Travelling with an electric wheelchair allows people with limited mobility to travel to new places and enjoy adventures with ease. Due to issues like physical strain, inconsistent accessibility, and damaged power wheelchairs, travelling can become a hassle. With the right strategies, you can avoid these troubles with electric wheelchairs in the UAE. If you are planning a short weekend getaway or a longer stay in the UAE, you need to follow some tips to confidently travel.
In this blog, we will outline simple steps to follow before travelling with an electric wheelchair, along with tips to make the experience easier and more enjoyable.
Simple Steps to Follow While Travelling With Electric Wheelchairs
Advance Booking with your wheelchair
If you are planning to travel with your power wheelchair, it is important to inform the airline in advance. It allows airport staff to prepare handling arrangements before your arrival. With booking, you can avoid last-minute delays at check-in or boarding. Â
Battery Check-up
Every electric wheelchair is not air-safe. Before travelling, you need to check the battery of your electric wheelchair to see if it’s air safe or not. Lithium-ion batteries are considered air-safe batteries in most airlines. To avoid any trouble during boarding, you must inform your airline about the battery type and safety compliance.
Protect the Components of the Wheelchair
Sensitive wheelchair components such as joysticks, control panels, and detachable parts should be carefully removed before travel. You can opt for protective covers or padding to prevent damage during transport.
Book Specialised Local Transport
You can not take your electric wheelchair in any vehicle. You must look for wheelchair-accessible transportation at your destination to ensure smooth transfers from the airport to other locations. Several companies in the UAE offer advance booking for POD taxis, like Manafeth Mobility Solutions. You can book your accessible vehicles for rent from Manafeth in advance and avoid long waiting times. Â
Arrive Early
Arriving early at the airport can give you enough time to complete check-in, security procedures, and assistance coordination without pressure. It also gives staff sufficient time to tag your electric wheelchair and prepare boarding assistance. Having extra time reduces stress and ensures that all arrangements are handled carefully.
Choose Travel-Friendly Wheelchair
Choosing a compact, foldable, and lightweight electric wheelchair can improve your mobility during travel. A portable power wheelchair can be easily stored in a car trunk, aircraft cargo area, or a tight storage space. If you are looking to buy a high-quality electric wheelchair for travel, you can visit Manafeth Mobility Solutions. Manafeth offers a wide range of electric wheelchairs; you can choose one that meets your needs.
Plan Ahead
It is best to create a travel checklist that includes wheelchair accessories, cushions, chargers, and transfer aids. While travelling, keep necessary documentation, such as the wheelchair manual, battery specifications, and airline compliance information, easily accessible to speed up check-in and security procedures.
Advocate for Your Accessibility Needs
Understanding accessibility policies and travel regulations helps wheelchair users to confidently request the support they need. You need to inform airlines, hotels, and transport providers about your wheelchair specifications and assistance requirements ahead of time.
Label Everything
Electric wheelchairs come equipped with features that can be detached for easy storage or travelling. To ensure stress-free travel, it is better for you to label all detached parts with the name, number and address of your power wheelchair. It will make collecting your powerchair after reaching your destination easy and convenient.
Documentation
In most airlines, your wheelchair is taken with your luggage. That’s why there are great chances of slight damage to any component of your electric wheelchair. To play secure, it is recommended to take pictures of your mobility device before handing it over to airport staff. This will help you avoid any misfortune during your travel.
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Conclusion
Travelling should be an exciting adventure rather than a hassle. Whether using a car, plane, cruise ship, or public transportation, you can enjoy travelling by following the above tips. The key to successful travel lies in preparation and choosing the right electric wheelchair. If you are planning your next trip to Dubai and are not interested in taking your wheelchair with you, Manafeth has got you. You can rent the latest, high-quality electric wheelchairs at an affordable rental cost in Dubai from Manafeth Mobility Solutions. We offer free delivery and pickup of our powerchairs across the UAE.Â
