As experts in mobility, and lovers of travel, we want to make sure our customers have the best equipment when away from home visiting loved ones, sightseeing, and experiencing new places. We put together a list of what we believe is the best in travel mobility equipment and some preparation tips when traveling with mobility items.

Best Mobility Equipment for Travel

1. Travel Mobility Scooter: Golden Technologies Buzzabout CarryOn

• The Buzzabout CarryOn is our go-to for travel! The entire scooter will fold down to be 12” from the floor without the seat. This is perfect to store underneath the bed on a cruise ship. With travel in mind, the scooter has an optional airline approved battery with its own carrying case for flying, as well as a case for the scooter base and seat! The canvas case for the scooter will help prevent scratches and items being lost, however, it will not protect from being dropped. The Buzzaround CarryOn only weighs 47.5lbs without the seat and is easy to transport!

• While we love the Buzzabout CarryOn for traveling, many of our customers travel with traditional portable power scooters that disassemble.

• If you plan to travel to rugged terrain, we recommend the Buzzaround EX or the Revo from Pride Mobility. Both have larger wheels and a higher ground clearance to navigate uneven terrain. With larger batteries, both scooters provide a larger drive range which means more time exploring!

2. Travel Power Wheelchair: Pride Mobility Jazzy Carbon Power Wheelchair

• We love the Jazzy Carbon because the entire power wheelchair only weighs 39.5 lbs without the 4 lb. battery. The added suspension creates a smooth ride and you can upgrade the seat cushion for extra comfort! The Carbon easily folds into itself with a single lever.

3. Travel Rollator: Drive Mobility Nitro

• Nicknamed “The European Walker,” the Drive Nitro Rollator has extra-large wheels to help navigate bumpy terrain – such as cobblestone pathways. This rollator also folds up the center and can stand on its own in a narrow space.

4. Travel Wheelchair: Strongback Mobility

• When traveling, you want to be as comfortable as possible to enjoy everything you get to explore! For that reason, we highly recommend the Strongback Mobility Manual Wheelchair. The built in lumbar support, paired with the slightly tilted back seat, aligns your spine for the best ergonomic comfort from the start. The Strongback Wheelchair is lightweight and can be easily folded for transportation.

5. Travel Transport Chair: Nova Transport Chair or Strongback Mobility Transport Chair

• When it comes to traveling with transport chairs, many of our customers find having larger rear wheels more beneficial than the most lightweight transport chair (Medline Ultralightweight Transport Chair). Larger rear wheels make going over uneven ground easier and more comfortable for the person sitting in the transport chair. For this reason, we believe the Nova Transport Chair and the Strongback Mobility Transport Chair are your best options! Both come with large rear wheels and attendant brakes.

• Each transport chair has additional features to make them stand out. The Nova Transport Chair comes with anti-tippers and a seatbelt, whereas the Strongback Transport Chair has built in lumbar support for ultimate comfort, and rear footpads to help prop someone over a threshold.

6. Travel Walker: Stander Mobility EZ Fold-N-Go Walker

• By far our favorite walker for traveling is the Stander Mobility EZ Fold-N-Go-Walker. The lightweight walker folds up like an umbrella taking up minimal space. The front wheels of the walker can pivot to turn on a dime, or can be locked for additional stability. Choose from a variety of colors to suit your personal style!

7. Travel Cane: Nova Sugar Cane

• The Nova Sugar Cane comes with a base attachment to help navigate uneven and sloped terrain. The larger base stands up straight on its own and provides great stability while walking and helps to reduce strain on the hand and wrist. Choose your style with over a dozen different colors and patterns!

You can purchase or rent any of the items listed above at our CVI Medical store in Dallas, Texas, or online through our website!

Mobility Equipment Travel Preparation

Traveling with a power wheelchair or power scooter requires some planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Research and Plan Ahead: Before your trip, research your destination thoroughly. Check if the places you plan to visit have wheelchair accessibility, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, and public transportation options.
• European roads, sidewalks, and restaurants are particularly narrow. Buildings are not always required to have wheelchair accessible entrances and, in many cases, restrooms are downstairs. Many elevators will be particularly narrow and may not accommodate a power wheelchair or scooter.
2. Contact Airlines and Transportation Providers: If you're traveling by air, inform the airline about your wheelchair or scooter requirements when booking your ticket. Many airlines have specific procedures for traveling with power wheelchairs and scooters, and they may have limitations on battery types or size. It's important to notify them in advance to ensure they can accommodate your needs. Similarly, if you plan to use public transportation or rental cars, check their accessibility policies.
• Airlines allow sealed lead acid batteries on the aircraft and certain lithium batteries. Be sure your lithium battery is airline approved before traveling.
3. Damage Prevention: If you can take your power wheelchair or scooter all the way to the gate, instead of checking it as luggage, that would be preferred. In the United States, airlines damage an average of 28 wheelchairs a day which amounts to less than 2% of all wheelchairs on airlines. (https://simpleflying.com/what-are-your-rights-when-an-airline-damages-your-wheelchair/#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20airlines,of%20all%20wheelchairs%20on%20airline.)
1. Ask if the wheelchair or scooter can be stored in the cabin. Many airlines have a closet that may be large enough to store the wheelchair or scooter. If not, check it at the gate like a baby stroller.
2. Remove accessories or vital items. If you fly with a lithium battery, they will have you carry the battery onto the plane in the main cabin. Some companies make carrying bags for the batteries for convenience. If there is a backpack, cupholder, basket, or removable leg rests, remove all items you can so they are less likely to be damaged or lost in transit.
3. Attach instructions to the wheelchair with your name and assemble/disassembly instructions. If you can speak to the individual loading it that will be best so you can help them with any questions.
• Power switch, drive/manual mode, disassemble, weight of the equipment.
4. Wheelchair Maintenance: Ensure your power wheelchair is in good working condition before your trip. Get it serviced, check the batteries, and ensure all components are functioning properly. Carry basic tools and spare parts for minor repairs.
• Call CVI Medical to schedule a travel checkup before your next trip! 214-363-2289
5. Accessibility at Accommodations: When booking accommodations, inquire about wheelchair accessibility, including ramps, elevators, and accessible rooms or bathrooms. It's helpful to request specific accessibility features that meet your needs.
6. Transportation at Your Destination: If you plan to use taxis, ride-sharing services, or local transportation, check if they are wheelchair accessible. In some cities, there are accessible transportation services available, so researching local options can be beneficial.
7. Accessibility Apps and Resources: Utilize accessibility apps and websites that provide information about wheelchair-friendly places, accessible routes, and reviews from other wheelchair users. Some popular apps include AccessNow and Wheelmap.
8. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including coverage for your wheelchair and any necessary repairs or replacements.
9. Prepare for Emergencies: Have a backup plan in case your wheelchair malfunctions or gets damaged during your trip. Research local repair services or wheelchair rental options at your destination.
10. Pack Essential Supplies: Carry necessary supplies such as extra wheelchair batteries, charger, power adaptors, and any other equipment or accessories specific to your needs. It's also helpful to have a toolkit with basic tools and spare parts.

You can always call CVI Medical in Dallas if your equipment malfunctions or you need assistance finding a replacement in the United States. As local mobility experts who sell and rent mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, rollators, knee walkers/scooters, walkers, and more, we are here to help!