Helpful Tips for Traveling on an Airline with Lightweight Foldable Lithium-Ion Battery Powered wheelchair

                                   

Let's face it -- traveling by Airplane is stressful enough for all of us.  There's likely not a person on this earth that enjoys the hassles that go into traveling by air, and worse yet, having to take a mobility aid like a power wheelchair along for the ride can make it much worse.  Luckily, and hopefully, you have an Economy Folding Power Wheelchair which can be easily folded for transportation.  

One of the most commonly asked questions we get is whether the Economy Folding Power Wheelchair and its Lithium Battery are permitted on an airplane.  The answer is "YES!"  Our 10 Ah batteries are within the US Department of Transportation guidelines on lithium batteries for air travel.   

Lithium-ion battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids:

• For lithium-ion battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aids:
• Visual inspection, including removal of the battery where necessary, reveals no obvious defects.
• Battery terminals are protected from short circuits (e.g., by being enclosed within a battery container that is securely attached to the mobility aid).
• The pilot-in-command is advised, either orally or in writing, prior to departure, as to the location of the battery aboard the aircraft.
• The wheelchair or mobility aid is loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded in an upright position and in a manner that prevents unintentional activation and protects it from damage.
• A lithium-metal (non-rechargeable) battery-powered is forbidden aboard a passenger-carrying aircraft.
• A wheelchair or other mobility aid when carried as checked or carry-on baggage:
• The wheelchair or mobility aid is designed and constructed in a manner to allow for storage in either a cargo compartment or in the passenger cabin.
• The lithium-ion battery and any spare batteries are carried in the same manner as other spare lithium-ion batteries are.

Now that we know the batteries conform to US Department of Transportation regulations, to get specific limitations, we turn to the individual airlines for their specific restrictions and specifications.  For our purposes here, we will use a couple of major North American carriers -- Delta and United Airlines for our purposes.   Each one has very similar restrictions, but all generally follow the same accord. 

1. Delta Airlines Lithium Battery Regulations

Click on the link above and scroll down to "WHEELCHAIRS/MOBILITY AIDS WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES" to expand the notes:

Lithium-ion batteries that power mobility devices and are within the federal restrictions listed below are allowed on passenger aircraft.

For collapsible mobility aids, customers will be allowed two (2) spare batteries if less than 160 WH for collapsible mobility aids, or one (1) spare battery if less than 300 WH.

For mobility aids where the lithium battery is installed as an integral part of the device, there is no battery size limit.

Other Lithium-ion Battery Requirements:

The battery terminals must be protected from short circuiting.

The battery must have been tested per UN Part III, Section 38.3.

2. United Airlines Lithium Battery Regulations 

Click on the link above and scroll down to the area pertaining to "Lithium-ion battery" which reads: 

Lithium-ion battery: Lithium-ion batteries are classified independently of other battery types. Lithium batteries may overheat and ignite in certain conditions and, once ignited, may be difficult to extinguish. Lithium batteries are considered a hazardous material for which the following restrictions apply:

There must be at least one effective means designed into the wheelchair or mobility aid in order to prevent accidental activation or possible short-circuiting

If you have a collapsible mobility device, the battery must be removed and cannot exceed 300-watt-hours.

If you have a non-collapsible device, Federal Regulations allow for one large lithium-ion battery to be transported installed in the device and up to two spare batteries to be transported in carry-on baggage. There is no watt-hour limit for the battery installed in the device. If you have one spare battery, it must not exceed 300-watt-hours. If you have two spare batteries, they must not exceed 160-watt-hours each.

The watt-hour rating is a measure by which lithium ion batteries are regulated. If you are unsure of the watt-hour rating of your lithium ion battery, contact the manufacturer of your device. Lithium-ion batteries manufactured after January 1, 2009, are required to be marked with the watt-hour rating.

If you are not using one of these carriers, but another different carrier, which may be a smaller airline, you will likely find the same information they have posted on their website regarding their own lithium battery restrictions.  If by chance they do not have this information posted on their website, it is prudent to call and ask for this information.  If you reach a representative that is unaware of this type of information, you should ask to speak to a supervisor, and they will in most cases have that information to give to you.  If the airline requires more information, such as the UN 38.3 Air Cargo Battery Test report, or a Material Safety Data Sheet, please contact us, and we can provide this documentation to you for our batteries.  Please note, this is specific to EZ Lite Cruiser batteries, and not other batteries.  Most airlines do not require this level of information, but if they ask for it, we certainly have it to provide to them.

Here are some other helpful tips when traveling with a lightweight and fold-able power wheelchair, like the Economy Folding Power Wheelchair:

1. When making your reservation, or after it has been done, you can add some a note to the itinerary to let the airline know you are traveling with a power wheelchair.  Airlines are very compassionate to those with the need for mobility aids and will go out of their way to assist.  By adding this information to your itinerary, the clerk at check-in will be ready to assist in taking the power chair from you there, and arranging for the airline to give you a 'lift' to the gate, or they will ensure that you can get through security and ride your power chair all the way up to the gate.

2. When it is time to give your Economy Folding Power Wheelchair power chair to the baggage handlers, we recommend disconnecting the joystick from the armrest, and securing it with some bubble wrap, and storing it either between the seat cushion and back support cushion, or tucking it away in the storage compartment underneath the seat, where the battery would go.  This will ensure your joystick is not damaged while the chair is in the possession of the airline's baggage handlers. 

3. You will need to disconnect the battery from your Economy Folding Power Wheelchair and bring it on board the airplane.  As you would disconnect it any other time, simply pull apart the two connectors and take the battery off your chair.  The battery should be stored in the convenient carrying case that comes with your battery.  This makes it easy to bring it on board the airplane in your carry-on.  Some airlines go as far as needing to have the battery connectors taped up to ensure there is no short circuit of it, which is easily done with a strip of electrical tape. 

Now, if by chance your Economy Folding Power Wheelchair is damaged by the airlines, do not worry.  The airlines in virtually every case will own up to the fact that it was damaged during transit, and will pay to replace any damaged parts or in a case of total damage, will replace the chair for you in full.  

There are essentially two major companies that are contracted by the airlines to deal with these types of claims.  

A - Global Repair Group, based out of Northbrook, IL., has been in business for many years and is one of the trusted places to go for repairs and service with an Airline claim.  They have a nationwide network of technicians located throughout the US and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

B - ScootAround, based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada, has also been a staple in the industry, assisting users who travel with mobility aids on airlines.  They can help with claims for anyone across North America, and are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.

When you reclaim your power chair from the airline, inspect it right away to make sure it works properly and look it over to see if there is any damage.  If there is damage, you should notify an airline representative right away, so that they can document the problem and they will let you know who to contact regarding the claim.  In all likelihood, one of the two companies, Global Repair Group or ScootAround, mentioned above, will assist with the claim, and we will assist with the process of getting replacement parts for your Economy Folding Power Wheelchair to assist in the service and maintenance process, or be getting you a new Economy Folding Power Wheelchair as a total replacement, if that were to happen. 

If you have any further questions about travel with your Economy Folding Power Wheelchair, please do Contact Us, and we'll be glad to assist.

Safe Travels!

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Roll in Showers & Shower Proof Wheelchairs for Elderly and Senior Citizens

Most hotels and public places around the world are not wheelchair friendly for travelling. How can Roll-in Showers & Shower Proof Wheelchairs make a difference?

A lot of efforts have been taken to build wheelchair accessible platforms at many private and public places recently. However, the availability of wheelchair accessible hotels and roll in showers is scarce which means that individuals with limited mobility can’t be sure of accessing bathrooms while on the go. It discourages to travel.

Narrow bathroom doors, kerbs in a bathroom and less manoeuvrability space make it difficult and unsafe for wheelchair users to transfer. There is a need for safety, especially when in new environments. The varying heights of the commode can also prove to be a problem. Sometimes, the grab bars aren’t present in the bathrooms making it difficult for wheelchair users to shift in and out of their wheelchair. Although the infrastructural barriers restrict the travel options for wheelchair users, it doesn’t mean they have to restrict their plans to travel wherever they want.

Roll shower and bathroom use

Roll-in showers in the bathroom

The solution for this could be that the hotels can probably keep a shower proof wheelchair and commode wheelchair which fits in their bathrooms. Or, a wise option could be that the users carry their own travel-friendly shower and commode wheelchair with them while travelling. But is such a wheelchair available in the Indian market? If a wheelchair that is travel-friendly, showerproof and has the arrangement of a commode, comes is the market, it would make travel hassle-free and safe for all the wheelchair users.

A Pune based start-up Arcatron Mobility is focused on creating one such wheelchair. These wheelchair manufacturers are a group of young entrepreneurs who are focused on creating innovative solutions for the disabled/ mobility impaired. They have come up with two very interesting models of wheelchairs, the SAS100 and SSS100. Both these models are shower proof wheelchairs and quite user-friendly. However, the problems faced by the wheelchair users while travelling are yet to be solved. Arcatron Mobility has been working towards developing a new model which is not only shower proof but also portable i.e. it can be packed into a bag within a minute. Having easy and safe access with the help of a wheelchair and roll in showers is the need for wheelchair users while travelling. Thus, this new model of commode wheelchair comes with a commode pan and can be adjusted according to the height of the commode with the help of an attendant. It can easily pass through narrow door frames as well, which is another important factor for users while traveling. The wheelchair is an amalgamation of comfort and efficiency to help the mobility impaired to be able to travel without worry. It is the ideal travel companion and thus, is rightly called, Frido.

Frido has the feature of height adjustability and an armrest that can swivel to the back, which makes shifting in and out of bed easy even if the heights of beds in the hotel rooms vary. It features a unique design of a push handle which makes rolling over wall-mounted commodes or commodes with protruding flush tanks easy. It is built to last with rust proof material and being a self-propelled wheelchair, it gives freedom to the wheelchair users to do all the things on their own without any worry. With a portable wheelchair model like Frido, travel for the mobility impaired will not be a task anymore.

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3 Things To Consider While Buying A Shower Wheel Chair for Senior Citizen Wheelchair

Want to take a shower safely while having limited mobility? A Shower Wheel Chair is what you require to take a shower independently and with safety. But there are 3 important questions that you must ask before buying a shower wheelchair. What are they? Let’s go through some key attributes that make a great shower wheelchair.

People with disability need to face the challenges of immobility also with losing dependence to do things their way. That’s why a disabled person misses their freedom the most. But do you know what a disabled person fears the most? No, it’s neither the prejudice they face in the society nor the constant reminder that they have limited abilities. But it is their fear of visiting bathrooms. Just imagine a person shuddering at the idea of taking a shower or answering nature’s call. Without a shower wheelchair – all because they have limited mobility.

This is where technology and medical sciences have to work hand-in-hand to help solve various aspects of immobility. The answer to this problem lies in a shower wheelchair, also called bath chair, bath bench, shower stools or shower bench. They are designed to provide support to anyone who can’t stand safely alone while taking a shower.

Injuries and disabilities can occur anytime, leaving you with limited ability to move either for a brief time or forever, depending on the degree of injury. But not having access to shower due to immobility can be excruciating. You might possibly think that any chair or stool can be used for this purpose. But limited mobility makes the surroundings really hazardous for a wheelchair user, especially if that place is a bathroom.

We guess, by now you might consider buying a shower wheelchair which is not only for your safety and mobility but also for overall convenience and comfort while bathing and using a commode. But what are the things that you must keep in mind while buying a shower chair? Here are top 3 questions which need to be answered before you finalize that shower chair for yourself.

Three Questions To Ask Before Buying a Shower Chair

ROBUST CONSTRUCTION

The foremost thing to consider when buying a shower chair is how robust it is in its construction. You don’t want to buy a wheelchair that is wobbly, unstable or rickety. This problem might get even worse while transferring an individual from the chair to bed and vice-versa.

When you are checking a chair to be robust, consider the weight capacity as well. Shower wheelchairs come in a variety of sizes depending upon the requirements of the customers.

PORTABILITY

The shower chairs available in the market are available in different construction and sizes. Many shower chairs come with locking casters that ensure safety while transferring in and out of the bath. Others don’t have wheels but only safe-grip leg coverings that prevent the chair from slipping.

Try avoiding dismantled wheelchair because the tools or parts kept separately either damage themselves or other parts of the chair when packed for transit.  A shower wheelchair along with being portable should be compact and not occupy too much of space when not in use.

MATERIAL

It is important to consider the material used in the build of a shower wheelchair.  Listed below are few materials that you should look out for: –

Aluminum – Even though it is lightweight, the chair made from this material is rustproof which is a big plus point as using a shower involves a lot of moisture and humidity. However, the chairs made from a good quality aluminum alloy are usually very expensive.

Stainless Steel – The high corrosion resistance of steel makes it ideal for use in dairy industries, surgical equipment and in wheelchairs. The best part is that chairs made from this material are economical.

Coated Mild Steel – This material should be avoided because once the coating begins to wear down it begins to rust. Given the fact that the shower chair will be used in moist conditions, the wearing of this coating usually happens sooner.

Plastic – Even though plastic wheelchairs are lightweight, they lack the required strength that is required in a shower wheelchair. Besides, the plastic chairs don’t have as many features as wheelchairs made from other material.

Shower Wheelchair – Frido Break Free By Arcatron Mobility

Frido Break Free designed by Arcatron Mobility is a user-inspired design that addresses the fear of disabled and people needing assisted living.  It gives them freedom and the much-needed confidence to do their daily tasks of living with pride and convenience. Frido, which sounds closer to freedom is a first major attempt to make bathroom access much more dignified and safer at all levels for individuals with limited mobility.

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Wheelchair Exercises for Elderly Seniors Citizens

Older seniors can benefit both mentally and physically from weekly exercise, especially those who are Senior Wheelchair bound.  Having limited mobility does not need to stop you from reaching your fitness goals. While many fitness routines for seniors utilize balls, bands and weights there are also simple routines where all you need is…you! Feel free to modify your routine by adding or subtracting various exercises, the important thing is that you are becoming more active. So now it’s time to turn up the tunes and get moving!

            Price RS 4793

Neck Rolls- Warm up your neck muscles by slowly moving your chin down towards your chest then over to your left shoulder and repeat 5 times. Next, roll your head to your right shoulder an additional 5 times. Keep pressure off of your spine by only rolling your head sideways and not to the back.

Shoulder Lifts- Slowly lift both shoulders straight up towards your ears and then back down. Repeat 5-10 times.

Arm Stretches- Extend your arms out in front of you and interlace your fingers. Sit up straight and keep arms stretched out in front of you. Keeping your hands clasped together, raise your arms as high as you comfortably can then slowly bring them back down. Repeat 5-10 times.

Side Twist- Slowly twist your body to the right and hold onto the side of your Senior Citizens Wheelchair with both hands. Make sure to turn your head with your body. Stay in this position for 5-10 seconds. Repeat on opposite side.

Knee Lifts- Hold onto your wheelchair with both hands, one on each side. Slowly lift one knee up as high as you comfortably can and hold for 3 seconds then gently place your foot back on the floor by lowering your knee. Repeat 3-4 times then switch to your opposite knee.

Leg Circles- Raise your foot up and rotate your leg making small circles keeping your foot flexed. Continue circular motion for 10 seconds then repeat with opposite leg.

Front Foot Lifts- Lift your feet up off the ground while keeping your heels planted on the floor. repeat 5-10 times on each foot.

Heel Lifts- Keeping your toes pressed to the floor, lift your heels up off the ground and then back down 5-10 times.

Churn the Butter- Make two fists and place one on top of the other. Keeping this hand position, mime as if you are slowly churning a large bucket of butter clockwise in a circular motion. “Stir” for 5-10 seconds then repeat motion counter-clockwise for an additional 5-10 seconds.

Running Man- Quickly jog your feet barely lifting your feet off the ground. For higher intensity add arm movements as if you are running. Continue your seated jog for 5-10 seconds, take two slow deep breaths then repeat 3-4 times.

Swimmer- Using your arms, imitate the following swimming strokes 5-10 times each. You can also choose your own swimming strokes if you are not familiar with the names.

Backstroke

The Crawl/Freestyle

Breaststroke

Seated Jumping Jacks- Open and close your arms and legs just as you would a traditional jumping jack. You can further modify by this exercise by doing just arms first and then legs. Try 3 sets of 5-10 jumping jacks.

Deep Breaths- Cool down with 5-10 long deep breathes. Breath in through your nose and slowly exhale out through your mouth.

Note: Stretching and exercise should never feel painful, listen to your body and start slow and easy with gradual progression. It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor before starting a physical program to find out if there is anything you should avoid, an appropriate level of exertion and recommended frequency.

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New Vissco Zip Lite Automatic Remote Operated Power Wheelchair for Senior Citizen with Video

New Vissco Zip Lite is a powered wheelchair that is a perfect solution to users requiring an economic model. It is lightweight and has double seat cushions, back cushion, foldable backrest, detachable leg-rest, flip-up arm-rests and pneumatic tires. Visssco Zip Lite Power Wheelchair actually fulfills all requirements which a customer needs in a motorized wheelchair. This variant complements our durable and extremely reliable Zip Powered Wheelchair.

A benefit of use:

• No need for assistance. It gives you the freedom and independence you always wished for.
• It can help you maneuver freely and easily, travel over a wide variety of terrains and even get over uneven or inclined surfaces. 
• Power wheelchair Zip lite is extremely reliable and safe.

Rs 49999

Power Wheelchair Zip Lite Specifications

• Frame foldable : spraying steel frame
• Rear wheel : 12" wide pneumatic tyre
• Front caster : 8" PU tyre
• Armrest : flip-up armrest with soft PU pad
• Footrest : swing-away, detachable
• Seat upholstery : detachable soft sandwich mesh fabric
• Safety belt : yes
• Max. user weight : 120kg
• Max. speed : 6km/h
• Distance per charge : 12km
• Climbing ability : 8°
• Battery : 24V/12AH, lead acid battery
• Motor : 250w*2, without electromagnetic
• Controller : the homemade controller with a joystick, it can be changed for Left-hand operation

Wheelchair India is an India based online handicapped product shopping website offers a large variety of handicap products and at amazingly low prices. Avail benefit of latest promotions on Folding Electric Wheelchair, Tricycle, handicap walker, handicap crutches, handicap sticks, folding commode, cycle rickshaw, handicap moped and other items.

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The Best Folding Power Wheelchairs

Price 49999

Mobility Karma Folding Power Wheelchairs are a great way to reclaim your freedom and increase your mobility. However, with the great variety of medical Folding Power Wheelchairs for sale currently in the market, it is often hard to pinpoint the perfect device for you. Below are some important questions you should ask yourself if you are looking to buy a mobility Power Wheelchair for yourself or a loved one.

• How portable do you need it? Depending on how you plan to use your mobile Power Wheelchair, you need to consider which kind of device you truly need. If you are looking for a Power Wheelchair to fit in the trunk of your car and easily pack away on a plane, you will want to consider a travel Power Wheelchair or a folding mobility Power Wheelchair. A travel Power Wheelchair will allow you to dismantle it into 4 or 5 pieces for easier transportation and storage. A folding Power Wheelchair will be your lightest and most convenient option as no dissasembly is required. On the other hand, if you think you need a mobility Power Wheelchair with a larger range and more comfort features -- and you plan to use the device in and around your home-- a mid-size or heavy duty Power Wheelchair will be a better choice.

Price 70999

• Will you be using your Power Wheelchair indoors, outdoors or both? If you are planning to use your mobility Power Wheelchair to get around your home, you will need to choose a compact device that has a tight turning radius a fundamental feature when it comes to making sure that you'll be able to properly navigate your home while keeping your furniture and belongings intact. If you live in a condominium or apartment building, a smaller Power Wheelchair will be crucial as you might want it to fit into your elevator in order to reach your unit. If you live in a house and plan to use your Power Wheelchair mostly outdoors think of taking it to the store, to a nearby park or to visit friends or family in your neighbourhood you may benefit from a larger mobility Power Wheelchair. They come packed with features that will keep you safe and comfortable, cup holders and even USB chargers.

• What kind of comfort features do you require? Portable Vissco Folding Power Wheelchairs come equipped with stadium seating. It is a comfortable and light-weight option for individuals who have good upper body support. If you are looking for added neck support and a cushier seat which will be ideal for longer rides, a mid-sized or heavy-duty mobility Power Wheelchair will offer the comfort of a Captain's chair, which includes an adjustable headrest. Another comfort feature you must consider is suspension. If you are looking to ride your Power Wheelchair on uneven terrain, a Power Wheelchair with stability control features will improve your experience and relieve you of any possible pain that rough movement could inflict on you.

• What's your budget? The price range for mobility Folding Power Wheelchairs is just as diverse as the product choices. As you start your research into a brand new Power Wheelchair to buy, make sure that you find out if you qualify for government help or for any other programs that provide financial aid to people living with disabilities. It is also possible that your health insurance may pay for a portion of the device if deemed medically necessary. This kind of information will help you make the ultimate decision much easier.

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Wheelchair India Today Offer Get Up to Rs 500 to 3000 Off Use Coupon Code "FREEDOM" For All Products and Power Wheelchair Only Rs 39999/-

Wheelchair India Independence Day Sale

Independence Day Sale

Today Offer Get Up to Rs 500 to 3000 Off Use Coupon Code "FREEDOM" For All Products and Power Wheelchair Only Rs 39999/-

Price 49999

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