Woman sits with man in wheelchair on the beach
Guide

Travelling with a disability - tips for a carefree holiday

Traveling and exploring the world can be exciting experiences, but for people with physical disabilities, such trips can pose challenges. Fortunately, there are many medical aids available today that make traveling easier and more enjoyable, thanks to their lightness, flexibility, and practicality.

 

At Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, we offer a wide range of aids that simply make your travel experience better.

Foldable Transport Chairs


With their lightweight construction and foldable design, these wheelchairs are the perfect travel companions.

They're ideal for short walks, such as crossing an airport or train station, when walking is difficult or the walk is too strenuous and long.
Folding transport chairs are also a great option for people who have temporary injuries or disabilities and need to use a wheelchair for a short period of time. They're also suitable for the elderly who need assistance walking but aren't dependent on a wheelchair all the time.

These chairs are available in different sizes and designs and can be customized to meet your specific needs. Some models have adjustable armrests and footrests to increase comfort, while others come with additional features like a padded seat and backrest.

 

Overall, foldable transport chairs are a practical and convenient solution for people who need constant walking assistance, whether it's for travel or daily life.

 

At Drive DeVilbiss, we offer a variety of transport chairs to choose from, including the super light Travelite, the Expedition Plus, and the transport wheelchair D-Lite.

Transport Chair Travelite frontal view
Foldable Powerchair Airfold Carbon frontal view

Foldable electric wheelchairs


Foldable electric wheelchairs are a special type of wheelchair that combine the advantages of electric wheelchairs and folding wheelchairs. They are ideal for people who need electric assistance but also want an easy way to transport the wheelchair.

 

As with conventional electric wheelchairs, foldable electric wheelchairs are powered by an electric motor and are easy to operate using a joystick control. They offer increased range and are ideal for longer rides and sightseeing. The foldable design of these wheelchairs allows them to be easily folded and stowed in the trunk of a car or in the overhead compartment of an airplane.


Some models have additional features such as adjustable seats, armrests and footrests to increase comfort and support for the user.

At Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare you will find two foldable electric wheelchairs in the portfolio: our stable standard model Instafold and the ultra-light carbon model Airfold.

Walking aids


There are many different types of walking aids available for people who have difficulty walking. For example, walking canes, crutches or rollators can support walking and improve mobility. You should discuss which aid is most suitable with your doctor.

The specialist trade or your local medical supply store will help you with the selection. There you can also try out the different offers of walking aids.

 

Here is a selection of walking aids that are perfect for travel:

  • Canes

    Canes are one of the simplest forms of walking aids. They are usually made of lightweight material such as aluminum or wood and have a handle at the top for the user to hold on to. They provide security and stability when walking and are ideal for people who only need light support. Thanks to their size, they are ideal for travel because they take up the least space.
     
  • Walking Frames

    Walking frames are designed to support people with reduced mobility when walking and to give them more stability. The type of impairment can range from mild balance issues to more severe mobility impairments. There are different types of walking frames, which can have different characteristics depending on the needs and intended use. Since normal walking frames are usually not accepted as hand luggage on flights because they are too large, special walking frames, such as our Ready Set Go travel walking frame, should definitely be used here. This weighs just 3.6 kg, can be folded and has wheels that make it easier to maneuver on uneven ground or longer distances.
  • Rollators

    Rollators are another type of walker that help people improve their mobility. They are usually equipped with four wheels and have a comfortable seat on which the user can rest. This makes sense especially for longer walks or sightseeing tours. Rollators not only support walking, but can also serve as a means of transport for shopping or other items. Most outdoor rollators come with a basket or bag. Sunscreen, a jacket, the camera or other useful holiday items can be conveniently carried in it.

    Drive DeVilbiss has a very large selection of different rollators for you. These include lightweights that are particularly practical for travel.

Medical devices


For people with specific health needs or problems, there are special medical devices that can make traveling easier or even possible.

For example, a portable oxygen tank can help people with breathing problems get enough oxygen during the flight.

For people who suffer from asthma and have to inhale again and again, there are now also very practical, portable solutions that take up little space and are still effective and helpful.

 

We present a few highlights from our respiratory therapy product range, which are perfect companions for travel and vacations:

Portable Oxygen Concentrator iGo2 - Front View
  • The iGo2 is a portable oxygen concentrator specially designed for people with respiratory problems. It is ideal for those who want to travel but at the same time need a continuous supply of oxygen.

    The iGo2 is small and light, making it an ideal travel companion. In addition, it is easy to use and very quiet. The person sitting next to you will surely be grateful for that. The portable oxygen concentrator has a long battery life and can easily be used in the car or on the plane.

    This is made possible by its patented SmartDose technology, which automatically adjusts the oxygen delivery to your activities. This makes traveling so much easier.
Portable Suction Unit VacuAide 7325 - Front View
  • Our VacuAide series secretion suction pumps, which are used to clear the respiratory tract and to contain infections, are all portable and can therefore also be taken with you when you travel.

    The portable suction devices - above all the new VacuAide 7325 - are small, light and can be easily transported in a bag or backpack.
Portable Compressor Nebulizer AirForce Mini Front view
  • The AirForce Mini is a portable nebulizer that allows aerosol therapy without electricity. The portable inhalation device transports medication or active ingredients directly into the lower respiratory tract and is used for diseases such as asthma or COPD.
    The AirForce Mini is small, light and easy to use, making it ideal for people who need medical support for respiratory therapy while travelling. It is extremely helpful when continuous medical treatment must be ensured even when travelling.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter HbO-Smart  Front View
  • Finger pulse oximeter HbO-Smart: Check the most important vital signs such as oxygen saturation and pulse rate anytime and anywhere. With user alert settings and four optional on-screen displays, this battery-powered device offers everything you would expect from a modern pulse oximeter. The HbO-Smart is suitable for use in both children and adults.

Icon bulb

4 tips: Traveling with medical supplies

If you are planning to travel with a medical device, it is important to do your research in advance and take any necessary precautions.

Here are some tips that will simplify your trip:
  1. Find out about your transportation options in advance.Airlines and train companies have specific policies and regulations for medical supplies. Make sure you know them and have all the necessary documents and permits.
     
  2. Plan in advance what kind of medical supplies you will need.
    Wheelchairs can be rented at airports. However, there are only a limited number of tools. It is therefore advisable to announce in advance that you will need a wheelchair.
    If you want to buy a new, personal tool for your trip, then consider the next point.
     
  3. Make sure your medical device is suitable for your needs and works well.

    Test it before travel to make sure there are no problems. Try all the features. This also facilitates on-site operation. Above all, folding or collapsing larger aids should be practiced.

    It is also important that the aid is specifically tailored to your needs. An important point of contact is the medical supply trade. The trained specialists can not only explain the exact functions to you, but also help you with the selection.

  4. Bring all necessary accessories and chargers with you.Also check if there are adapters for the sockets in the countries you will be visiting. Nothing is more annoying than not being able to charge your device on site.

 

With the right medical supplies, traveling can be much easier and more enjoyable for people with physical disabilities. Take advantage of the variety of our products, which we have specially developed for people who like to be on the move despite a handicap.

 

Related Articles

Woman sitting on a bench in summer

Tips for the summer: Keep cool in hot weather

Guide

Summer is finally here, bringing joy and vitality to our everyday lives with its sunshine and long days. But while many of us enjoy the sun, high temperatures can also quickly become a burden. It's important to know how to deal with the heat so ...

Read more
Multiple sclerosis clinical picture

Disease pattern multiple sclerosis

Guide

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects both the brain and the spinal cord and typically occurs in early adulthood. The diversity of the disease makes it...

Read more
Aids for the WC

Aids for the toilet

Guide

In the course of our lives, we can all find ourselves in a situation where simply going to the toilet becomes a challenge. Older people, people with disabilities or ...

Read more
Always stay up to date?
. .