Have you ever wondered if you can use your all-terrain GRIT Freedom Chair on public transportation? You sure can! Whether you live in a city and are embarking on your daily commute or if you are exploring a bustling new place, public transportation may be the best option to get to your next destination. If you’re riding in a GRIT Freedom Chair, you have just about everything you need! Below are some tips, tricks, and things to consider to make your experience as smooth as possible.
Why Public Transportation?
Public transportation is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel, especially in urban areas where parking can be challenging or expensive, especially with wheelchair-friendly personal vehicles. In cities around the world, buses, trains, and subways can take you nearly anywhere, from downtown attractions to suburban trails. However, using these services with a mobility device like a wheelchair will be easiest with some additional preparation. Here’s what to consider.
Sizing: Will the Wheelchair Fit?
While GRIT products come in a range of widths, every GRIT Freedom Chair is designed to be compatible with ADA standards for doorways and public transportation requirements. This means you can confidently approach any bus or subway knowing your GRIT chair will fit. While the all-terrain GRIT Freedom Chair is slightly longer than a traditional foldable manual wheelchair to allow it to navigate difficult terrains, it still adheres to ADA guidelines, ensuring accessibility across various transportation modes. Click here to see the full specifications of GRIT Freedom Chairs, including measurements for different seat widths.
It’s important to note that, while the Freedom Chair’s size meets ADA standards, the unique features that make it great for outdoor adventures—like its larger front wheel and hill-hold mechanism—may require a bit of extra attention when navigating tight spaces or boarding vehicles. Understanding these dimensions and the layout of the vehicle you’re about to board will help you prepare for a seamless experience.
Boarding and Departing: How to Make the Process Smooth
Boarding and exiting a bus or train can be one of the trickiest parts of using public transportation with any mobility device. One tip for doing so with the GRIT Freedom Chair is to remove the levers before attempting to board–store them in the storage sleeves located on the seatpan, near the base of the seatback. The GRIT hill-hold feature, which is very useful when conquering uneven terrains, can make it difficult to move backward once you’re on the vehicle. By removing the levers and moving the rear wheels with your hands, you will be better able to maneuver into the right position, whether you need to move forward or backward.
Also, before boarding, make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened around your waist. This simple step is worth the extra few seconds, especially when boarding via a mechanical lift.
Riding: Staying Safe During Transit
Once you’re securely on board, make sure both you and your GRIT Freedom Chair are properly secured for the journey. Safety should always be the top priority, especially in a moving vehicle where sudden stops or turns could cause injury if you’re not properly fastened.
Positioning your chair correctly is important. Ideally, your chair should face the front of the vehicle, with the front wheel turned toward the wall. This orientation not only stabilizes the chair but also prevents it from rolling or shifting during transit. If the bus makes an abrupt stop, having your front wheel turned toward the wall means you’ll stay secure.
Once your chair is positioned, engage the parking brakes. You should already have them adjusted so that they make firm contact with the rear wheels.
For additional security, use those tie-downs! Public vehicles should always have them available, but we always prefer to bring our own to be certain we have what we need. Use ropes with clips or carabiners to secure your chair to the anchor points on the bus or train. These anchor points are typically located near the floor or walls and are designed to keep mobility devices stable during transit. Below is a photo of sturdy mounting locations on the GRIT Freedom Chair itself.
When you’re ready to disembark, simply disengage your parking brakes, remove any tie-downs, and use your GRIT chair like a manual chair (move the rear wheels with your hands) to navigate to the lift or door. Once you’ve safely left the vehicle, reinsert the levers and ride!
City Rules: Know Local Local Legislation
Every city has its own rules and regulations regarding mobility devices on public transportation, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself with these before you travel. For instance, in Boston, wheelchairs must be secured with four straps, and passengers are encouraged to inform the driver of their destination to ensure they can disembark safely. Understanding these local requirements ensures compliance and also helps you prepare for what to expect, making your journey smoother and less stressful.
Rideshare Tips
What about rideshare services like Lyft or Uber? Sure! Because the GRIT Freedom Chair disassembles so quickly, it is quick and easy to load into virtually any rideshare vehicle. Of course, both Lyft and Uber offer large vehicles and wheelchair-accessible rides, too! However, a GRIT Freedom Chair will fit right into the trunk of any sedan, so you may not even need to use those services.
Bring a Buddy When Possible
If it is an option, navigating public transportation will always be a bit easier with some assistance! Having someone there to offer a push in or out of the vehicle, or to load or unload wheelchair parts, can move the process along. A trusted friend or family member will also be most familiar with you, your chair, and how you prefer to be assisted.
Community Support: Learn from Other Riders
If you’re new to using public transportation with your GRIT Freedom Chair, or if you’re looking for tips and advice from those who’ve been in your shoes, consider joining our online Facebook community, Beyond the Pavement. This group has become a fantastic place to make connections with other GRIT Freedom Chair riders and other folks using mobility equipment. Come on down to Beyond the Pavement to ask questions, share your own experiences, and learn from others who are out there, riding their GRIT Freedom Chairs from the skyscrapers to the mountains to everything in between.