Traveling with a Power Chair

It’s a common misconception that articles about wheelchairs or power chairs are only relevant to those who currently use them. However, mobility needs can change unexpectedly, and even the most active travelers may find themselves needing assistance due to the natural aging process or unforeseen injuries. Long walks over challenging terrain can become daunting, leading to fatigue or injury. In such cases, a power chair can transform travel experiences, making them less exhausting and more. Enjoyable. Even if you don’t need a wheelchair or a power chair, you might find that using one makes traveling less tiring and more fun.

Understanding Electric Wheelchairs and Power Chairs

The primary distinction between an electric wheelchair and a power chair lies in their classification: a wheelchair is a medical device, whereas a power chair is not, despite similar uses. Electric wheelchairs are compact, battery-powered mobility aids with adjustable features and hand controls, suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. On the other hand, power chairs are typically more robust, with larger wheels and motors, designed for outdoor conditions and rougher landscapes. Although the differences are narrowing, with many models offering comparable functionality, the choice may affect insurance coverage and tax deductions, necessitating a doctor’s endorsement for medical necessity.

I will focus on electrically powered chairs, as they represent the most freedom for the user. The other options are manual-powered (you use your hands and arms) or other person-powered (you wear out your traveling companion and limit your mobility due to dependence on another person). The electrically powered chairs do carry one disadvantage: they require power, and if your battery runs out, you go nowhere until you recharge it.  Different devices have different-sized batteries and engines and will use up batteries at different rates. Know the real range (as opposed to the aspirational one cited by the sellers) and carry a fully charged spare.

Power chairs come in three basic configurations: 

1. Devices that do not fold or break down take up too much space and become a hassle if you need to take a taxi from the airport.
2. Devices that fold up and will easily fit in the trunk of most cars.
3. Devices that break down into three or four pieces to enable you to pack them into the back of a car. 

My personal take on these options is that you should stay away from devices that don’t fold or break down. The folding devices are usually smaller, lighter, less powerful, less comfortable, less expensive, and more convenient. The devices that break down into several pieces usually have more weight-bearing capacity, provide a smoother and more comfortable ride, and move faster. The folding chairs offer the most convenience. 

I have used power chairs for the last seven years, as my podiatrist has declared me disabled due to a balance issue resulting from my neuropathy, the fact that I get pressure ulcers on the bottom of my feet if I walk too much, and that because of those ulcers, I am a partial amputee as I have had substantial parts of both feet removed surgically due to bone infections resulting from the ulcers. He declared me a bad patient because I didn’t want to spend my life in bed. We agreed that I could travel if I agreed to use a power chair and that I should use a cane for balance when not in the chair. 

I ultimately chose to use a folding model part of the time and one that broke down into pieces the rest of the time. I use the folding model when traveling to relatively flat places that have decent sidewalks and roads.  Otherwise, I use a heavier-duty and more powerful chair that will handle bad roads, no roads, hills, and uneven walkways better. You have many models to choose from; I am particularly partial to Whill and use their Model F (folding) and Model C2 for my travels.

Most airlines will have no issue with you bringing the chair on your flight. I have never encountered anyone who said I could not. Usually, they let me drive the chair up to the entrance to the plane and leave it there for loading into the plane with the luggage. Most chairs use lithium-ion batteries.  You cannot send the chair into the plane with a lithium-ion battery. Instead, you must remove the battery and carry it into the passenger compartment during the flight. I have never had the batteries or the bag I used to carry them counted as my carry-on luggage, but that does not mean some airlines won’t do that. You will gate-check the device in these cases and must choose whether to have the chair checked to your final destination or delivered to you wherever you have a layover.

As a general rule, I have them bring it to me at each stop. That gives me better mobility between flights, protection if a flight gets canceled, and reduces the chance that they forget to move it from one plane to another.  I think that risk is higher if you change carriers…. That said, if the time between flights is short, I will sometimes just check it through and let them move me from one gate to another.

Usually, they return the chair at the gate when we land. Some airports cannot do that and will transport you to a different location to collect your chair. A word of caution: I have had a couple of experiences where, when we landed, they did not know exactly where they sent the chair for delivery, but we always found it eventually. Don’t be shocked if that happens to you. The next time I travel, I plan to experiment with an Air Tag to see if that helps.

Before getting to the airport, contact the airline and tell them you will bring a personal wheelchair or power chair. Do this without fail. If you just show up with a chair, they will likely let it on, but you will go through some hassle. I have seen others delayed. The airlines treat wheelchairs, power chairs and all forms of mobility scooters identically in my experience. Letting them know in advance comes under the heading of common courtesy and good sense. That way, they can anticipate dealing with it, and you can find out if they have any particular rules you will need to address. Be flexible. Some airports cannot accommodate gate-checking and will require that you check your chair as luggage. When that happens, they have always provided me with transportation to the gate on departure and from it on arrival.

All the airports I have been to have conducted a basic pre-flight safety inspection, which generally consists of asking about the device's weight and power source and reminding you that if it uses lithium-ion batteries, you need to pull them before leaving the device at the gate.

When you are on the ground, you will likely find that many taxi drivers will not want to take you in their car with the chair. That likely results from concern over damage to their car or not wanting to load and unload the device. That is a problem with which you must deal. I consider it an inconvenience, but no worse. I have found that generally, drivers of minivans have a much more receptive attitude, and I always try to find one when I need a taxi. That also has the advantage of often avoiding the need to disassemble the larger chair. As I remain strong, I have helped the drivers lift the chair into the van, which they generally appreciate.

As I find myself running short of space for this article, let me quickly offer a few final tips for traveling with a power chair.

1. Seats may prove less comfortable or supportive than you desire.  You can rectify this by getting a gel seat cushion to add to the top of the one on the chair. You can also add lumbar support to most chairs.
2. Power remains at a premium. Take advantage of whatever opportunities you have to recharge your batteries. Start out with at least two charged batteries each day.
3. If your charger dies or disappears, you have no way to charge the batteries. I bought a second charger (they are not very big or very expensive) and pack it along with me, just in case.
4. Sometimes, you must leave the chair outside a store or a restaurant or another facility, as not every place has wheelchair access. You will likely want to acquire a lock or two to maximize the likelihood that you will find your chair upon your return. Some devices have electronic locks; but that just stops them from rolling. Someone could still carry it away.
5. Most chairs have relatively poor storage compartments. I carry a folding backpack I can put over the back of the chair to give me better storage when I need it.
6. Driving around in the rain can be uncomfortable. Umbrellas don’t work terribly well while you drive a power chair. I carry an oversized rain poncho with me whenever rain is in the forecast.
7. Not all hotels are power chair friendly, or even power chair accessible. Check in advance to ensure that you make reservations at hotels that can provide that facility to you.
8. Not all venues are power chair friendly or power chair accessible.  Some have special entrances, and others have special rules for using a chair. For example, I recall one museum that would not let me use my power chair, but insisted I use one of their manual chairs. Decide where you want to go in advance and check out the venues as much as possible for power chair rules and accessibility.

I have used power chairs for the last 8 years in my travels (North America, Europe, and parts of Africa), and I have done so with relatively little inconvenience or hassle. I could not have traveled where I did without it, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to go to the places I did.  I was not thrilled when my doctor told me to use it, but I enjoyed my trips more because I did, thus reducing the risk of adverse medical conditions that could have impaired my travels and imperiled my health. 

Conclusion

If you have difficulty getting around for any reason, consider getting some help from a power chair. Power chairs can significantly improve travel experiences for those with mobility challenges. Whether you choose to purchase or rent, they offer the freedom to explore and enjoy new destinations without the limitations of reduced mobility.