Male person sitting in an Ottobock Juvo power wheelchair on a pier with a ship in the background talking to 2 people next to him

Traveling with a wheelchair.

There's nothing like going on a trip when you get the travel bug. Planning and preparation is always the key to a successful trip. You can find helpful tips and information for your journey with a wheelchair here.

Overview

Safe and mobile during your trip with a wheelchair.

The lack of information about what to expect when traveling and at the destination poses major challenges for wheelchair users. It is therefore advisable to carefully plan a journey with a wheelchair. When preparing, you will have to consider issues such as travel documents, accessible accommodation, care requirements on board the means of transport as well as insurance. To help you with this, we have compiled some useful information.

Female person in Ottobock wheelchair sitting at an outdoor table with a man and smiling.

Traveling with a wheelchair

What do I have to consider when traveling?

When traveling with a wheelchair, there are some important aspects to consider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant journey. First, you should plan your trip thoroughly. This includes checking the accessibility of the accommodation as well as the means of transport.

Accommodation: It is advisable to contact hotels or other accommodation providers in advance to ensure they are suitable for wheelchairs and have the necessary facilities. Ask whether there is access to lifts or the dining rooms. If you require special devices or equipment, such as a shower chair or special beds, you should also discuss this in advance and make sure they are available at your destination.
Excursions and restaurant visits: Excursions or restaurant visits outside of your accommodation should also be well planned. Check in advance how accessible the site is.
Means of transport: Inform the airline, rail or coach company of your mobility requirements in good time, as special support or spaces are often limited. Find out about the accessibility of the transport and the stops, airports and train stations, including whether there are ramps, lifts and toilets that are suitable for wheelchairs. Many providers offer a special assistance service for boarding and disembarking, which you should also book in advance. When traveling by plane, the wheelchair is often considered special luggage and may need to be checked in at the gate. Find out about the process and protection of your wheelchair.
Spare parts and repairs: It may also be important to bring spare parts and repair kits for your wheelchair with you, especially when traveling abroad for longer periods where it may be more difficult to arrange quick repairs or replacements.
Medical treatment and emergencies: It is also advisable to find out about medical treatment and emergency numbers at your destination. Make sure you have enough medication and all necessary medical documentation with you. If you are traveling abroad, it is useful to find out about the specific requirements and regulations of the destination country, for example regarding visas, vaccinations and customs regulations.
Travel insurance: It may also make sense to take out travel insurance that is specially geared to the needs of people with physical disabilities. This can assist with problems such as lost wheelchairs or medical emergencies abroad. In many cases, your wheelchair is also covered by your home insurance. Make sure to check this in advance. In addition, you should inspect your wheelchair carefully after traveling by bus, train or plane so that you can provide evidence of any damage in good time.

What documents do I need to bring with me for my wheelchair?

If you are traveling as a wheelchair user, it is important to have certain documents with you for your wheelchair. A medical certificate confirms your need for the wheelchair and may be required by airlines or other transport service providers to receive special assistance. You should always carry instructions for use from the wheelchair manufacturer, which are usually available online. They contain information about the model, weight, dimensions and, if your wheelchair is powered, the rechargeable battery. This information is particularly important when traveling by plane as airlines have specific requirements and restrictions for taking wheelchairs and batteries. Specialist dealers can request the IATA certificate for Ottobock power wheelchair batteries. This document confirms that the batteries meet all requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

If your wheelchair is insured, it will be helpful to have proof of insurance with you. This can be useful in the event of loss or damage during the holiday. If the wheelchair must be disassembled for the journey, instruct the transport company staff to avoid damaging the wheelchair. Keep the contact details of your medical supply company so that they can be contacted in case of an emergency or if any repairs are required.

Wheelchairs Home

Male person sitting in an Ottobock power wheelchair at a table in a beach bar, two other people sitting opposite, one smiling.

How can I find out if a place is accessible?

To find out if a place is accessible, you can use certain online services or apps. Check whether a location is described as accessible or suitable for wheelchairs. While facilities that are suitable for wheelchairs are specifically geared towards the needs of a wheelchair user, the accessibility of a place involves ensuring that it is suitable for everyone, including those with cognitive disabilities and physical limitations. Some websites provide an interactive map which indicates the accessibility of public places such as restaurants, cafés, museums, schools, authorities and many other facilities. For example, the locations on the map are marked with colour-coded indicators to show how accessible they are. Such platforms sometimes provide information on accessibility worldwide, which is particularly helpful for travelers with limited mobility.

A woman in an Ottobock wheelchair is smiling in a meadow surrounded by two horses and pets one of them on the neck

Means of travel

Traveling by various modes of transport with a wheelchair.

Car

Traveling by car.

Traveling by car is possible with a wheelchair. It is important that the wheelchair is properly secured, whether you are driving or traveling as a passenger. With special retrofits such as manual controls, automatic ramps and interiors suitable for wheelchairs, your car can be adapted so that you can drive and travel independently with a wheelchair. In addition to standard systems for securing wheelchairs, all Ottobock power wheelchairs in the Juvo line can be secured using the Dahl docking system. This requires having an adapter on the wheelchair, which is then connected to the safety system in the footwell of the vehicle. This retrofit option is available from many car manufacturers.

A woman in an Ottobock Juvo power wheelchair drives out of a van via a ramp.

A man in a wheelchair sits next to a woman on a bench outside and shows her something in a brochure.

Public transport

Train and public transport.

If you want to travel by public transport, careful planning is advisable. In some cases, for example, construction works restrict accessibility at railway stations. As a rule, however, you will find signs indicating accessible means of getting to your train. You can ask the Deutsche Bahn Mobility Service Centre whether the route in question is accessible. Additional services are also available, such as free advance delivery of baggage within Germany under certain conditions. It is also advisable to inform public transport companies in advance if you are traveling by bus, tram or underground. In some cases, ramps can be used for access. To ensure any train journeys go smoothly, it’s worth organizing a seat reservation ahead of time.

Plane

Air travel.

If you are traveling by plane, it is essential to plan well in advance. Unfortunately, there isn't always an option to provide details about your wheelchair when booking online, so you must call the airline immediately after your reservation is confirmed. Inform them of your mobility needs, including your mobility grade, details about your wheelchair, and any special assistance required. At this stage, you can discuss your options for taking your wheelchair with you, which is often checked in as bulky luggage free of charge. However, you must use a special wheelchair for the cabin while your wheelchair is taken and stored in the hold. Be aware that these special wheelchairs are not always available, which may make toilet trips difficult, so consider wearing a catheter while traveling by air.

Upon arrival at the airport, a mobility service is usually available. This service will accompany you through security checks and the airport until you are seated on the plane, ensuring you are supported every step of the way and can start your journey with peace of mind. The same service is available at your destination, where you will be assisted through border control, baggage collection, airport transfer, and accommodation. Early check-in (usually 48 hours before departure) is required. Additionally, ensure you have checked all aspects of import regulations for medications and how to obtain them abroad.

A man in an Ottobock wheelchair is smiling next to a woman with a shopping basket as they look at the products at a fruit market.

Always arrive at the airport on time, at least 2 hours before your departure. Let the staff at check-in know that you require assistance services. This allows you to be accompanied through check-in, security and on the way to your seat on the plane. You will usually be met at the check-in desk. When going through security, your wheelchair will be checked for intoxicants or explosives using a test strip. The chair will also be checked from below with a magnifying glass, as will your cushion. The chair will be checked in as bulky luggage and not at the baggage counter while you board the aircraft in a transport chair. Once you arrive at your destination, remain seated on the aircraft and the assistance services will help you promptly. They will assist you right up to your shuttle service to your accommodation. Contact taxi or bus companies in advance so that you can get to your accommodation with peace of mind.

Report immediately: Go straight to the lost-and-found desk or airport baggage claim and report what you have lost. A log will be created and you will receive a reference number for tracking purposes.
Documentation: Make a note of all important information, such as the flight, the time you lost it and a description of your wheelchair. Take photos of your wheelchair before traveling to document its condition in case of damage.
Replacement wheelchair: Request a replacement wheelchair from the airport or airline. Many airports have wheelchairs available for hire until your own wheelchair is delivered. It may also be useful to check with the airline in advance regarding the availability of wheelchairs for hire.
Tracking and communication: Stay in contact with the airline and use the reference number to track the status of your wheelchair. The airline should let you know when and how the wheelchair will be delivered.
Damages or compensation: If the wheelchair is damaged or lost, you are entitled to compensation. Contact the airline and, if necessary, submit a claim for compensation. It is helpful to have proof of purchase and documentation regarding the value of the wheelchair.
Legal provisions: Find out about the rights of passengers with reduced mobility in the country you are traveling. In the EU, for example, Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2006 regulates the rights of persons with reduced mobility when traveling by plane, and there are similar regulations in other regions.
Patience and persistence: Unfortunately, these situations can take some time, so it is important to remain patient but also persistent in reminding the airline of its responsibilities.

Solutions

Ottobock wheelchairs.

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Male person with sunglasses in an Ottobock Juvo power wheelchair in front of a house facade

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