USA with powered wheelchair

[dailymailaredicks]

Anyone travelled to USA with a power chair? How easy is it to get an accessible taxi with a ramp? The wheelchair does not fold and fit in to a boot due to the battery size.

Will we need to hire a car with a hoist instead? And does anyone have experience of doing this?

Or a recommendation for a site that has this kind of specialist info? TIA

I think it largely depends on your state, I believe some have better access than others, I hear Florida is particularly good. If I know whereabouts I might be able to find some decent links for you.

Hi, depending on where you're travelling to in the US (e.g. city, resort, outdoor ) facilities and services vary. From my experience, there are four areas you need to consider:

1. Accessible room guarantees so that you get peace of mind before you travel
2. Mobility equipment hire from start to finish if you decide not to take your own equipment
3. Flights and airports assistance
4. Adapted transfers booked before hand.

We have dedicated specialists who look after all of these things so if you need any advice please let me know.

I do have a quadriplegic friend who travels quite often to the US with a full powered chair. He isn't on Mumsnet, but if you are finding it hard to get good advice, I could ask him for links to helpful services by email - I imagine he and his wife have accumulated quite a few by now - and send them to you by direct message if you direct message me. See how you go on this thread.

Many US cities have Disability Services departments with paratransit information on their websites. That might be a source for help, depending on where you are traveling.

Thanks everyone! It's Chicago and we're staying with friends. I have limited mobility but am able to walk from the car to front door and get around the home, it's a ground floor bedroom they have for me.

I'm used to arranging airport assistance, so my only worry is getting accessible taxis or hiring a car with a hoist to get the wheelchair in to the boot. Friend is taking a full week off work so I want to be fairly mobile and sight see. I'm guessing a hire car would be the best bet as their home isn't very central.

I could travel without my wheelchair but that would leave me massively restricted, very slow and in pain. So not much of a break!

Try this @dailymailaredicks

wheelersvanrentals.com/US/illinois-wheelchair-van-rentals/

From the City of Chicago website

www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/wheelchair_accessiblevehicleinformation.html