Wheelchairs Now

Let's face it -- traveling by Airplane is stressful enough for all of us.  There's likely not a person on this earth that enjoys the hassles that go into traveling by air, and worse yet, having to take a mobility aid like a power wheelchair along for the ride can make it much worse.  Luckily, and hopefully, you have an EZ Lite Cruiser which can be easily folded for transportation.  

One of the most commonly asked questions we get is whether the EZ Lite Cruiser and its Lithium Battery are permitted on an airplane.  The answer is "YES!"  Our 10 Ah batteries are within the US Department of Transportation guidelines on lithium batteries for air travel.   

Now that we know the batteries conform to US Department of Transportation regulations, to get specific limitations, we turn to the individual airlines for their specific restrictions and specifications.  For our purposes here, we will use a couple of major North American carriers -- Delta and United Airlines for our purposes.   Each one has very similar restrictions, but all generally follow the same accord. 

1. Delta Airlines Lithium Battery Regulations

Click on the link above and scroll down to "WHEELCHAIRS/MOBILITY AIDS WITH LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES" to expand the notes:

Lithium-ion batteries that power mobility devices and are within the federal restrictions listed below are allowed on passenger aircraft.

For collapsible mobility aids, customers will be allowed two (2) spare batteries if less than 160 WH for collapsible mobility aids, or one (1) spare battery if less than 300 WH.
For mobility aids where the lithium battery is installed as an integral part of the device, there is no battery size limit.
Other Lithium-ion Battery Requirements:
The battery terminals must be protected from short circuiting.
The battery must have been tested per UN Part III, Section 38.3.

2. United Airlines Lithium Battery Regulations 

Click on the link above and scroll down to the area pertaining to "Lithium ion battery" which reads: 

Lithium ion battery: Lithium ion batteries are classified independently of other battery types. Lithium batteries may overheat and ignite in certain conditions and, once ignited, may be difficult to extinguish. Lithium batteries are considered a hazardous material for which the following restrictions apply:

• There must be at least one effective means designed into the wheelchair or mobility aid in order to prevent accidental activation or possible short-circuiting
• If you have a collapsible mobility device, the battery must be removed and cannot exceed 300 watt hours.
• If you have a non-collapsible device, Federal Regulations allow for one large lithium ion battery to be transported installed in the device and up to two spare batteries to be transported in carry-on baggage. There is no watt hour limit for the battery installed in the device. If you have one spare battery, it must not exceed 300 watt hours. If you have two spare batteries, they must not exceed 160 watt hours each.

The watt-hour rating is a measure by which lithium ion batteries are regulated. If you are unsure of the watt-hour rating of your lithium ion battery, contact the manufacturer of your device. Lithium ion batteries manufactured after January 1, 2009, are required to be marked with the watt-hour rating.

If you are not using one of these carriers, but another different carrier, which may be a smaller airline, you will likely find the same information they have posted on their website regarding their own lithium battery restrictions.  If by chance they do not have this information posted on their website, it is prudent to call and ask for this information.  If you reach a representative that is unaware of this type of information, you should ask to speak to a supervisor, and they will in most cases have that information to give to you.  If the airline requires more information, such as the UN 38.3 Air Cargo Battery Test report, or a Material Safety Data Sheet, please contact us, and we can provide this documentation to you for our batteries.  Please note, this is specific to EZ Lite Cruiser batteries, and not other batteries.  Most airlines do not require this level of information, but if they ask for it, we certainly have it to provide to them.

Here are some other helpful tips when traveling with a light weight and fold-able power wheelchair, like the EZ Lite Cruiser:

1. When making your reservation, or after it has been done, you can add some a note to the itinerary to let the airline know you are traveling with a power wheelchair.  Airlines are very compassionate to those with the need for mobility aids, and will go out of their way to assist.  By adding this information to your itinerary, the clerk at check-in will be ready to assist in taking the power chair from you there, and arranging for the airline to give you a 'lift' to the gate, or they will ensure that you can get through security and ride your power chair all the way up to the gate.

2. When it is time to give your EZ Lite Cruiser power chair to the baggage handlers, we recommend disconnecting the joystick from the arm rest, and securing it with some bubble wrap, and storing it either between the seat cushion and back support cushion, or tucking it away in the storage compartment underneath the seat, where the battery would go.  This will ensure your joystick is not damaged while the chair is in the possession of the airlines baggage handlers. 

3. You will need to disconnect the battery from your EZ Lite Cruiser, and bring it on board the airplane.  As you would disconnect it any other time, simply pull apart the two connectors and take the battery off your chair.  The battery should be stored in the convenient carrying case that comes with your battery.  This makes it easy to bring it on board the airplane in your carry-on.  Some airlines go as far as needing to have the battery connectors taped up to ensure there is no short circuit of it, which is easily done with a strip of electrical tape. 

Now, if by chance your EZ Lite Cruiser is damaged by the airlines, do not worry.  The airlines in virtually every case will own up to the fact that it was damaged during transit, and will pay to replace any damaged parts or in a case of total damage, will replace the chair for you in full.  

There are essentially two major companies that are contracted by the airlines to deal with these types of claims.  

A - Global Repair Group, based out of Northbrook, IL., has been in business for many years and is one of the trusted places to go for repairs and service with an Airline claim.  They have a nationwide network of technicians located throughout the US and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

B - ScootAround, based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada, has also been a staple in the industry, assisting users who travel with mobility aids on airlines.  They can help with claims for anyone across North America, and are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.

When you reclaim your power chair from the airline, inspect it right away to make sure it works properly and look it over to see if there is any damage.  If there is damage, you should notify an airline representative right away, so that they can document the problem and they will let you know who to contact regarding the claim.  In all likelihood, one of the two companies, Global Repair Group or ScootAround, mentioned above, will assist with the claim, and we will assist with the process of getting replacement parts for your EZ Lite Cruiser to assist in the service and maintenance process, or getting you a new EZ Lite Cruiser as a total replacement, if that were to happen. 

If you have any further questions about travel with your EZ Lite Cruiser power wheelchair, please do Contact Us, and we'll be glad to assist.

Safe Travels!

If you've ever traveled with your electric wheelchair, you know how hard it can be.  From getting in and out of taxis, to unexpected rain, and traversing unaccommodating restaurants and building.  Make traveling with your electric powered portable wheelchair a little easier with these great accessories.  

1. EZ-Access Suitcase Folding Wheelchair Ramp

This ramp is extremely portable and durable, weighing a little over 30 pounds.  Use it to get in and out of transport vehicles, restaurants, and buildings.  It folds just like a suitcase, so you can easily load it into your car, truck or SUV, along with your EZ Lite Cruiser.  There are various options available, some of which are able to fold in multiple points, to literally make it the size of a small suitcase.  It can greatly help you load your EZ Lite Cruiser into the trunk of your car.  If you have an SUV, you can use the EZ Lite Cruiser in the powered mode to drive it right up into the back of your SUV.  If you have a normal car trunk, you can use it to roll the chair into your trunk.  

2. HandyBar - Automotive Standing Aid

This is a best seller on Amazon, and for good reason. With around 1600 Amazon reviews, it has a four and half star rating.  Products like this one are truly a god send for people that need a little more leverage getting in and out of cars, vans, an SUV or truck.  Sometimes we could all use a helping hand to get in and out of our cars, and this really is a great product to lend a helping hand.

3. EZ Lite Cruiser Travel Bag

There is no better travel companion for your EZ Lite Cruiser (standard & deluxe models) than the EZ Lite Cruiser Travel Bag.  It helps to protect the chair from getting dirty and can help prevent the frame from getting scratched during transportation. If you don't already have one, and are planning on traveling soon, we recommend it. 

4. Unisex Wheelchair Poncho 

If you're ever outdoors in your EZ Lite Cruiser and it starts to rain, you should use a rain poncho and get indoors as quickly as you can.  The EZ Lite Cruiser should not be operated outdoors when it is raining.  If you get caught out in the rain, it's great to cover yourself from getting drenched, and of course it will also help to protect your chair from getting any water damage.

5. Universal International Travel Power Plug Adapter

If you've ever traveled to another country outside of the US, you will soon realize that metric system isn't the only thing different.  There are numerous different power plug standards around the world, and this could make recharging your powered wheelchair a nightmare.  Rest easy, because this one adapter has many different power plugs that will work with virtually every country outlets.  The EZ Lite Cruiser charger works between 100 to 240 Volts AC input, so the voltage won't be a problem... getting the plug to fit also won't be a problem if you have one of these with you.

It's always best to be as prepared as possible for your travels.  Trying to find and purchase some of these accessories, especially the ones useful for overseas travel, could be a challenge.  These are definitely some of our absolute favorites for any kind of travel, whether domestic or international. We truly hope that our suggestions help save some headaches and troubles during your travels. 

Disability.gov is the federal government website for comprehensive information about disability-related programs, services, policies, laws and regulations.  The website is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, in collaboration with 21 federal agency partners.  The site links to thousands of resources from many different federal government agencies, as well as state and local governments and nonprofit organizations across the country.  If you're disabled, have recently become disabled, or need to help a loved one who is disabled, check out these important links from Disability.gov.  

Financial Support:

Housing:

3.  Hud.gov U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Multifamily Inventory of Units for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities

Healthcare:

4.  Healthcare.gov Medicare, a federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older and people under age 65 with certain disabilities

Community Life:

5.  Disability.gov Sports, Travel & Leisure Activities

Transportation:

6.  Disability.gov Guide to Transportation

The list above consists of the necessary resources one would need, but here are some other useful resources.  

There are tons of resources out there to help people with disabilities.  We hope you're utilizing them. 

Limbitless Solutions is a non-profit organization devoted to bringing volunteers and technology to the kids who need it most.  They're building a generation of innovators who use their skills and passion to improve the world around them.  Limbitless uses additive manufacturing to advance personalized bionics and solutions for disabilities.  They believe that no family should have to pay for their child to receive an arm. They want to lead by example and encourage communities to innovate with compassion.

You might remember hearing or reading about Limbitless in the news not too long ago.  Robert Downey Jr, Microsoft, and Limbitless Solutions teamed up to surprise 7 year old, Alex Pring, with a new 3D-printed "Bionic Iron Man Arm".  

Limbitless Solutions and students at the University of Central Florida have recently teamed up to build hands-free controls for mobility devices.  EZ Lite Cruiser was honored to be able to sponsor their endeavor and they recently sent us this video (see below) of the progress they've made so far.  As you'll notice, Christian from Limbitless Solutions is not using his hands to control the EZ Lite Cruiser Standard Model but instead has electrodes on his temples. We're not going to give away exactly how these electrodes work, but you can clearly see that he's using them to control the chair.

We're very excited to see how far technology has come and the potential of where it can go, it is truly limitless.

Having trouble figuring out what gift to get a loved one in a wheelchair?  Need gift ideas for your wheelchair bound friend?  We have some ideas that could be memorable and life changing.  Besides the typical holiday gift you can get anyone, including people in wheelchairs, this list is meant for unique gift ideas that are focused on people who are disabled. 

1. The gift of flying.  Specifically, gliders that have hand-controls which replaced foot pedal rudders.  Rides and introductory lessons have a price range of about $100 to $200.  There is also a non profit organization called, Freedom's Wings International, who offer free introductory rides for people with disabilities. 

2. Adaptive Skiing.  Depending on your level of disability, there are several ways you can ski using different types of adaptive equipment.  Most of the major ski resorts have adaptive skin programs but you have to make your reservations as early as possible.  This is to ensure you have the appropriate coach and necessary equipment.  Here is a great resource for adaptive skiing and sports.

3. Handicapped Scuba Diving.  Currently, training programs for disabled people have a high margin of safety.  Techniques which have been developed from more than 30 years, through continuous research and feedback have produced a very safe atmosphere for people with disabilities. The Handicapped Scuba Association can help their disabled students get certified. 

4. Assistive Eating Utensils.  Liftware is a stabilizing handle and a selection of attachments that include a soup spoon, everyday spoon, and fork. Liftware is designed to help people with hand tremor eat more easily. Place Liftware in its storage pouch, and bring it with you where you go. A full battery charge can last you through several meals, so you don’t always have to worry about bringing the charger along.

5. Folding Shower Seat. The ideal shower seat! This elegant fold down shower seat would be at home in any spa. Made of Brazilian Walnut which is up to 3 times stronger than teak, it is naturally resistant to moisture, mildew and decay. When folded it is only 3 inches thick so it is not in the way when not needed. A beautiful solution when there is little space for a permanent shower chair or for when seated is only occasionally needed. Its concealed wall mount brackets maximize the contact area and spread the weight bearing giving the SerenaSeat a 500 pound capacity! The removable back rest allows for easy cleaning. 

When dealing with a physical disabilities or even a chronic illness, don't count out your loved ones in activities.  They might actually enjoy and appreciate it more than the average person. Whether or not this list includes something they might be interested in or find helpful for you or your loved one, there’s still many more activities and products to explore at these websites and through a simple online search. We hope you find what you're looking for :)