Travelers who travel by scooters and electric
wheelchairs should follow all of the appropriate measures
above in addition to other precautions.
It is strongly recommend that your electric
wheelchair or scooter be equipped with "gel cell"
or "dry cell" batteries. "Wet cell" batteries,
like the one used in automobiles, are strongly discouraged
since airlines must separate these from your scooter or wheelchair
and store them in a leak proof container.
Scooters
Scooter travelers who "gate check"
their scooter should assume that some member of the airline
staff will be appointed to drive your scooter into the belly
of the plane. To protect your scooter, other passengers and
other airline staff we recommend the following steps. Before
handing your scooter over to the airline staff, place a piece
of removable tape on top of the throttle control and secure
the throttle control in the slowest position. This tape should
read "Do Not Remove." Make sure your key, or power
pin, is well secured to the scooter. Use a strong, durable
cord to attach your key or control pin. Do not use a rubber
band or an elastic strap to secure your key to the scooter.
To secure your key or power pin to your scooter, we suggest
using a 12 or 14 inch "60 or 80 pound steel leader"
obtained from a fishing supply store. And last, remove any
removable baskets and portable seat cushions and carry these
into the plane....these do not travel well when attached to
your scooter and are likely to be lost.
Electric Wheelchairs
Electric wheelchair travelers who "gate
check" their electric wheelchair should assume that some
member of the airline staff will attempt to drive your scooter
into the belly of the plane. We suggest making several extra
efforts to prevent anyone from actually driving your precious
and expensive wheelchair. Switch your chairs' transmission
into "neutral" so it can be easily pushed. Unplug
the battery connection between your chair and the battery
and place a short piece of electrical tape over both connector
ends. Better yet, if the power cord is easily removed take
it with you in your carry on bag.
If the entire "joystick control"
can be easily removed...remove it! It not, try loosening the
knob that positions the joystick control and point the joystick
downward, towards the ground. Or last, unscrew the "joystick
knob" from the control base and carry it with you into
the plane. In any event, try to prevent damage to the joystick!
An unprotected joystick is an accident waiting to happen.
