ECVs and extra batteries...

[Charleyann]

My 12 year old just got approved for a traveller elite plus scooter. It came with an extra battery. Is it possible to fly with the extra battery. Is one battery enough?

Many Thanks

Charleyann

 

[SueM in MN]

Check the owner's manual for what the range of distance is. It usually will give a distance range the scooter will go on a full charge; the distance may be decreased by the weight of the driver (plus anything they are carrying), whether the terrain is hilly or stuff like gravel which takes more power to go thru. I checked on the Pride Mobility Website and the range is 13 miles.

The "comes with an extra battery" is misleading. When people hear that, they think it means a separate battery that needs to be carried and installed when you need extra power.
ECVs (and power wheelchairs) with 2 batteries actually come with 2 batteries installed, so it's not an extra separate battery. If you didn't already know it had 2 batteries, it would probably not be apparent to you at all.

Here's a link to the Pride Website page for Elite Plus scooters. On the left side of the page, you can download the owner's manual (I like having the owner's manual for DD's wheelchairs on my computer - much easier to locate than a paper copy and also much easier to search for what you need).

 

[JLTraveling]

Congratulations on your daughter's approval! I know when Dad first got his scooter, he actually cried on the way out of Disney for the day...he said it was like he got his wings back!

I would like to offer a couple of tips that we've picked up in nearly a decade of scooter travel around the world. First, always call your airline's special needs dept in advance to find out what you need to do for travel. You may need to fill out a form, give instructions to the ground crew for removing the battery, remove the battery yourself before checking the scooter...the procedures are different for each airline, and seem to change frequently, but the special needs dept will be able to advise you.

Also, you can gate check the scooter. Let your daughter stay on it until pre-boarding is announced. You're eligible for pre-board, and can check the scooter at that time. Some airlines will actually let her ride it all the way down the jetway, while others ask you to check it before entering the jetway. They will provide a wheelchair if needed. Usually the scooter will be waiting for you at the gate when you arrive, although at smaller airports/off times, they may request that you pick it up at baggage claim. If that's the case, they will provide a wheelchair from the gate to baggage claim.

Don't hurry off the plane. It takes a bit of time to get the scooter to the gate, so you might as well wait comfortably.

At the parks (or anywhere else that you will be all day), always bring the charger. As Sue mentioned, the battery range can vary depending on a lot of factors, and the parks eat up more miles than you might think. There are tons of outlets all over the parks, so it is easy to plug in. We've found that topping off the charge while we eat is a good insurance policy.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Charleyann]

When the application for the scooter was put in, so was an extra battery to go with the scooter. We got approved for both and also a larger basket for the back. My 12 year old is very excited about having some independence. We trialed the Go Go portable regular. He did very well, but the OT decided he should have the elite plus traveller. The wheels are bigger and offer greater clearance from the ground.


I think, I'll take the advice and call JetBlue....


Charleyann

 

[SueM in MN]

JetBlue doesn't have a simple way to find it, but here is a link to their help page. One of the choices is for individuals with special needs, including wheelchair and assistive devices (which does include ECVs).
Also, if you go the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is one post about air travel which includes info about Orlando airport, Transportation Security Administration and rights for people with disabilities.

 

[Charleyann]

JetBlue doesn't have a simple way to find it, but here is a link to their help page. One of the choices is for individuals with special needs, including wheelchair and assistive devices (which does include ECVs).
Also, if you go the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is one post about air travel which includes info about Orlando airport, Transportation Security Administration and rights for people with disabilities.

I am thrilled about not having to push! Seems the older the children get, the heavier the wheelchairs. Last year I pushed the wheelchair for three straight weeks in Disney, Universal and Seaworld. Was I ever wore out!

Now, new equipment and flying Always something ......


Charleyann

 

[Charleyann]

From Jetblue :

"JetBlue Airways accepts both spillable and non-spillable batteries in wheelchairs
and mobility aids. However, respirators and ventilators are required to have
non-spillable batteries only. Batteries used for assistive devices require labeling:
the outer packaging must be plainly and durably marked “NONSPILLABLE” or
“NONSPILLABLE BATTERY” or "SPILLABLE BATTERY" so that crewmembers
can exercise proper handling procedures for the different battery types"


Does this mean, I put on the battery if it is spillable or not ? The batteries are incased in pastic

Charleyann

 

[kaytieeldr]

MOST LIKELY, no. Most likely, the batteries will come from the manufacturer labeled correctly.

 

[SueM in MN]

MOST LIKELY, no. Most likely, the batteries will come from the manufacturer labeled correctly.

And most batteries on newer equipment is non-spillable (sealed) batteries.

 

[pugdog]

And being the non spillable you do not have to take them off the scooter. They only have to take them off if they were to need to tip the scooter on it's side to get it in the plane. And that only happens on the smaller regional jets.

 

[Charleyann]

Thanks for all your replies! This has been most helpful. My next worry is nobody walks in front of the scooter and accuses us of mowing them down!

I fully instead on locking on a slow speedand carefully monitoring the situation. Oh my, a preteen on a scooter


Disney will never be the same


Charleyann