Travel wheelchair

[Anonymous]

I’m looking for a light but quality portable, folding travel motorized wheelchair for my elderly father. He has osteoarthritis of the hip and uses a cane for walking. But he can’t walk far before he has to stop and he is very slow.

We will be going on a cruise, and I would like something easy to use at the airport, on the ship, and at port. I could also see using this in the near future at home for him to go to places that involve extended walking.

If anyone has any experience or recommendations they could give, it would be much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

My parents typically rent a scooter on the cruise ship. The cruise line will provide a wheel chair to get you from the curb to your room where the scooter will be waiting. Just make sure he has a big enough room that it can stay in the room when not in use - you cannot leave it in the hall. I know that doesn't help you in the airport but the airlines will also provide wheelchair service from the curb to your gate. Traveling with your own scooter or wheelchair can be difficult.

[Anonymous]

In port can be difficult. Many non US ports are not ADA friendly.

[Anonymous]

For my dad, I had a transport chair. It's a lightweight wheelchair (14 lbs I think) that folds. It's not for full time use, but for pushing the person short distances (it has small wheels). I think something like this might be good for travel, and then rent a scooter at your destination.

Especially because airlines are known to wreck wheelchairs, and if you get him a power one, that's a lot of $, vs $100 or so for the transport one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: For my dad, I had a transport chair. It's a lightweight wheelchair (14 lbs I think) that folds. It's not for full time use, but for pushing the person short distances (it has small wheels). I think something like this might be good for travel, and then rent a scooter at your destination.

Especially because airlines are known to wreck wheelchairs, and if you get him a power one, that's a lot of $, vs $100 or so for the transport one.

Great idea, especially to rent something stronger and better at the location if needed.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks everyone.

Good suggestions. I’ll look into renting a scooter with cruise line. Yes, I do the airport wheelchair service for my dad when he travels. Difficult for him to walk so far to the gate. He can do it if no other option but with multiple breaks/stops.