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I have some mobility issues and use a battery powered scooter whenever extensive walking is involved. I won't need my scooter on the train and I don't require an accessible room. Will I be able to bring my scooter on the train (as checked baggage or otherwise) so that I will have it for use when I reach my destination?
I can't find anything on amtrak.com regarding scooters.
Kiernan Member # 3828
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I don't see why you couldn't check it as baggage. You can check bicycles as baggage. The difficult part will be getting it into the baggage car. I don't know if the lifts they use for mobility impaired people will go up to the height of the baggage car entrance.
Best bet is to call and also check to see if your local station and the one where you're going have lifts.
Vicki Member # 3410
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I'm not sure if I understand how they load the baggage car. They use a lift? I can't picture how this works. The scooter isn't heavy-my husband puts it in and out of the trunk all the time.
Kiernan Member # 3828
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The entrance to the baggage car is probably wiast high or a little higher. Normally the station agent can hand the baggage to the person in the car. Many stations have lifts for mobility impaired people so they can get in the cars. The entrance to the cars, however, is much lower than the entrance to the baggage cars, and the lifts may only go high enough for the passenger entrances.
Anyway, check with Amtrak and the local station agents and see what they say.
George Harris Member # 2077
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quote:Originally posted by Kiernan: The entrance to the baggage car is probably wiast high or a little higher. . . . The entrance to the cars, however, is much lower than the entrance to the baggage cars, . . .
This statement would be true for trains with superliners plus a normal baggage car, but is not true for single level equipment. For these, the passenger car floor and baggage car floor are at the same elevation.
Vicki Member # 3410
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I just talked to Amtrak. She made a notation on my reservation that I want to check the scooter as baggage and I'm all set.
CHATTER Member # 1185
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I also do not understand what is being said about the baggage car. Why would a lift be needed? The scooter gets loaded on like any other suitcase. This has nothing to do with loading passengers.
Southwest Chief Member # 1227
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I think a lift was mentioned because the scooter might be too heavy to load into the baggage car when compared to a suitcase. But from what Vicki says, it doesn't appear to be heavy.
Vicki, what stations are you using? Many do not offer checked baggage.
Vicki Member # 3410
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Leaving from Chicago and going to New Orleans. The scooter is definitely heavier than a suitcase but my husband can put it in the back of his pick up without any problem. it also breaks down into more manageable pieces if needed. The battery seems to be the heaviest part at 25#.
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