Standing Wheelchair Travel
For those with limited mobility, getting from point A to point B can be more difficult than usual. Many wheelchair users will be familiar with how slow airlines have been at adapting to the needs of those differently-abled, and though you may not be doing much international travel these days with recent developments in the Covid-19 virus, it’s still important to consider the best way to travel in case of an emergency or event requiring travel state-side. Let’s break down some options you have to avoid any standing wheelchair travel issues.
But beyond these travel difficulties, wheelchair users know all too well how frustrating it can be to simply find a vehicle capable of transporting them and their gear where they need to go. Until only recently, ride-sharing apps lacked this basic functionality, putting limited mobility individuals at a stark disadvantage when it comes to exploring a travel destination easily.
Luckily, recent changes to the most popular apps have made finding transportation much easier. Here are a few examples of those staying with-the-times and more wheelchair accessible.
Lyft:
Lyft offers accessible services through a special feature. To enable this feature, after downloading the Lyft app, click on your profile picture or icon in the top left-hand corner, then tap on ‘Services.’ Once there, you can enable the ‘Access’ button to automatically have your app request wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Unfortunately, Lyft does not provide its own accessible services in all locations. For locations that do not have this service, Lyft will instead text the user contact information for local paratransit and wheelchair-outfitted services.
One very important piece of information to keep in mind is that some providers require up to 24 hours’ notice before dispatching a vehicle.
UberWAV:
In 2017, the popular ride-sharing app Uber added in a function allowing users to request accessibility-minded vehicles.
To access this function, first, download the Uber app and set up your account. Then, choose the “uberWAV” option at the bottom of your screen. This will ensure that a wheelchair-accessible van picks you up.
Like Lyft, uberWAV is not available in all locations — though Uber expects to roll out accessibility on a wider basis in the near future. This service is currently available in London, Austin, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Texas, and Southern California.
Travel Sites:
Along with these ride-sharing apps, most cities or regions offer their own accessible transportation services. With a little research, you’ll likely be able to uncover what travel service works best for you and your location. You can also lean on accessible travel websites to figure out these details for you.
The online website Brett Approved helps wheelchair users plan every aspect of their trip, from air travel to accommodations to the best accessible sightseeing in your desired location. This site also allows real users to rate all of the above, so you can rely on a community of peers to make informed travel decisions.
Whether you’re relying on a travel website or popular transportation apps, the good news is that a Redman Power Chair makes your day-to-day standing wheelchair travel plans easier. Visit our website to learn more and schedule a home-trial today.
