trip, in case you need to make a damage claim!

References:

• Civil Aviation Safety Authority. (2021). Wheelchairs and mobility aids.
• Quantum Rehab. (n.d.). Flying with an electric wheelchair.