Lightweight manual wheelchair rental? Logistics of wheelchair rental?
Lightweight manual wheelchair rental? Logistics of wheelchair rental?
I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user living in the US. Usually I use canes daily. I can walk ~1km, or stand ~10min (less as the day goes on), before I need to sit or switch to my wheelchair. My wheelchair is manual, self-propel, 24lb, foldable, 18” width. It has removable foot plates. I am planning on visiting Japan for ~2.5 weeks during cherry blossom season, starting in Tokyo, going through Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, back to Tokyo.
How do I find a lightweight wheelchair to rent for this visit (preferably with similar specs to my home wheelchair)? I might be able to fit into a 16” width seat if need be. I am able to lift my 24lb wheelchair out of a trunk. My companion could probably lift 40lb chair for me.
( I have not used a power or hybrid wheelchair before; are there any that are lightweight and can be put into a taxi?)
Would I be able to rent one wheelchair for this trip, or would I need to return and rent a new one at each city?
I have not traveled on a plane or vacationed longer than an overnight stay since I began to require mobility aids. Is there anything I should be aware of?
Thank you very much
- 2 Replies
This rental wheelchair may be fitting to your requests. You can get it in Tokyo, and keep it continuously all through your trip, and return it in Tokyo when you will leave.
My daughter uses a fixed frame manual wheelchair. We flew with it to Japan and travelled extensively without any problems. The airline has to carry it without charge. She used it to the aircraft door and it was delivered to the door on disembarking. You would be better off taking your own wheelchair because you are used to it. As it’s foldable the usual challenges of finding space should not occur. Public transport is accessible in most places, just be careful when making hotel reservations because rooms tend to be very compact as a rule.
Log in to reply.