A mobility scooter is a fantastic tool for getting around your local area, but what about when you want to travel further afield? Whether you’re heading across town on public transport or across the country on holiday, you can take your mobility scooter with you. With a little planning, you can travel almost anywhere.
Planning Your Journey
Before you set out, make a plan. Think about your destination and what kind of accessibility support you might need.
- Call Ahead: If you’re travelling to a specific event or venue, call them to ask about access points and if there is a place to store your scooter.
- Assess the Terrain: Consider any ramps, hills, or difficult terrain you might encounter.
- Choose the Right Scooter: For travel, smaller, portable mobility scooters are generally more convenient as they can be folded or disassembled to fit in the boot of a car or taxi.
Travelling by Taxi
For trips that are a bit too far for your scooter's battery, an accessible taxi is a great option. Most major cities have a large fleet, and you can often book one in advance. You will be able to drive your scooter up the ramp into the vehicle, and then you will need to transfer to a standard seat for the journey.
Taking the Train
Most major train services in Australia are accessible for mobility scooters. Stations typically have ramps or lifts to get onto the platform.
In metro stations, position yourself at the front of the platform where the driver can see you. They will lower a ramp to allow you to drive onto the carriage. Once on board, park your scooter in the designated space and apply the brake or lock. You can either remain seated on your scooter or move to an accessible seat.
Travelling by Bus
Many modern buses are equipped with a ramp or a lowering system to allow for easy boarding. Check with your local bus route to confirm they offer an accessible service. In some cases, you may need to provide 24 hours' notice to ensure an appropriate bus is assigned to your route.
Catching a Plane
Yes, you can fly with a mobility scooter! Airlines have restrictions on carrying batteries, but they make exceptions for powered mobility equipment.
- Contact the Airline First: This is the most important step. They will advise on any size restrictions and the procedure for your battery. Smaller travel scooters are generally fine, while larger ones may need to be dismantled. You will likely need to disconnect the battery.
- Check-in Process: You will need to check your mobility scooter in as cargo. The airline will then provide a standard wheelchair to get you from check-in to the gate.
- Arrival: Your mobility scooter will be waiting for you at the baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.
Going on a Cruise
Cruise ships are an excellent way to travel, as most are highly accessible. All major cruise lines allow you to bring a mobility scooter on board. You’ll generally find it easy to get around the ship. Depending on the size of your scooter, you may need to book a larger, accessible cabin to accommodate it.
Explore Australia with freedom.
Discover travel-friendly options in Medihub's range of mobility scooters.