Peter Greenberg: Wheelchairs in Italy

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-09-14

Q: Peter,

My soon-to-be 83-year-old mother asked if I would take her to Italy. My question to you is, can I rent a wheelchair or electric scooter for her in Florence and other tourist destinations? Who would I contact?

–Lynette, Vail, Colo.

A:Accessible Italy is a company based in that Mediterranean country which allows you to arrange for a manual or electric wheelchair, or an electric scooter, before your trip. The company can also offer advice and assistance in planning a completely wheelchair-friendly vacation in Venice, Florence, or Rome.

If you’re planning to go to Venice, a company called AllegroInVenice.com offers a tour called “Easy-Access Venice,” for people who need more help getting around that city.

A better and potentially less stressful option might be to take a tour with a company that specializes in trips for less-mobile or wheelchair-bound travelers. Accessible Europe works with local travel agencies to plan accommodations and tours for travelers with mobility issues. It will either help you bring your own wheelchair over to Europe or will arrange for you to have one when you arrive.

Accessible Journeys also offers European trips for the wheelchair-bound, such as the “Classic Italy by Train” tour.