So you are thinking about traveling in an airplane, and you are asking yourself a question, “Can I take my electric scooter on a plane?”. You are not alone if you ask this question as lots of travelers want to take their electric scooter while flying in an airplane. But the answers aren’t simply yes or no. It requires a detailed explanation as it varies on what kind of electric scooter you own. Also, it depends on what airline you are traveling to. Therefore, today, we will go through your question in this blog and give you a detailed answer on if you can bring an electric scooter on a plane or not.
Can you take a electric scooter on a plane?
Battery type and capacity
If you can take an electric scooter on an airplane or not hugely depends on the battery type of your electric scooter. Electric scooters are generally operated with lithium-ion batteries. But unfortunately, these types of batteries are restricted to be taken in the cabin or checked luggage as it typically goes beyond the capacity limits.
European airlines have clear rules on battery size and the battery type that you can carry onboard. According to the FAA, if the battery is over 100 watt-hours, some airlines will like to examine the battery before letting you go through security. They usually forbid batteries greater than 160Wh. One spare battery, not more than 300 watt-hours. Or two extra batteries, less than 160 watt-hours each, is allowed in carry-on bags. In Asia, you are more inclined to face even more stringent regulation compared to Europe.
What does the International Air Transport Association (IATA) say about flying with an electric scooter?
After an electric scooter owner asked a lot of questions regarding whether they can take a scooter on a plane or not, IATA
has made clear rules on their official website, which we will explain here.
The IATA made it clear that, subsequently, the size (Watt-hour rating) of the lithium-ion battery should be decided by passengers or crew who are carrying PED in their checked or carry-on baggage.
- If the lithium-ion battery does not exceed 100 Watt-hours, you can take it either in carry-on or checked baggage. You don’t need approval for batteries not exceeding 100wh.
- But if the lithium-ion battery surpasses 100 watt-hours but is not more than 160 Watt-hours, you may get the permit to carry the devices under the approval of the operator.
- But if the battery exceeds 160 watt-Hours, it is hugely forbidden to take an electric scooter in an airplane, either passenger or a crew member. So if your electric scooter exceeds 160wh, you don’t have to lose your time trying to get the airline approval.
What does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) say about battery types and flying with electric scooters?
Unlike the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the FAA has few different battery types and capacity rules. As per FAA regulations, passengers can carry most consumer-type batteries and electronic devices battery-powered portable electronic devices. And it should be for their personal use.
- Dry cell rechargeable batteries are permitted in carry-on baggage.
- Travelers can take all kinds of lithium-ion batteries, but it should not exceed 8 grams of lithium content or 100w/h per battery.
- The batteries must therefore be mounted in compact outer packaging or placed in appliances. Travelers are limited to 2 uninstalled battery spares.
Airline regulation for flying with electric scooters
Many airlines have their own rules regarding flying electric scooter for safety reasons, and some of them are given below:
- If your electric scooter weighs more than 150 kilograms, then it should come with pre-authorization. If your electric scooter does not have pre-authorization, the airline will not accept it for carriage.
- An electric scooter should either have a dry/gel cell or lithium-ion batteries and should not surpass 300 watts.
- The battery should be separated, and the exposed connections must be secured against short-circuiting.
Electric scooters travel on British airways.
You need to follow specific rules if you want to take your electric scooter in British airways.
- The passengers of British airways should remove the battery from their electric scooters while taking it on board.
- British Airways normally requests details about the device concerning the scooter’s size, weight, type of battery, and instructions to avoid accidental activity to secure the travel scooter properly.
United Airlines
You are allowed to take electric scooters in united airlines. Both foldable and collapsible electric scooters that weigh less than 40 pounds are permitted to bring in United airlines. You also need to remove a battery from your electric scooter and staff checks on the battery before approving to fly with an electric scooter.
Delta airlines
Delta airlines also require you to remove your battery from your electric scooter. Staff will manually check the battery rating before approving you to fly with an electric scooter.
American Airlines Group
While traveling with American Airlines Group, you cannot take an electric scooter or any devices powered with a Li-ion battery. Usually, hoverboards, balanced wheels, small electric scooters, and intelligent electric scooters are not allowed in the American airline group.
Can I take my mobility scooters on a plane?
Just like the electric scooter, the rules are almost the same for the mobility scooter. If the battery complies with FAA or IATA, you will be able to travel with a mobility scooter. Like with an electric scooter, it is good to consult directly with the airline about their mobility scooters’ rules and regulations.
Suggestion
If you haven’t yet bought the electric scooter, but you are planning to buy it before you are going to travel on a plane, then it is a good idea to buy the airline-approved electric scooters. Doing so will help you to travel on almost all airlines with an electric scooter without any problem.
Things to remember
If, in case you lost your electric scooter while traveling with airplanes, they require you to provide documents to prove the ownership of your electric scooter. Therefore, it’s a good idea to carry your records related to your electric scooter in case of loss and damage.
Conclusion
Most airlines allow you to travel with electric scooters with their terms and conditions. So it is a good idea to contact the particular airline with whom you are traveling and get the information directly from them. But usually, you will be able to travel with an electric scooter by removing the battery and carrying in baggage.