Transportation can be a complex and common concern for wheelchair riders, their families and caregivers. While power wheelchair transportation tends to make headlines in the Complex Rehab Technology world, transportation over longer distances is also challenging for manual wheelchair riders, particularly those who don’t use power-assist systems. Ferla Family Bikes has a long and wide-ranging…
In It for the Long Haul: Ferla Tackles Extended-Distance Wheelchair Mobility
Golden Technologies Introduces Cricket LT Carbon Travel Power Wheelchair
The new travel power chair was designed to be cost effective.
Golden Technologies has launched the Cricket LT GP309, a folding, carbon fiber power wheelchair that weighs just 25.8 lbs. without its battery, cushion and drink holder. In a July 1 announcement, Golden, based in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, said the Cricket LT GP309 was designed with cost effectiveness in mind. The Cricket LT GP309 folds side…
DOT: Education Now Mandatory for Airline Employees Handling Wheelchairs, People with Disabilities
Final rule provision went into effect June 17.
Airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and their wheelchairs or scooters must now receive annual hands-on training. The final rule was announced Dec. 16, 2024, by Pete Buttigieg, who at that time was secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The training requirement in the “Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air…
Accessibility Advocates: WestJet Power Wheelchair Weight Limit Excludes CRT Consumers
The Canadian-based airline has a 300-lb. weight limit for power chairs it transports.
Accessibility advocates say Calgary, Alberta-based airline WestJet has published weight limits that prevent many Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) wheelchair riders from bringing their Group 3 power chairs with them when they fly. WestJet’s website says wheelchairs and scooters that weigh more than 300 lbs. (approximately 136 kg) are not allowed on its Boeing 737 or…
CES 2026: 4 Assistive Technology Exhibitors to Watch
Mobility is on display in Las Vegas this week.
The first week of January can mean only one thing (beyond the fact that those holiday decorations really need to be put back into the garage): CES is lighting up Las Vegas once again. Formerly the Consumer Electronics Show, CES says it “connects innovators, decision makers, media, influencers, visionaries and potential customers across the entire…
Cure SMA Equipment Grant Program Offers Travel Power Chairs
Recipients will keep the power chairs permanently.
Cure SMA has launched an equipment grant program to provide Fold & Go travel power chairs to children and adults living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the United States or Puerto Rico. Recipients of the travel chairs will own the equipment outright. Less than 12 hours after launching the program on Oct. 8, Cure…
Briefly: Southwest Changes Wheelchair Rules; Biotechnology Company Wins $5M Parkinson’s Grant
Featuring Southwest Airlines, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Lys Therapeutics.
Southwest Changes Wheelchair Battery, Size Policies Southwest Airlines has changed its policies for transporting wheelchairs and mobility devices, with new rules going into effect Sept. 25, 2025. Starting on that date, “wheelchairs and devices with a height that exceeds 34 inches (86.36 cm) or a width or depth that exceeds 45 inches (114.2 cm) will…
Airchair II Transport Chair Launches for US Airline Use
The new wheelchair conforms to Department of Transportation requirements.
A new folding-frame transport wheelchair is now available for use on airplanes in the United States. The Airchair II, launched in mid August, is constructed of high-strength aluminum alloy and features antimicrobial powder coating on the frame. It has a 550-lb. (250-kg) weight capacity while weighing just 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) itself. The wheelchair’s rear…
Briefly: United Spinal Launches Health Access Group; Travel Insurance Company Names Best, Worst Airlines for Handling Wheelchairs
Featuring United Spinal Association and InsureMyTrip.
United Spinal Launches Health Access Working Group United Spinal Association is seeking members for its new Health Access Working Group, created to “advocate for improving access to health-care services for the disability community.” Members will work together “to identify health-care accessibility problems, key obstacles and societal barriers that prevent people with disabilities access to the…
Briefly: VA to End Remote Work Arrangements; Wheelchair Travel Advocate Stars in Super Bowl Commercial
Featuring the Department of Veterans Affairs and Curb Free with Cory Lee.
VA Calls for Employees’ Full-Time Return to Offices The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has told eligible employees that they must return to work full time “at their respective duty stations (agency worksites).” The policy change complies with President Donald Trump’s “Return to In-Person Work” memorandum, issued on Jan. 20 and calling for “heads of…