How to Choose a Wheelchair for Travel in Canada

What is the best wheelchair for travel in Canada for people with MS?

The best wheelchair for travel in Canada for MS is a lightweight power chair that saves your energy and meets airline rules. Many people with MS manage fatigue, so a chair that carries you through terminals can help you arrive with energy left. Talk with your care team about what mobility support suits you.

Look for four things:

1. Low weight that is easy to lift and load.
2. An airline-compliant battery with the right documentation.
3. A quick, simple fold or breakdown.
4. Comfort and control you have tested yourself.

Not sure you need a power chair? If you can walk short distances and want a seat to rest, read our guide to the best rollator walker with seat in Canada.

Why is weight so important in a travel power wheelchair?

Weight decides how easily a chair goes into a trunk, through a security line, and into an airport shuttle. A heavy chair can be hard to lift, and it can be a problem with some airlines’ cargo limits.

At Motion Care Mobility, we carry lightweight carbon fibre travel power chairs, such as the Travel Buggy AeroLux 2C at 33 lbs net weight. Lighter weight also means a family member can load it without special equipment.

Comparing options? See our carbon fibre power chair showdown: AirFlyer vs Jazzy Carbon vs AeroLux 2C.

Is a travel power chair all-terrain, and will it fit in a car trunk?

A good travel power chair has a light, compact design that loads into a car trunk without a struggle. Customers ask us two questions most often: is it all-terrain, and will it fit in my trunk?

The honest answer to the first is to test the ground you actually travel on: sidewalks, ramps, and hotel entrances. Winter conditions such as snow and ice are tough on any small power chair. At your free test drive at Motion Care Mobility, we show you how the chair handles your routes and measure your trunk with you. You can browse our electric power wheelchair sale before you visit.

What are the airline rules for a wheelchair for travel in Canada?

Canadian airlines treat wheelchairs as mobility aids, not regular baggage. Federal rules generally require carriers to transport mobility aids as priority baggage at no charge. In August 2026, Air Canada announced that customers can bring up to three mobility aids free of charge.

Weight limits are also changing. The Canadian Transportation Agency ordered WestJet to remove its 300-pound mobility aid weight cap from most aircraft before July 2027. A 33 lb chair sits far below any cap, but always confirm with your airline.

Rules differ by airline, so check yours. The Canadian Transportation Agency explains your rights as a traveller with a mobility aid.

Can I fly with a lithium-ion power wheelchair battery?

Yes, if the battery meets airline and safety rules. Lithium-ion batteries for mobility devices are limited to 300 Wh. Removable batteries go in carry-on baggage with their terminals protected, and you may carry one spare up to 300 Wh or two spares up to 160 Wh each. The FAA PackSafe guide lists these limits.

The travel power chairs we carry use airline-compliant lithium-ion batteries. Our team explains your battery documentation, and you should confirm the rules with your airline before you fly.

When should I tell the airline about my power wheelchair?

Tell the airline when you book, and at the very least 24 to 48 hours before you fly. Our customers do this with one phone call, and because the chairs we carry have airline-approved batteries, the call is usually simple.

Christmas is the busiest travel period. Call early, since holiday flights fill fast and airlines need time to prepare. Policies differ, so please confirm with your airline.

Why get expert advice before buying an electric power wheelchair?

The right electric power wheelchair depends on your body, your routines, and your travel plans, and expert advice saves you from a costly mistake. Motion Care Mobility gives the best advice and consultation on electric power wheelchairs, with a free demo and test drive where you can try a chair as much as you want. Every question gets answered, with no pressure.

All of our models carry a 5-year warranty on the frame. As an authorized dealer, we handle fittings, setup, and after-sales support through our own repair facility. Browse our electric power wheelchair sale, then call to book your free consultation.

What if something goes wrong while I travel?

Most travel problems with a power chair are simple to fix, and we help by phone, even after hours. One customer got an error message on the joystick during the holidays. We gave her exact steps over the phone, and her chair was running again within minutes.

Another customer’s scooter stopped mid-journey. The battery power switch had not been turned on, and a quick call solved it. Before you leave, learn where your power switch and charger are, and keep our number handy.

What should I pack and check before a holiday flight?

A short checklist prevents most holiday travel problems:

1. Call the airline 24 to 48 hours ahead, or earlier.
2. Take photos of your chair before the flight.
3. Carry the battery information and any manuals.
4. Pack small parts and the charger in your carry-on.
5. Check hotel access, outlets, and ramps.
6. Know where the power switch is and how to reset the joystick.
7. Save our phone number for help.

For more MS travel and support resources, see the MS Society of Canada.

Choosing the right wheelchair for travel in Canada

The right wheelchair for travel in Canada is a lightweight, airline-compliant chair that you can load easily and trust on a long trip. For MS travellers flying at Christmas, Motion Care Mobility helps you choose with free expert consultation, a test drive, and a 5-year frame warranty. Our bestseller, the Travel Buggy AeroLux 2C, is one option to try.