Travel Wheelchair and Accessories

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Our Travel Wheelchair

Whether in a plane or a car, a cruise or just a walk in the park, my primary concern with a travel wheelchair is this: can I transport it myself alone?

My husband is not always with me to lug it in and out of the car, so I need a lightweight wheelchair that will not wear me out just trying to get it to where we are going!

This is the travel wheelchair we use here. Notice it has smaller wheels, not the full-size back wheels? This makes is so much more lightweight! It also makes it a little trickier to roll out of difficult areas, but it is extremely important to me to have one I can transport easily.

This version also folds very easily by just pulling up the middle of the seat! No latches to unclip, no levers… simply pull up the seat and it folds inward. The feet attachments are also removable and do so very easily. Or you can simply fold them backward against the wheelchair, leaving them attached but out of the way. It fits in most standard–sized trunks in cars and taxis, and is light enough for me to lift into the trunk myself.

Accessories

Another nice thing about this wheelchair is that you can order replacement wheels! We’ve used ours EVERY where for years and years, and we bent a wheel. (OK, it was really my brother Griff’s fault who took mom “Off-roading” on their epic road trip. I was happy to not have to purchase a whole new wheelchair, just a wheel.

Another item we have really found useful is a good storage bag for behind the wheelchair! We used many sorts of bags and purses, most were not very helpful or dragged on the wheels.

I really like the look of this bag here. It’s adjustable straps can fit nicely over the handles, and it won’t drag on the wheels!

There are many options for side bags as well, which is handy for cell phones and items you’d want within easy reach. There are also cup holders and all sorts of items you can add to make a day in your wheelchair pleasant! I personally always remember that it all has to easily fold up on a moments notice. I don’t want to have to unhook everything every time, and I don’t want things to fall out! Quokka makes some great options with zippers and easy on-off attachments. It’s sold on amazon or you can see their other sizes and styles on the Quokka website.

If needed, there’s a nice cushion you can add also. We do not use one because It’s another thing to carry honestly. But some people really need it for longer wheelchair days. But the seat without a cushion has been comfortable enough for my mom, even for a full day’s journey!

Related Question:

Do you have to pay to take a wheelchair on a plane?

Your wheelchair flies for free! And although you cannot use it while on the plane, you can request wheelchair assistance for free with your airline carrier in advance. You can be taken to the gate in your own wheelchair, or you can check your wheelchair for free and use an airport wheelchair to go to the gate. If you take your own to the gate, the airline personnel will then gate check your wheelchair. Make sure you ask them if you will be picking it back up again plane side or at the baggage claim.

If you need assistance into the aircraft, they will transfer you to a narrower transport chair to bring you to your assigned seat on the aircraft. Otherwise, they will offer you preboarding and wheel you right to the aircraft door where you will walk to your seat. All this is a free service by airline personnel! However, it is good to tip the airport personnel who bring you to and from the gate areas.