While the marketing materials for the Jazzy Passport emphasize the ease of air travel when using this wheelchair, the manufacturer cautions users to contact their airline before their flight to make absolutely sure they’ll be able to bring it on board.

In my experience, the maneuverability of the Jazzy Passport is very nice. I can move at four different speeds depending on the need. To move along faster, I have not had to go beyond the second speed. The wheelchair has a tight turning radius of 24.25 inches, and its 12-inch pneumatic tires on the back make it comfortable for indoors and outdoors.

The wheelchair also has a large footplate and ground clearance of 3 inches; its overall width is 24 inches.

The powered joystick can be used on the left- or right-hand side and is easy and intuitive to use.

Here’s What Happened When I Tried It

The wheelchair moves seamlessly between rooms and over a thick carpet. The turning radius is wonderful and allows me to turn in small, tight spaces. The joystick is very easy to get used to, and it’s easy to transition between speeds. Both arm rests lift up and out of the way, so the chair can fit under and get close to a table.

Three Things I Like About the Jazzy Passport

1. Portability I don’t go out often, but at least the Jazzy Passport gives me the option.
2. Small Batteries and Easy Charging It’s easy to plug the charging cord in under the armrest, which I do next to my bed overnight.
3. Basket Under the Seat and Drink Holder Currently, I keep my phone and glasses in the basket, but it could easily accommodate such items as reading material and extra straws for the drinks I might place in the drink holder, which attaches and detaches easily on either armrest.

Three Things I Dislike About the Jazzy

1. Very Slick Armrests I have weakness on my left side and I cannot keep my arm on the armrest without it slipping off. I cannot emphasize this enough! I will scream a lot when my arm slides off at the worst times.
2. No Cushion, Only a Basic Pad Since I spend a great deal of time in the wheelchair, I needed to purchase a supportive cushion and backrest.
3. The Joystick Arm Goes Backward All the Way I like that the joystick arm can move out of the way, but I don’t like the fact that it “flops” backward. The reason I don’t like it is because it happened once and I had no way to pull it back up. All the controls are in the joystick, and it was all the way back where I couldn’t reach it. So I was stuck in one spot until David (my partner) brought it back up for me.

The Bottom Line

All in all, this is a very nice unit. It performs well for what I need it to do, which is provide mobility. I have chosen to use it indoors only and am very satisfied. A good friend and I split the cost of the unit, and I am happy I did. I have bought nonslip armrest covers as well as the cushion and will figure out a solution to the joystick arm going too far back. I am willing to do all this because the chair is worth it.