Are you a mobility scooter user and want to take your scooter abroad with you, or trying to find out if it’s better to hire a scooter abroad? Are you worried about travelling with a mobility scooter on a plane, ferry, or train? This article provides some useful tips for travelling abroad with your mobility scooter this year.
Can You Take A Mobility Scooter On A Plane?
First off, is it even possible to take your mobility scooter on a plane in the first place?
If you want to know how much does it cost to take a mobility scooter on a plane, you’ll be pleased to know that the According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority states that , you can carry up to two pieces of mobility items free of charge. However, it is advised that you do the following before you travel:
- Tell your airline the make, model, weight and size of your wheelchair.
- Take the operating manual with you – this might be useful for the airline.
- Let your airline know if your wheelchair is collapsible and provide details of how to assemble and disassemble it.
Be aware that your mobility scooter will likely be stowed in the hold safely during the flight, so you may not have access to it right up to the door.
This video, from Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People in partnership with the UK CAA, provides a useful guide to travelling with a disability (especially with a powered wheelchair).
Read Also: Your Common Mobility Scooter FAQs Answered
Can I Take A Mobility Scooter On A Ferry?
The vast majority of ferry operators will allow you to take a mobility scooter aboard, but there are a few things you need to consider before booking:
- Many ships will have space restrictions that only allow them to accommodate a set number of scooters. Booking in advance and notifying the operator you will be bringing your scooter will help
- Checking the dedicated parking areas and charging areas will ensure that you can enjoy easy access to your scooter during the course of the voyage
- Notifying the ferry operator of your mobility needs will ensure that ramps and wider gangways are readily available on the day of your trip
Every ferry operator will have their own rules and restrictions, with some requesting that wheelchairs be used in place of mobility scooters in certain areas.
Contacting the operator in advance will ensure you understand your options so that you can enjoy your trip. If your trip involves multiple forms of transport, our guide on using a mobility scooter on public transport will help too.
Can I Take A Mobility Scooter On the Eurotunnel?
Yes, you can take a mobility scooter on the Eurotunnel, but there are a series of strict restrictions that you need to adhere to:
- Your scooter must be battery-operated and cannot be recharged on the train or at any Eurotunnel station you stop at
- You will need to pre-book a wheelchair space and ramp assistance at least 24 hours before your departure time
- Your scooter cannot be more than 700 mm wide or 1200 mm long (this includes the footplate) and cannot weigh more than 300 kg
- For safety reasons, your scooter must also be fitted with an anti-tip device
Eurotunnel recommends booking 36 hours in advance and selecting additional storage space if you want to stow your mobility scooter during the journey.
What Should I Do If My Mobility Scooter Is Damaged In Transit?
Finding that your mobility scooter has been damaged in transit while travelling abroad can be incredibly frustrating, and you may be wondering what is the best avenue to take to report the damage to the correct parties.
If your mobility scooter was damaged by baggage handlers while travelling abroad, then your first port of call should be reporting the damage to the airline, as you would with damage to any other item of baggage.
First and foremost, you should report the damage to the baggage desk upon arrival. Formally reporting that your mobility scooter has been damaged while at the airport is important – even if all you want to do is go home as quickly as possible!
For more information on baggage damage, the CAA says:
“If your baggage is damaged, you should report upon arrival at the airport. Most airlines have a dedicated baggage desk within the baggage claims area. You may receive a Property Irregularity Report (also known as PIR.) You will also need to put in a written claim to the airline within seven days.”
If you are travelling abroad to one of the above destinations with your mobility scooter, please note it will not be covered under your Surewise Mobility Scooter Insurance policy.
Will My Mobility Scooter Insurance Cover Me For Travel Abroad?
If you insure your mobility scooter with Surewise, you’re covered for travel abroad except for in North America and Canada. Under the header of North America and Canada, the following countries are NOT covered:
- United States
- Mexico
- Canada
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Dominican Republic
- Cuba
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- El Salvador
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Jamaica
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Barbados
- Saint Lucia
- Grenada
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
Will Travel Insurance Cover My Mobility Scooter?
Whether your travel insurance will cover your mobility scooter is dependent on the policy you are looking at. Make sure that you check with the provider you are looking at before you purchase your insurance and before you travel.
Can I Hire A Mobility Scooter Abroad?
Hiring a mobility scooter abroad is a popular choice because it removes much of the stress of travelling with a scooter and worrying about it being damaged in transit. Many mobility scooter hire shops will also arrange to deliver your scooter to your accommodation to make your stay that bit easier.
However, you may find that some destinations do not provide the same level of choice when it comes to hiring mobility scooters, in which case taking your own scooter may provide much-needed peace of mind.
When you are deciding whether or not to hire abroad, here are the key things you need to consider:
- How stressful will you find navigating airports, train stations, etc with your own scooter?
- Can you find somewhere local to hire a mobility scooter from and how much do they charge?
- Do you feel confident riding a new make and model of scooter in a foreign country for the first time?
Taking some time to do your own localised search and making sure that the scooter can be made readily accessible as soon as you land will make all the difference.
Mobility Insurance
Cover available for:
- Mobility Scooter
- Powered Wheelchairs
- Manual Wheelchairs
- Cabin Cars
Top Tips Before Travelling Abroad With Your Mobility Scooter
It’s important to remember when booking your holiday that the cheapest airline may not necessarily be able to offer you the best service when it comes to taking your mobility scooter with you. Research which airlines will allow you to travel with your mobility scooter – and see if you can find any reviews from other disabled customers who may be able to share their own firsthand experiences.
Do your research on the best-rated airlines for mobility scooter users and pick your flights carefully. You should also contact the airline’s customer service centre to ensure your needs will be catered for.
Arrange Help Prior to Arrival
Make sure you discuss your requirements when travelling with a mobility scooter before the day of your flight. This will ensure the airline is able to facilitate your needs and you are met with no unexpected surprises on your travel day!
For example, if you will need extra assistance at the gate, make sure you organise this with the airline before arriving.
Book the Transport of Your Mobility Scooter Early
Not all airlines will be equipped to allow you to take your mobility scooter onboard without any prior notice, so it’s a good idea to organise this early on. If you can, book your flights through the customer service line so you can clearly state that you would like to take your scooter on board the aircraft.
You may need to give your tour operator additional information such as your scooter’s make, weight, battery type etc to ensure they are able to securely load and store it for the duration of the flight.
Read Also: How to Maintain Your Mobility Scooter Year Round
Things to Remember:
There are a few things you may need to remember when travelling with your mobility scooter to ensure you have a stress-free trip:
- Make sure your scooter is fully charged before you set off for the airport
- Take a spare key away with you (better safe than sorry!)
- Remember to pack your battery charger and a plug adaptor for the country you are flying to
- Double check airline staff know how to fold your scooter in order to securely store it for the flight
- Familiarise yourself with the local laws for mobility scooters in your holiday destination
- Consider investing in Bluetooth and GSM tracking to protect your scooter while you’re out to dinner or it is not in use. Find out more here.
- Choose destinations that top the charts for ease of access. Learn more.
Mobility Scooter Insurance for Your Peace of Mind
Damaging your mobility scooter can result in costly repairs, and it can be extremely frustrating to lose your independence while you’re waiting to be able to use your scooter again.
Our mobility scooter insurance policies are available in three tiers starting from just £3.80 per month. Covering you against breakdown, accidental damage, theft, personal accident, third party liability and more, our insurance aims to help you live life confidently under any circumstances.
What’s more, policies are underwritten by The Salvation Army General Insurance Corporation Ltd (Sagic). Sagic are owned by The Salvation Army and support the diverse work of the renowned global charity. This means when you buy a policy, you will help fund vital community projects across the UK.
Get a quote for your mobility scooter insurance policy today.
