Taking your child’s powered wheelchair on holiday: advice from disability charity Designability, creators of Wizzybug powered wheelchairs

Taking your child’s powered wheelchair on holiday can be a rewarding experience but it requires thoughtful preparation to ensure both you and your child have an enjoyable and stress-free time away. Whether it’s a theme park trip or an international holiday abroad, knowing how to manage a powered wheelchair during your holiday is key.

Here are some practical tips on travelling with a child’s powered wheelchair from Designability, the charity behind Wizzybug powered wheelchairs for children aged 14 months upwards.

Young boy in his red wizzybug using the joystick to move along a tree lined path
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Before Travelling:

  • When booking flights, hotels, or accommodation, tell your travel provider about your child’s powered wheelchair.
  • At least 48 hours before you travel, we recommend you inform your airline operator about the battery type and how to ensure it is safely switched off.
  • If travelling by car, some powered wheelchairs, such as Wizzybugs, can fit into a car boot for easy transportation.

Preparing your powered wheelchair:

  • Before travelling, thoroughly check the wheelchair to ensure it’s in good working order.
  • Fully charge the wheelchair battery before travel. If you’re flying, make sure the battery complies with airline regulations.
  • Pack the charger and any required power adapters.

 

Considerations for international travel:

  • Different countries have different plug shapes and voltage systems. A portable power converter may be necessary for charging.
  • Some countries have specific regulations regarding medical devices or mobility aids, so check ahead to ensure your wheelchair is allowed without complications.
  • Ensure that your insurance covers any potential issues that may arise while travelling, such as accidents, repairs, or medical emergencies.

The benefits of travelling with a powered wheelchair:

Despite the extra preparations, there are countless benefits to taking your child’s powered wheelchair on holiday. It allows them to:

  • Explore new places with greater independence, comfort and confidence
  • Enjoy family time without the need for extra assistance or limitations.
  • Engage in activities that might be difficult with a manual wheelchair

What is a Wizzybug?

  • Wizzybug is a powered wheelchair for young disabled children under 5.
  • It offers children fun, independence and freedom of movement, often for the first time in their lives.
  • Suitable for children aged from 14 months to around 5 years (a maximum weight of 20kg) to explore indoors, outdoors and off-road.
  • Wizzybug helps children with any condition or developmental delay that affects their ability to walk, including those who do not yet have a diagnosis.

About the Wizzybug loan scheme:

  • UK Charity Designability, loan Wizzybugs free of charge to families in the UK.
  • They are fully funded by donations which enables us to give them to young children to use until they outgrow it.
  • Once a child has outgrown it, the Designability refurbishes the Wizzybug, ready to go to a new family. · Families can apply online at designability.org.uk.
  • Each application is reviewed by the in-house clinical team and arrangements are made for a handover appointment.

To find out more about the FREE Wizzybug Loan scheme, or to apply online, visit designability.org.uk

Many thanks to Designability for this wonderful guest article

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