Taking a Transport Chair but Not Staying In It

[GrammieMame]

I'm borrowing a transport chair (not a wheelchair) from some friends to take on an upcoming trip. I'm getting it for my 90 year old mom, who says she won't use it. I'd like to take it along to the parks just in case, but she may not be using it all the time, if at all (I'm sure my grandson would be delighted to ride in it). Is there somewhere I can leave it in the parks so that we could get it if needed? How about when we go on attractions or into restaurants? I'm a little worried about someone walking off with it. Are there some sorts of locks that can be used to keep it in one place? Can we take it on the bus?

Thanks so much for any help you can give.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

A few parts to this.

About a month ago my almost 92yo mother came for a visit and I took her to Epcot. She did not want to use an ECV (I have a spare); she is healthy and goes to a gym two or three times a week for the last 40 years. I asked her how she like walking from her apartment to the subway. Her response was she could do it. I then asked how about there and back three times in a row. She gave in and used the ECV. We were in the park almost seven hours. When we left she was exhausted and that was with an ECV; she agreed that without the ECV she would not have lasted an hour.

Pick a point about a mile from where she lives and is familiar with; ask her how she would like walking there. Then explain that it is not even once around Epcot's World Showcase.

To secure the chair if it is not being used just bring along a padlock that can clamp around a wheel or a cable lock to lock a wheel to the body. Do not attach it to anything permanent (such as a lamppost). This will not prevent a CM from moving it if it is parked in a stroller area but will keep someone from riding off with it.

If it can be folded there should be no problem to take it on or off a bus. However, if it is being used it will give you priority onto buses and use the lift or ramp.

Note, if you have a disabled hang tag for her be sure to bring it so if you are driving or use a rental car you will be able to park in a disabled space or lot.

 

[headoflife]

We borrowed a transport chair for my very stubborn, independend, arthritic 80 year old mother. She didn't want to use it because she thought it was hard for us to push her, and that she could walk. She would never have survived the trip, nor would we have all enjoyed it without the chair. She used it to ride in a portion of the time, and pushed it, sometimes w/ DD in it, like a rolling walker other times. I never worried about it being taken, but the lock on the wheel is a good idea if you are concerned. Have a great trip!

 

[Chuck S]

I'm assuming a transport chair is the same as a companion chair? 4 small wheels, easy to lift, vs. a standard wheelchair with 2 small and 2 large wheels? If so, be careful. The 4 small wheels are harder to push and make for a rougher ride on the cobblestone type pavements in some parks. Also beware of the trolley tracks on main street, cross them perpendicular to the tracks, the smaller wheels can easily become stuck if it hits the track at less than a 90 degree angle.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm assuming a transport chair is the same as a companion chair? 4 small wheels, easy to lift, vs. a standard wheelchair with 2 small and 2 large wheels? If so, be careful. The 4 small wheels are harder to push and make for a rougher ride on the cobblestone type pavements in some parks. Also beware of the trolley tracks on main street, cross them perpendicular to the tracks, the smaller wheels can easily become stuck if it hits the track at less than a 90 degree angle.

You are right, Chuck. It's a different name for the same type of wheelchair.

One of things I have noticed in talking to people using them, is that people who are pushing a small person in a transport chair seem to like them and many say they like them better than when they pushed a traditional wheelchair (one with 2 small wheels in the back and 2 large wheels in the back).
But, if the rider is larger, the 4 small wheels may make the transport chair harder to push than a tradtional wheelchair (the small wheels have more resistance to pushing because there is a smaller surface area to spread the weight).