Charging A Power Wheelchair in Europe
I use a power wheelchair and I will be taking a European vacation with my husband next year to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. I’m wondering if I need any special equipment or plugs for charging a power wheelchair in Europe? Can I just plug it into the outlet in my hotel room? Any tips will be greatly appreciated.
Well congratulations on your upcoming anniversary.
There is a lot of confusion about charging a power wheelchair in a foreign country. Electricity is not universal around the world, as different countries use different voltages and plug configurations. Of those two items, the most important thing is the voltage.
The US operates on 120V, while most European countries operate on 230V. If you try and charge a 120V appliance in a 230V outlet, sparks will fly — literally — and you will severely damage your charger. If on the other hand you try to charge a 230V appliance in a 120V outlet it won’t receive the full power needed, and as a result it won’t perform well. In other words, you may only get a partial charge. Additionally, long term use of a lower voltage outlet on a higher voltage charger can damage the unit.
So suffice it to say that plugging into the right voltage is essential.
Here is a good guide to voltage and plug configurations throughout the world.
skyscanner.net/news/international-travel-plug-adapter-guide
So first off, check your wheelchair to see if it has a dual voltage charger. If it is marked 120V-240V you are good to go voltage-wise, but you will need some adapters. If you don’t have a dual voltage charger, check with your wheelchair manufacturer to see if they offer one. And if that’s out of the budget, you can purchase a simple voltage converter that you can carry in your suitcase and will work on all of your appliances.
You should also travel with a good selection of adapters, as the standard two or three prong US plugs won’t work in European sockets. Adapters basically change the shape of the plug, You just attach one end of the adapter to the charger cord and plug the other end into the wall. Again, this is a good guide for the type of plugs you will need in countries around the world. skyscanner.net/news/international-travel-plug-adapter-guide
You can get adapters and converters online and at most travel stores. And then you will be all set for charging a power wheelchair in Europe.
Remember, if you don’t use a converter, you will fry your battery. The adapter only changes the shape of the plug, so just because the plug fits the socket, doesn’t mean it’s safe to plug in.