Travelling with a mobility scooter might seem at first glance tricky and at times cumbersome business, but in reality is surprisingly simple. Travel scooters are specifically designed to maximize convenience when on the go – models can either be folded up or completely dismantled into manageable components, loaded up along with your luggage when you check in; all you have to do is pick it up at baggage claim at the other end, reassemble it, and continue enjoying total freedom of movement as you would on home turf. One thing to consider, though, is the type of battery your scooter comes with. As you may have noticed, airport personnel are specifically iffy about ensuring we carry laptops, powered by lithium batteries, in our hand-luggage rather than checked-in luggage, and some scooters come fitted with lithium-powered batteries. This is a minor hiccup, though, if it can even be called a hiccup – as long as the batteries are FAA-compliant, you can travel with them without concern, especially if they are non-spill-able lead acid batteries.
Lithium batteries are permissible as long as they don’t exceed 300 amps, and have to be removed from the scooter to be carried in a separate, protective case. Now, the policies of different airlines will vary depending on mobility scooter carrying (some will require extra paperwork or a doctor’s note validating your need for the scooter), but one of the biggest reasons we recommend you go ahead and put in the extra time to call your airline and have them walk you through the proceedings is because mobility scooters can be carried free of charge for air travel – so why not make use of the amenity and make the most of your trips? Here are our picks for the best travel mobility scooters.
One thing to consider, though, is the type of battery your scooter comes with. As you may have noticed, airport personnel are specifically iffy about ensuring we carry laptops, powered by lithium batteries, in our hand-luggage rather than checked-in luggage, and some scooters come fitted with lithium-powered batteries. This is a minor hiccup, though, if it can even be called a hiccup – as long as the batteries are FAA-compliant, you can travel with them without concern, especially if they are non-spill-able lead acid batteries. Lithium batteries are permissible as long as they don’t exceed 300 amps, and have to be removed from the scooter to be carried in a separate, protective case. Now, the policies of different airlines will vary depending on mobility scooter carrying (some will require extra paperwork or a doctor’s note validating your need for the scooter), but one of the biggest reasons we recommend you go ahead and put in the extra time to call your airline and have them walk you through the proceedings is because mobility scooters can be carried free of charge for air travel – so why not make use of the amenity and make the most of your trips? Here are our picks for the best travel mobility scooters.
Now, the policies of different airlines will vary depending on mobility scooter carrying (some will require extra paperwork or a doctor’s note validating your need for the scooter), but one of the biggest reasons we recommend you go ahead and put in the extra time to call your airline and have them walk you through the proceedings is because mobility scooters can be carried free of charge for air travel – so why not make use of the amenity and make the most of your trips? Here are our picks for the best travel mobility scooters.
KEN’S PICK
Drive Medical Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter, 4 Wheel
Let’s start off with the battery – fitted with a sealed lead acid battery, these FAA-compliant, spillage-proof units are safe to carry on public transport, including for air travel, so you won’t have to worry about airport security giving you any extra trouble as you’re checking your scooter in. Designed to neatly disassemble into 5 separate units, the front and rear sections, battery pack, seat and basket can be taken apart and put back together with complete ease, making them perfectly portable not only for air travel, but also to fit into car trunks and other vehicles once you leave the airport.
Aside from these travel-friendly features, this is a great mobility scooter in general, fitting for first place on this list. With a top speed of 4.25 mph – ideal for riding along pavements and outdoor terrains but not as a roadster – this scooter is versatile with its adjustable seat height and arm widths, so you won’t have to worry about limited legroom or uncomfortable sitting postures as you operate the scooter. An angle tiller lets you position the handle-bars to your convenience, ergonomic and intuitive even for those with impaired dexterity or coordination, while foam-filled tires don’t run the risk of going flat and needing to be replaced. Four-wheeled for both indoor and outdoor use, the wheels anti-tip for better stability, this scooter is great for driving on inclines – remember, however, to carefully peruse the owner’s manual for instructions on how to maneuver yourself when climbing or descending a slope, as well as other safety and usage measures. The scooter can hold up to 300 pounds – this weight limit should not be exceeded, to avoid destabilizing the scooter and risking accidents.
KEN’S BUDGET PICK
Drive Medical Scout Compact Travel Power Scooter, 3 Wheel
A three-wheeled option better suited for the indoors and even surfaces, this scooter, like its top pick cousin, is powered with a travel-safe lead acid battery, and can be dismantled into five portable components without tools. The seat height and swivel is adjustable (the latter at 45 degree intervals), as is the armrest width, to give you the most comfortable experience riding the scooter.
Boasting the same 9-mile cruising range as our top pick and a 4.25 mph top speed, the ergonomic tiller is easy to use even if you find yourself losing coordination or dexterity in your hands, adjustable to your comfort. Narrow and lightweight, this unit is public transport- and indoor-space friendly, making it more nimble compared to its rugged four-wheeled relative. Safety features include anti-tip wheels, rear reflectors for improved visibility and flat-free tires (features shared with the top pick as well). The scooter has a weight capacity of 300 pounds.
RUNNER-UP
Pride Mobility Go-Go Sport 4-Wheel Electric Travel Scooter
The gel-cell batteries make this travel-safe, the disassembly mechanism smooth and intuitive, quick to put together and take apart into 5 portable and lightweight components. Apart from being a rugged indoor-outdoor scooter with its four-wheel design, the scooter can hold up to 325 pounds and maxes up at a speed of 4.7 mph – though not a roadster, the scooter can navigate the outdoors just fine.
One of our favorite features of this scooter is its ergonomic handle – the wraparound design lets you get a firm grip in and makes it easier to steer, also giving you the opportunity to rest your wrists if you tend to experience aches or strains when using your hands. A foldable vinyl seat makes for comfy sitting, front frame-mounted for extra stability and designed to swivel for better flexibility. The scooter can be charged with the battery on-board and off-board.
RUNNER-UP
Golden Technologies BUZZAROUND EX Travel Scooter
With a weight capacity of 330 pounds and range of 18 miles per charge, this rugged four-wheeler can be dismantled in a jiffy, fitting in snugly anywhere from the trunk of a car to checked-in luggage for air travel. Comfort suspension springs allow for a smooth experience, the sturdily built scooter letting you traverse rougher outdoor terrain as well as wide indoor spaces like shopping malls, and, of course, the airport. Large, 9-inch wheels and 4 inch clearance also make this a good outdoor option, while handy features of this unit include LED head- and tail lights for greater visibility. An U1 battery lets you get the maximum range out of this scooter.