Re: american wheelchair chargers in europe

[Guest guest]

Since I have a motorized chair, I never travel on a plane anymore. The chair

doesn't fold, so where do they keep it on the plane? Also, what about when

you get to Europe, how do you travel from the airport the the hotel? Are there

accessible buses? Do you rent vans in Europe? It just seems such a hassle to

travel!

[Guest guest]

I travel a lot. I just have not been to Europe yet.

My motorized wheelchair is stored underneath the plane with the heavy

luggage. My manual wheelchair I have never had a problem with being

stored on the plane in front. I bring bungee cords to strap it to

something stable so it doesn't move around. Often times they'll have

those available for me. I have only ever once had damage done to my

wheelchair. The joystick was slightly bent. However, it was nothing

crucial.

I am told, from the taxi center in Germany, that taxi's are available

at the airport and are accessible with lifts for wheelchairs. Public

transportation is also accessible. Getting around isn't a problem,

anyways. If I can't get somewhere via vehicle, we walk. And with me,

there is always a way around curbs and hills if I have someone with

me, and I will be going with a friend so it will be possible.

Of course traveling is a hassle - for everyone!! It's expensive; it's

a lot of planning; it's worth it! Just cause I need a wheelchair

doesn't mean I'm not going to travel. I love it! We just need to plan

for a few extra things....such as making sure I can charge my battery

in Europe!

> Since I have a motorized chair, I never travel on a plane anymore.

The chair

> doesn't fold, so where do they keep it on the plane? Also, what

about when

> you get to Europe, how do you travel from the airport the the hotel?

Are there

> accessible buses? Do you rent vans in Europe? It just seems such a

hassle to

> travel!

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've always been able to bring both my electric and manual wheelchairs

without a problem on every plane. My manual always gets stored on

board because the electric I check in during baggage and then use the

manual until boarding gates. That chair stays with me so that I always

have it available and no screw ups happen like leaving it in DC!

I'm glad you've had success charging your battery in Europe with a

converter! I was most worried that I would break my charger and be

dead in Berlin!

We leave August 13th to Boston. I'll spend the weekend there with my

dad and step-mom. Our flight leaves August 16th and we'll return

August 28th. I am so excited!!!

~Kendra

> Hi Kendra!

> When are you going to Germany?

>

> I must say I haven't had the greatest experiences

> bringing my chairs to Europe, France to be exact. I

> hope it is better for you.

>

> Yes, you will need a converter...get much higher than

> 50! Listen more to your " dorky friends " (hehe) than

> the guys at Radio Shack!! They sound like they

> know! The charging seems to take more time over there

> too, so plan for that.

>

> I'll be surprised if you can bring both electric and

> manuel without having to pay extra for one. Bring some

> strong duct tape with you because you will want to

>

[Guest guest]

I do all of my transfering on my own as long as the toilet is higher

than average. If not, I use the Freshette. I think I will use the

Freshette for the entire trip to conserve energy and make things

faster.

I will be traveling with a friend. Although he is male, I am

comfortable enough with our friendship to train him and walk him

through helping me transfer (if bathrooms are too small for a

wheelchair to fit in). He is also comfortable with my needs and I've

already expressed this concern and he is willing to help me. I try to

always travel with a friend or family member that can help me. With

me...There is always a way. I am just stubborn like that!! I want

to do everything everyone else does - especially when it comes to

seeing the world.

I am very concerned with others and politically involved. I wish I

could help more physically, but I'm going to do whatever I can in

this life with what I can do. I am in a wheelchair. This means only

that I need people to do the physical work for me - even if the

physical work includes lifting, toileting, and carrying.

-Kendra

> Here's the real hassle in traveling--bathroom needs. If no one can

lift you

> on toilets, then what?

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