Travelling in Italy with mobility impairments: 5 practical tips
Have you ever dreamed of getting lost among the Imperial Forums or admire the Florence Cathedral without worrying about architectural barriers? Travelling motor disabilities This does not mean giving up the pleasure of discovery, but organising yourself intelligently and choosing the right aids.
Today, Rome and Florence, despite being ancient cities rich in architectural challenges, with their millennial history and ancient alleyways, offer many opportunities for exploration for those who travel by wheelchairs o electric scooters.
M.I.A. Medical Italy, working alongside people with disabilities for years reduced mobility, created this guide to help you live the experience of travelling in a relaxed, practical and comfortable manner. Whether you are an independent traveller or accompanied by a family member, you will discover that with appropriate precautions, e the appropriate aid, Even the oldest historic centres can become easy places to explore.
1. Restricted traffic zones and travel permits for travellers with mobility disabilities: how to get around without stress
A Rome e Florence Much of the city centre is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL), but those who own a disability badge has the right to drive and park even in restricted areas.
- A Florence, The request for access and circulation can be easily made online on the website. Roadside Services, where you can provide the registration number of the vehicle used to transport the person with disabilities. We recommend that you make the request before arrival, or at the latest by the following day.
- A Rome, on the other hand, one can communicate the registration number by e-mail or through the dedicated contact centre of the municipality, or even through your hotel, which manages the booking and can forward it directly.
Please note: driving and parking in pedestrian areas, both inside and outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone), is always prohibited.
Practical tip: if you are travelling with a MIA Medical folding electric scooter, You may not need to drive into the historic centre: It can be recharged in your room, is lightweight to carry and allows you to move freely even in pedestrian areas. Please call us at +39 392 65 09 237 and request a free consultation To find out which model best suits your needs, choose the number of days based on the length of your visit and book it today! In addition, for customers who are planning to tour Italian cities, We offer the option of collecting the aid at one of our two locations, in Rome or Florence, and returning it to the other!
Remember: With the disability badge you can park in the free blue parking spaces and in the reserved areas. However, especially in historic centres, parking spaces may be limited: book a parking space in advance and ensure that there is one available. a space to conveniently unload the scooter or the pram.
2. Choosing the right building: the importance of stairs, lifts and access points
Many B&Bs and small hotels in the heart of Rome or Florence are located in historic buildings without lifts or with narrow staircases. Before booking, always check that:
- the’lift be wide enough for a wheelchair or mobility scooter (at least 80/100 cm wide);
- the’main entrance accessible via a ramp or flush-to-floor door;
- there is space to park or recharge your mobility aid.
Where to leave your aids at the hotel?
When staying in a hotel, it is a good idea to check that the reception desk or internal storage area is available (and free of charge) to store scooters or wheelchairs overnight, if it is not possible to take them directly to your room. In some establishments, this service is subject to a charge: enquiring in advance allows you to avoid unexpected surprises and choose the most convenient solution.
3. Travelling with mobility impairments: Watch out for cobblestones and uneven surfaces
This is the charm, and the limitation, of cities of art: in Rome, the cobblestones and in Florence, the paving stones can make it difficult to walk with rigid electric wheelchairs. It is therefore better to opt for travel scooter with large wheels and flexible frame, ideal for tackling uneven terrain and small differences in height.
Discover all the electric scooter models that M.I.A. Medical has to offer, of various sizes and capacities, to better suit the different needs of each customer! Furthermore, on our blog you will find an article dedicated to all benefits and advantages of travelling by scooter!
If you are a traveller with mobility disabilities and are visiting the historic centre, choose routes that are already accessible, such as:
- a Rome: Colosseum, Imperial Forums, Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica (equipped with lifts and ramps);
- a Florence: Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery (accessible by internal lift), Santa Maria del Fiore and the Lungarno.
Contact us to request further information about our models of wheelchairs e electric scooters, Our experienced staff will be at your disposal to advise you and help you choose the solution that best suits your needs!
4. Accessible public transport and taxis for travellers with mobility disabilities
- In Rome, the underground railway and the bus The main ones are largely accessible, with lifts and moving walkways. The Colosseum, Termini, Cipro, San Paolo and Ottaviano stops are fully equipped.
- In Florence, the network ATAF provides vehicles with ramps and space for wheelchairs.
However, heavy traffic or crowds can make travelling difficult.
In such cases, it is advisable to book an accessible taxi in advance. Remember: not all taxis agree to transport electric scooters. Even if with the M.I.A. Medical folding models There are no size issues, as they fit in the boot of a standard car and weigh very little, but it is always best to consult the driver to ensure that they are willing to transport the device.
5. Accessible bathroom even when travelling
Even the most modern facilities may have bathrooms that are not always perfectly suited in terms of size, preventing users from moving around freely. In these cases, MIA Medical recommends hire a comfortable portable chair, which can be used either as a standard wheelchair or as a Toilet seat/toilet riser, with direct access to the shower.
Travelling with mobility impairments without worries
Rome and Florence are vibrant, fascinating cities that are increasingly focused on inclusivity. With the right planning and appropriate aids, every trip can become an experience of discovery and rebirth.
From MIA Medical Italy, we believe that freedom of movement and travel is a right, not a luxury. That's why we offer assistive devices for hire and sale at competitive prices, perfect for those who wish to travel independently, even if only for a weekend.
Contact us now to receive personalised advice or to discover our offers combined hire for accessible tourism. With our services, travelling with a mobility disability has never been easier! We will help you choose the perfect aid for your trip., wheelchair, scooter, walking frame or commode, and we will deliver it directly to your hotel in Rome or Florence.
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