Why I Switched to a Power Travel Wheelchair (and 3 Options Worth Considering)

I have been a wheelchair user for 42 years. For the first 35 of those years, I used a manual wheelchair—and I was proud of it.

I was often called a “super quad,” and honestly, I believed it. I felt unstoppable. Nothing held me back. Travel was a huge part of my personal life and my professional work, and I approached it with confidence and creativity. I transferred to the bottom of tubs to shower, rented cars with hand controls, loaded my chair into vehicles myself, and figured things out wherever I went. My mindset was simple: I’ll make it work.

And for decades, I did.

When My Mobility Needs Changed

Then, a few years ago, my mobility needs began to change.

Transfers became harder and less safe. Getting my wheelchair in and out of my car was exhausting. Pushing my manual chair took more energy than I had. Tasks that once felt automatic started to feel like obstacles—and for the first time, my independence felt fragile.

I found myself facing decisions I had always said I would never make.

I said I would never use a power wheelchair.
I said I would never need a van with a lift.

When I finally made those changes, my ego definitely took a hit. It felt like I was giving something up. But the truth is, it was exactly the opposite. Switching to a power chair and a van with a lift was the right decision for my independence, my safety, and my quality of life.

What I didn’t fully understand at first was how much those changes would affect travel.

Discovering How Hard Power Chair Travel Really Is

As I adjusted to this new way of life, I quickly realized how much more complicated travel became with a full-size power chair. I had honestly underestimated it.

The planning alone was overwhelming—coordinating accessible transportation instead of grabbing a taxi, worrying about hotels and transfers, and dealing with the constant uncertainty of flying with a power chair. I gained a whole new level of respect for people like Cory Lee, who travels extensively with a power chair and makes it look effortless. I now understood how much work goes into every single trip.

The stress wasn’t hypothetical, either. In one year alone, I had three trips where my power chair was damaged by airlines. Each incident added anxiety, delays, and the very real fear of being stranded without my mobility.

Travel was still possible—but it was harder, heavier, and far more stressful than it had ever been before.

A Chance Discovery in Mexico

Then came a turning point.

While traveling in Mexico, I saw someone using a power travel chair. Until that moment, I had never truly considered one as a realistic option for someone like me. I had assumed they were mostly for people who needed minimal support—“grandma chairs,” not something that could meet my needs.

Out of curiosity, I tried his travel chair. It weighed about 30 pounds, and the moment I sat in it, I realized something important: this could change everything.

With a travel chair, accessible taxis wouldn’t always be mandatory. I might be able to keep my chair in the main cabin closet on the airplane. Even if it had to go in cargo, the risk of catastrophic damage would be far lower than with my complex, full-size power chair.

For the first time in a long time, travel felt possible again—without the constant stress.

Finding the Right Fit (Because Not All Travel Chairs Are Equal)

Of course, not just any travel chair would work for me.

I’m 6 feet tall, 220 pounds, a C6–7 quad with no movement in my legs and limited trunk balance. I needed something durable, supportive, and stable—something built for real-world travel, not just short indoor use.

That’s when I learned about SpinLife.

What stood out immediately was their process. They didn’t try to sell me a generic solution. Instead, they took the time to understand my body, my needs, and how I travel. They helped me navigate the overwhelming number of travel chair options and find one that truly fit me.

Life With a Power Travel Chair

Fast forward to today, and I now travel with my Jazzy Ultra Light—and I can honestly say it has been a game changer.

In the past year alone, I’ve been on over 20 flights, and about 90% of the time, my chair has gone into the main cabin closet. When it does have to go into cargo, the joystick is removable, which dramatically reduces the risk of damage.

The simplicity of the chair is one of its biggest strengths. Compared to my complex everyday power chair, the Jazzy Ultra Light is straightforward, reliable, and easy for airline staff to handle. And the battery? It lasts all day—even on long tours that my wife absolutely loves.

Most importantly, the stress of travel has dropped dramatically.

Proof That It Works

In 2025 alone, I traveled to Madrid, Barcelona, Mexico, the Caribbean, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Miami, Vancouver, and New Orleans.

I even went to Milan by myself—a personal goal I really wanted to try. While I probably won’t travel solo again (because travel joy is always better when shared), I’m incredibly proud that I did it.

For that trip, Wheel the World helped with both the hotel and a nursing assistant, which made the experience possible, safe, and empowering. Support like that is what turns “maybe someday” into “I’m on my way.”

My Advice If You’re Considering a Travel Chair—Do It

If you’re on the fence about a power travel chair, especially if you travel by air, my advice is simple: do it.

The reduction in stress alone is worth it. Travel becomes more flexible, more manageable, and far less intimidating. Independence doesn’t disappear when your needs change—it evolves. And sometimes, the right tool can give you more freedom than you ever expected.

If you’re curious, check out this travel chair review that SpinLife helped put together—it’s a great resource if you’re starting your own search.

I’m still traveling. I’m still independent. I’m still me. The tools just look different now—and that’s more than okay.

Top Travel Wheelchair Options to Consider

1. Jazzy Ultra Light

Best for travelers who want maximum portability without compromise

The Jazzy Ultra Light lives up to its name, combining an ultra-lightweight build with impressive performance. Designed with air travel in mind, this power wheelchair is airline compliant and folds down easily for transport. Its sleek, modern design doesn’t sacrifice functionality—offering smooth, responsive maneuverability and an impressive 16-mile drive range. Weighing just 33 lbs without the batteries, it’s one of the lightest power wheelchairs available, yet it still supports users up to 300 lbs. For frequent flyers or road-trip adventurers, this chair makes traveling effortless.

2. Golden Ally Pro

Best tech-forward travel power wheelchair

The Golden Ally Pro represents the next evolution of smart power wheelchairs. Airline compliant and packed with advanced robotics technology, it delivers a seamless, intuitive mobility experience that feels truly next-gen. Its 10” omni-directional front wheels provide exceptional maneuverability and ride quality, all while supporting a best-in-class 330 lb weight capacity. Tech enthusiasts will appreciate features like the Smart Control Mobile App, long-lasting lithium-ion battery, and quick, easy fold mechanism—making this an ideal option for travelers who want both innovation and performance.

3. Jazzy Carbon

Best premium lightweight design

Built with a carbon fiber frame, the Jazzy Carbon strikes a rare balance between strength and weight. At just 43 lbs with the battery, it’s remarkably light while still supporting up to 300 lbs. This airline-compliant power wheelchair folds compactly for easy transport and features a lithium-ion battery that delivers up to a 9-mile drive range. Thoughtful details like a removable joystick with a built-in USB charger make everyday navigation and travel even more convenient. It’s a standout choice for those who want premium materials and a refined travel experience.