Travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter

Mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters are an essential part of daily life for people with a mobility impairment. Not only do they improve access to everyday services, but they can also greatly enhance an individual's quality of life.

Visit the Translink website for more information about travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter on public transport.

The department has developed information brochures for users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters, retailers and passenger transport operators. They are intended to make sure that users are armed with the right information to purchase a suitable mobility device and to use the device safely when travelling in Queensland.

The brochures provide travel information for users from when they leave their front door to when they arrive at their destination, guiding them on registration requirements for motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters known as motorised mobility devices, safe travel on footpaths and suitability for use on public transport.

Identify your needs before purchasing a wheelchair or mobility scooter

For passengers who intend to take mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters on public transport, there are a number of factors that must be considered when choosing the most appropriate device. Most Australian-based mobility device retailers can help you choose a mobility device that is suitable for use on public transport services.

To be sure you can use your wheelchair or mobility scooter as planned, consider the following before you buy:

• How far do you need to travel?
• Where will you be travelling?
• Is the mobility device suitable for public transport?
• What surfaces will you be travelling on?
• Do you need to register your mobility device?

Users should consider these criteria:

• it fits in an allocated space of 1300mm by 800mm
• it is less than 750mm wide
• the total height when the user is seated on it is less than 1500mm (for travelling in accessible taxis)
• the total weight of the user and the mobility device is less than 300kg
• it is fitted with four tie-down points for taxi travel
• it meets the manoeuvrability assumptions of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (see reference materials below for details).

Passengers using mobility scooters who use a wheelchair accessible taxi are required to dismount from their scooter and transfer into a seat.

Be careful when attaching extras or enhancements to a mobility scooter, such as canopies or flags, which may increase the overall height and impede the view of the driver or affect other passengers.

Reference material