There’s nothing more tiring than a long travel day, and it can be even worse for individuals who require extra support. How do you stay safe and comfortable while on your feet all day, without your home hospital bed, or navigating uneven paths?
In this guide, we’ll cover the top travel products and mobility aids to consider for yourself or a loved one. These items can be folded, disassembled, and brought with you to any destination.
There’s nothing more tiring than a long travel day, and it can be even worse for individuals who require extra support. How do you stay safe and comfortable while on your feet all day, without your home hospital bed, or navigating uneven paths?
In this guide, we’ll cover the top travel products and mobility aids to consider for yourself or a loved one. These items can be folded, disassembled, and brought with you to any destination.
Mobility Aids: Getting Around With Ease
The right mobility aid can help you or a loved one drive through unfamiliar streets or stay on their feet all day without fatigue.
Mobility aids for travel come in several different product types, depending on your strength and mobility level:
- Wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Rollators
- Walkers
- Canes
- Crutches
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Mobility Aids: Getting Around With Ease
The right mobility aid can help you or a loved one drive through unfamiliar streets or stay on their feet all day without fatigue.
Mobility aids for travel come in several different product types, depending on your strength and mobility level:
- Wheelchairs
- Scooters
- Rollators
- Walkers
- Canes
- Crutches
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchairs and scooters offer mobility while in a seated position! Drive longer distances without wearing your legs out– these mobility aids offer greater stability and support than other products used for “getting around”.
Portable or travel-friendly designs are often lightweight, foldable, and compact.
Best for:
- Users with limited lower body mobility or stamina
- Those who have long days and need to cover significant distances
- Users who value storage options
Learn more:
Rollators and Walkers
Wheelchairs and scooters offer mobility while in a seated position! Drive longer distances without wearing your legs out– these mobility aids offer greater stability and support than other products used for “getting around”.
Portable or travel-friendly designs are often lightweight, foldable, and compact.
Best for:
- Users with limited lower body mobility or stamina
- Those who have long days and need to cover significant distances
- Users who value storage options
Learn more:
Rollators and Walkers
Rollators and walkers provide support for users that can walk, but require additional balance support.
Best for:
- Users who can walk, but require additional support and stability
- Those who require occasional rest breaks while walking
- Individuals looking for a lower-cost solution to help them maintain their active lifestyle
Walkers are best for users who require more stability and weight-bearing support, while rollators fit loved ones who can walk more independently (but would like balance support and the option to rest). Rollators also include a seat to stop and rest at any time.
To learn more about the differences between walkers and rollators view our guide here.
| Features | Rollator | Walker |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 3-4 wheels | 0-2 wheels |
| Stability | Faster & easier to maneuver, but does not fully support body weight. | Can support balance and body weight, but requires users to fully lift the walker off the ground with each step. |
| Seat | Includes a seat to stop and rest at any time. | No seat |
| Storage | Often includes baskets and other storage spaces | No storage |
| Mobility Requirements | Great for users who can walk independently, but need extra help with balance or fatigue | Great for users with significant balance challenges, who are able to lift the weight of the walker |
| Cost | $$ | $ |
Rollators and walkers provide support for users that can walk, but require additional balance support.
Best for:
- Users who can walk, but require additional support and stability
- Those who require occasional rest breaks while walking
- Individuals looking for a lower-cost solution to help them maintain their active lifestyle
Walkers are best for users who require more stability and weight-bearing support, while rollators fit loved ones who can walk more independently (but would like balance support and the option to rest). Rollators also include a seat to stop and rest at any time.
To learn more about the differences between walkers and rollators view our guide here.
Canes and Crutches
Need a bit of extra support, but aren’t in need of a full walker or rollator? Canes and crutches provide cost-effective assistance to users who need assistance with balance or weight distribution while walking.
Best for:
- Individuals with minor balance issues or slight mobility impairments
- Those recovering from leg, foot, or ankle injuries
- Users with arthritis or joint pain looking to reduce stress on joints.
Learn More
Comfort and Support Solutions
Portable cushions can help ensure that you or a loved one are comfortable and supported, no matter where you are.
- Travel cushions: High-quality support cushions to provide relief and prevent pressure sores during long periods of sitting (flights, car rides, etc)
- Positioning Aids Positioning Aids Pillows or wedges to help maintain posture in unfamiliar chairs/beds.
Safety Devices for Accommodations
Whether you’re staying with a family member, in a hotel, or in an Airbnb, you won’t have the comfort and accessibility items that you typically have at home. Thankfully, there are several tools that can help you safely navigate any accommodation.
Portable Ramps
A portable wheelchair ramp is a small, lightweight ramp designed to easily fold or disassemble. They can install anywhere in seconds, and are a great solution whenever you encounter unexpected steps or a curb.To learn more about portable ramps, read our guide here.
Best for:
- Individuals who regularly use mobility devices
- Family members who’d like to provide better accessibility for visitors
- Those recovering from temporary injuries
Learn more Portable Wheelchair Ramps
Need a bit of extra support, but aren’t in need of a full walker or rollator? Canes and crutches provide cost-effective assistance to users who need assistance with balance or weight distribution while walking.
Best for:
- Individuals with minor balance issues or slight mobility impairments
- Those recovering from leg, foot, or ankle injuries
- Users with arthritis or joint pain looking to reduce stress on joints.
Learn More
Comfort and Support Solutions
Portable cushions can help ensure that you or a loved one are comfortable and supported, no matter where you are.
- Travel cushions: High-quality support cushions to provide relief and prevent pressure sores during long periods of sitting (flights, car rides, etc)
- Positioning Aids Pillows or wedges to help maintain posture in unfamiliar chairs/beds.
Safety Devices for Accommodations
Whether you’re staying with a family member, in a hotel, or in an Airbnb, you won’t have the comfort and accessibility items that you typically have at home. Thankfully, there are several tools that can help you safely navigate any accommodation.
Portable Ramps
A portable wheelchair ramp is a small, lightweight ramp designed to easily fold or disassemble. They can install anywhere in seconds, and are a great solution whenever you encounter unexpected steps or a curb.
To learn more about portable ramps, read our guide here.
Best for:
- Individuals who regularly use mobility devices
- Family members who’d like to provide better accessibility for visitors
- Those recovering from temporary injuries
Learn more Portable Wheelchair Ramps
Open a whole new world of accessibility opportunities. Set up the lightweight aluminum ramp in seconds to navigate around a set of stairs, curb, or uneven pathway. Choose between seven different sizes to find the perfect fit for your needs. Though it may be lightweight, the SUITCASE supports an impressive 800lbs at once.
Portable Bed Rails
Bed rails provide additional safety and stability while in bed. They provide two primary benefits to users:
- Stability: Users can grab the rail for added stability while entering or exiting the bed.
- Fall Prevention: Toss and turn throughout the night? A bed rail can keep you safely in bed at all times.
To learn more about portable bed rails read our guide here.
Best for:
- Seniors who need support getting in and out of bed
- Individuals recovering from surgery or injury
- Those with balance issues or traveling with mobility limitations
- Caregivers looking to enhance bedroom safety for loved ones
Open a whole new world of accessibility opportunities. Set up the lightweight aluminum ramp in seconds to navigate around a set of stairs, curb, or uneven pathway. Choose between seven different sizes to find the perfect fit for your needs. Though it may be lightweight, the SUITCASE supports an impressive 800lbs at once.
Portable Bed Rails
Bed rails provide additional safety and stability while in bed. They provide two primary benefits to users:
- Stability: Users can grab the rail for added stability while entering or exiting the bed.
- Fall Prevention: Toss and turn throughout the night? A bed rail can keep you safely in bed at all times.
To learn more about portable bed rails read our guide here.
Best for:
• Seniors who need support getting in and out of bed
• Individuals recovering from surgery or injury
• Those with balance issues or mobility limitations
• Caregivers looking to enhance bedroom safety for loved ones
The BedCane is a lightweight, travel-friendly versatile bedroom aid. Simply slide the wooden base in between the mattress and boxspring, then support users of up to 300lbs. Keep your essentials in reach with the integrated organizer pouch, making travel organization easier than ever. Compatible with every bed size (from Twin to California King), it’s an easy way to have extra bedroom stability without compromising on comfort.
Bring all of the comfort and accessibility of your home with you, no matter where you travel. Browse our catalog of thousands of the best mobility aids on the market, or speak to a Med Mart product expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I check if a hotel’s “accessible room” truly meets my mobility needs?
Make a direct phone call to the hotel, ask them to send pictures or measurements of door frames, bathrooms, and bed height, and verify the presence of elevators. Request written confirmation to prevent surprises.
2. What should I pack to handle unexpected mobility challenges during travel?
Carry backup wheelchair parts, additional grip gloves, foldable reach tools, portable cushions, and waterproof covers. Minor contingency items help reduce stress in the event of unpredictable access issues.
3. How do I manage long airport layovers with limited mobility?
Reserve a seat close to facilities, request airport assistance, schedule rest times, find available toilets, and use mobile applications to see gate changes without any unnecessary mobility.
4. What’s the best way to communicate mobility needs abroad if there’s a language barrier?
Carry interpreted phrases related to accessibility, used visual cards, used translation applications, and displayed images of needed accommodations. It is useful when specific terms are not known.
5. Are there ways to make public transportation easier when accessibility varies across cities?
Use transit help desks, transit maps with accessibility pointers, local mobility applications, commute during off-peak periods, and local transit. Most networks provide real-time elevator status information.
The BedCane is a lightweight, travel-friendly versatile bedroom aid. Simply slide the wooden base in between the mattress and boxspring, then support users of up to 300lbs. Keep your essentials in reach with the integrated organizer pouch, making travel organization easier than ever. Compatible with every bed size (from Twin to California King), it’s an easy way to have extra bedroom stability without compromising on comfort.
Bring all of the comfort and accessibility of your home with you, no matter where you travel. Browse our catalog of thousands of the best mobility aids on the market, or speak to a Med Mart product expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I check if a hotel’s “accessible room” truly meets my mobility needs?
Make a direct phone call to the hotel, ask them to send pictures or measurements of door frames, bathrooms, and bed height, and verify the presence of elevators. Request written confirmation to prevent surprises.
2. What should I pack to handle unexpected mobility challenges during travel?
Carry backup wheelchair parts, additional grip gloves, foldable reach tools, portable cushions, and waterproof covers. Minor contingency items help reduce stress in the event of unpredictable access issues.
3. How do I manage long airport layovers with limited mobility?
Reserve a seat close to facilities, request airport assistance, schedule rest times, find available toilets, and use mobile applications to see gate changes without any unnecessary mobility.
4. What’s the best way to communicate mobility needs abroad if there’s a language barrier?
Carry interpreted phrases related to accessibility, used visual cards, used translation applications, and displayed images of needed accommodations. It is useful when specific terms are not known.
5. Are there ways to make public transportation easier when accessibility varies across cities?
Use transit help desks, transit maps with accessibility pointers, local mobility applications, commute during off-peak periods, and local transit. Most networks provide real-time elevator status information.