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Wheelchair accessible Europe?
We are planning on going to Dublin, Ireland; London, England; Rome, Italy and Munich, Germany. My girlfriend is in a wheelchair and can barely transfer by herself. Yes, we have a power chair, but have never taken it on a plane. So we will most likely only have a manual wheelchair. Some places we've been has been easy to get around, but others have been a trick like around New York City's Central Park. Most people don't notice things like bumpy sidewalks and no curb cuts. I'm not looking for perfection. I've just heard alot of places are cobblestone. I've seen videos where people say its difficult to get around in Europe, but I'm only asking about these main cities. So please only answer if you have experience with wheelchairs or strollers.
Actually I love my life. I'm seeing if I should skip a place or any other advice from others in simular situations.
I've been doing research on it, but I keep getting; Europe is wheelchair friendly, except that its not, or its not a good place to go if your in a wheelchair, but you'll still have a good time.
5 Answers
- Rona LachatLv 72 weeks ago
Yes, we have a power chair.
HOW do you expect to charge it.?
Every place does not have every possible combination of charging systems. YOU have to be specific and ASK places of accommodation.Bring your own suitable for European voltages and outlets to guarantee.
Washrooms/lavatories usually do not have much room for a power chair.
It can be done and there is lots to see and do in a chair.
Can you do everything and go everywhere? NO just the way it is.
Many disabled help sites in Europe to assist with travel planing.
Power chairs DO NOT GO ON A PLANE They do not fit in the Aisle.
They must go in the luggage hold. Passenger is transferred to a narrow push chair to get to their seat. USE GROUND lavatory just before flight. The ones on the plane can be difficult.
YOU when booking your flight use the Airline special agent dedicated to assist travellers with special needs. BE HONEST in what you can and cannot do yourself.
Airline staff are not your private medical care team.
YES lots of cobblestones. The way it is. Get a good cushion.
https://www.sagetraveling.com/
Believe it or not Europeans also use wheelchairs. Wheelchair accessibility is getting better year by year. Is it everywhere or for 100% of some site? Usually not.
From experience pushing a child in a stroller is much easier than pushing mom in her chair.
A lot of distance between places. Either long train rides or flights. May want to be a little less adventurous for your first journey.
SORRY to inform you that the term handicapped accessible or wheelchair accessible means different things in Europe than in the USA. ASK and be specific.
Be prepared for hills/ramps.
- sunshine_melLv 72 weeks ago
London's pretty good, and has an excellent bus system (the underground trains are not as accessible across the whole city)
- GypsyfishLv 72 weeks ago
Europe is tough. Most of the things worth seeing are at the top of a hill or the top of a steep set of stairs. I know people who have done it. Your best bet would be to do some guided tours with a bus that can accommodate the wheelchair (I think most tour operators can). For example, trains in France are great, but you have to haul your suitcase up a few steps with people rushing to get on behind you. You also want to make sure that any hotel you book has an elevator- many don't. I would suggest a bus tour in Ireland (unless you want to drive, but the tours are really good) and Rome.
- ArtemiscLv 73 weeks ago
I have no direct experience, but I've traveled a fair amount in Europe. I'd say that tin larger cities, there's been more modernization, so smoother roads and sidewalks (with curb cuts), and more wheelchair accessible stores and restaurants.
The smaller towns and countryside are more problematic. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a castle or old point of interest and thought "they obviously don't have anything like the "Americans with Disabilities Act" here". Further, European cars tend to be smaller, and have manual transmissions, so if you are renting a car, keep that in mind f you need room for a wheelchair and can't drive a stick.
It would't surprise me if someone has put together a website or book about this very subject. Try googling "wheelchair accessible Europe", "wheelchair accessible Rome". and that sort of thing. You may be able to find good information. Best of luck.
