Buses and wheel chairs

[johnnyr]

We are renting a wheel chair for the length of our stay from Walker Mobility. The wheel chair is for my Dad who has problems walking long distances, but is ok for short distances. He would be totally embarrased if they made him sit in the wheel chair while they lifted it onto the bus and strapped it in. Will they let us fold up the chair and bring it on the bus without him sitting in it?

 

[seashoreCM]

Yes you may fold up a wheelchair and someone else in your party carry it into the bus.

Actually, even for those who do sit in the wheelchair as it is rolled onto the bus, it is preferable (if possible) that you get out of the wheelchair and sit on a regular seat.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find a post in that thread that is all about bus travel with wheelchairs and ECVs.

He can certainly fold the wheelchair and have someone carry it on. But, keep in mind that a folded wheelchair is going to be about 40-50 pounds. Getting on in the back with the lift or ramp is going to be much easier for the person who is bringing it on than trying to carry it thru the front door and thru the whole bus.
It is OK to sit in a wheelchair on the bus - those can be fastened down quite securely and the bus driver can provide a seatbelt, so it's not a problem to remain in a wheelchair.
It is a good idea to transfer to a bus seat if you have an ECV (power mobility scooter) since those are top heavy when someone is sitting on the seat and they are difficult to fasten down securely. There is actually a sign on the bus advising people using ECVs that they should transfer to a bus seat.