As the festive season approaches, it’s essential to plan for the safe and practical transport of powered wheelchairs and scooters. Winter weather can add challenges, making preparation even more critical. Whether visiting family or taking a holiday trip, the right planning and equipment can make travel accessible and stress-free. Following a few tips and options to help ensure your mobility aid travels safely and conveniently in cars or vans.

• As Christmas approaches, it’s important to plan for the safe transport of powered wheelchairs and scooters.
• The onset of winter weather challenges makes planning for trips even more important.
• Following a few tips can help with the safe travel and arrival of mobility aids.

Usually, when selecting a powered wheelchair or scooter, people will consider their travel habits and whether they’ll need to lift and transport the device by themselves or with help. Factors such as size, weight, and portability greatly impact how travel-friendly a mobility aid will be.

Lightweight foldable wheelchairs are a good option for ease of transport, typically weighing between 15kg and 20kg while the often more robust transportable models can weigh up to 100kg and may require two people for safe handling. Inevitably, standard designs are lighter and easier to handle than configurable models, which offer custom seating and electric functions but tend to be bulkier and heavier.

Whether the wheelchair or scooter is small or large, before setting off, it’s always worth preparing the vehicle. It may be that the car boot is the best storage option for the mobility aid so to prevent scratches or dirt, a protective mat can be placed in the boot. For smaller cars with limited boot space, foldable mobility aids can be stored in the backseat or footwell. However, this will reduce passenger space and requires additional care to protect the vehicle’s upholstery.

If the boot or backseat is not an option, there are several other methods to transport mobility aids, each catering to different needs:

Ramps are portable, affordable, and allow manual or powered wheelchairs to roll into a vehicle. They come in flat or channel designs and are relatively easy to set up. Choosing ramps with side guards provides added safety and ensure the incline is gentle to reduce strain.

Motorised boot hoists make lifting wheelchairs or scooters into a car simple and efficient. They’re ideal for independent users but may not fit smaller vehicles. Boot hoists are permanent fixtures and cannot be transferred between cars, so they’re best for long-term solutions.

External hitch-mounted carriers attach to the rear of a vehicle and provide an alternative for transporting mobility aids. They are easy to install and use but require weatherproof covers to protect equipment from rain or snow and it’s vital to ensure the carrier is securely attached to avoid accidents.

Platform lifts extend from the boot, allowing powered wheelchairs or scooters to roll directly onto the platform. This eliminates the need for folding or disassembling the device. While ideal for large vehicles like MPVs and vans, platform lifts require significant space for installation.

Whichever method is used, it’s always worth following basic safety tips for lifting and transporting:

Firstly, when lifting a mobility aid, maintain a stable stance with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the hips and knees, not the back, and lift slowly while keeping the item close to the body.

Secondly, if the mobility aid can be taken apart, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Filming demonstrations from dealers to refer back to later might be an option, and always use designated handles for lifting and avoid fragile parts such as armrests.

Thirdly, during the travel itself, mobility aids and any detachable parts should be secured with straps to prevent movement. Hoists, ramps, or carriers should be checked thoroughly to ensure they are firmly attached to the vehicle.

Obviously, Christmas travel often involves adverse weather conditions, so extra precautions are necessary. Protecting mobility aids from rain and snow with weatherproof covers, especially when using external carriers should keep them clean and checking the tyres makes sure that there is good traction to navigate icy or slippery conditions. After travelling, it’s always worth cleaning and drying equipment thoroughly to prevent rust or damage.

Whichever type of mobility aid is being used, preparing the vehicle, choosing the appropriate transportation method, and a little bit of planning and attention can optimise safe and stress-free holiday travel.