eFOLDi helps shape new flier friendly air travel pack for passengers using electric mobility aids
Portable mobility specialist eFOLDi has been confirmed as one of the first manufacturers to support Flier Friendly, a new programme from Aviation Services UK (ASUK) that aims to improve the experience of passengers who travel by air with electric mobility aids.
Flier Friendly has been developed by ASUK with input from airlines, airports, the Aviation Accessibility Panel, the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) and manufacturers. A key part of the programme is the EMA Air Travel Pack, which brings together the information airlines, special assistance teams and ground handlers regularly need when a passenger flies with a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter.
As an early development partner, eFOLDi has shared what it has learned from customers, product testing, and real journeys through airports. This has included feedback on how and when information is requested, and the importance of clear and durable battery labels and simple handling prompts on the products themselves.
Andrea Flynn, Product Marketing Manager at eFOLDi, said: “Passengers who rely on eFOLDi scooters and other electric mobility aids should be able to see flying as a normal part of life rather than a logistical ordeal.
“Through our customer research we know the difference clear and consistent information about lithium batteries and mobility scooter handling can make at check in and for the ground handlers who load the aircraft.
“We have welcomed the chance to share what we have learned from eFOLDi users, from battery labelling to folding and lifting points, and it is good to see this practical detail reflected in the guidance that is now being shared more widely.
“By supporting the Flier Friendly Programme and building the Air Travel Pack into our product manuals and online help pages we aim to make it easier for customers, airline and special assistance teams and ground handlers to understand at a glance what needs to happen when an eFOLDi mobility product is used for air travel.”
A key part of the programme is the Electric Mobility Aid Air Travel Pack, a simple set of documents that brings together the information airlines, special assistance teams and ground handlers regularly ask for when a passenger flies with a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter, including key device details and lithium battery information.
eFOLDi has integrated the Air Travel Pack into its product manuals, welcome packs and online Help pages, so customers can easily download, save or print the documents they may be asked for when booking and checking in.
David Leighton FRSA, Chief Executive of Aviation Services UK, Chief Executive of Aviation Services UK, said: “Passengers who rely on electric mobility aids should be able to travel with confidence and clear information.
“By working with airlines, airports, the BHTA and manufacturers we can reduce uncertainty and support smoother journeys with better preparation and consistent documentation.
“Flier Friendly is an industry led programme that promotes best practice. It does not replace airline approval processes or regulatory requirements, and it does not guarantee carriage, but it is an important step forward.
“We are pleased to have manufacturers like eFOLDi involved from an early stage and helping to put these tools into practice.”
The Flier Friendly Programme is described by ASUK as an industry led best practice programme. It recognises manufacturers that are working to improve documentation and handling understanding. It does not replace airline approval processes or regulatory requirements, and it does not act as a safety certification.
In recent news, eFOLDi has announced that it has launched the eFOLDi Lifter, a portable electronic lifting platform.
