Taking a road trip in a wheelchair is easy if you have the right gear, from a wheelchair-compatible car to basic travel supplies like water bottles. If you have a road trip on the horizon and want to reduce potential problems, the guide below will help you out. Try out these tips for taking a road trip with your wheelchair so you can focus more on the excitement of the trip when you’re on the road.
Prepare for On-the-Go Repairs
If you regularly maintain your wheelchair, it should deliver a long lifespan and reliable performance. However, parts can accrue damage or go missing unexpectedly during your trip. There are many tools you need for basic wheelchair repairs that you may already have, such as screwdrivers. So don’t forget to pack those screwdrivers and more tools in a convenient travel kit for your trip. This easy step will help you prepare for sudden accidents on the go.
Plan Your Storage Needs in Advance
If you’re going on a long road trip, feeling cramped in the car is not going to be a fun experience. To avoid this, you will have to pack your wheelchair and supplies for the trip carefully. For instance, some cars have a space for the wheelchair in the passenger or driver’s seat, so the chair takes up as much space as the seat normally would in the vehicle.
However, the longer your trip is, the more supplies you will need to be comfortable. These supplies include first aid kits, snacks, water, clothes, and other essentials. Take time before the day of the trip to see how much space your supplies will take up. That way, you can plan accordingly and keep the vehicle’s interior as cozy as possible.
Put Together Your Accessibility Checklist
One of the most important tips for taking a road trip with your wheelchair is to make a list of wheelchair-friendly areas along your route and at your destination. Not every building will be ready to accommodate wheelchairs, so identifying the ones that do beforehand will greatly enhance your experience. Check out the accessibility of restaurants, hotels, stores, and other attractions online, so you know exactly what is wheelchair accessible when you arrive. That way, you can prepare a productive, satisfying itinerary for your trip, no matter where you’re going.
Emma is a writer and editor passionate about providing accessible, accurate information. Her work is dedicated to helping people of all ages, interests, and professions with useful, relevant content.