Wiktor Wise
Electric scooters are a fun, economical, and environmentally friendly way to get around, but can you take them on an airplane? The short answer is no, you cannot take most electric scooters in carry-on or checked baggage. However, there are exceptions for certain types of scooters, particularly those designated as mobility devices, and the specific airline's policies will dictate whether or not you can bring your scooter. It is important to plan ahead and know the rules to avoid problems at the airport.
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What You'll Learn
Electric scooters as mobility aids
Electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular for travel, but different airlines have different requirements for taking them on planes. If your electric scooter is a designated mobility device, you can usually take it with you as carry-on luggage. However, you must notify the airline in advance, especially if the device's battery wattage is above 100Wh. Some airlines make exceptions for such devices, even if their batteries are up to 300Wh.
According to international rules and regulations, Air Canada does not accept small lithium battery-powered vehicles such as e-scooters, unless they are mobility aids. Flair Airlines also prohibits these items on board, except for mobility aids. On the other hand, WestJet Airlines and Air Transat have completely banned the carriage of these devices due to safety concerns related to their batteries.
If your electric scooter is a medically necessary mobility device, you should contact the airline several days before your flight to relay the details about the scooter's size, weight, and battery. Most airlines adhere to the IATA guidelines, but some smaller airlines deviate and only allow batteries up to 160Wh. It is recommended to visit the website of your airline and view their information for travellers with special needs.
When travelling with a mobility scooter, you have the option to transport it fully set up and unprotected. However, this may result in damage to the scooter by airport personnel during the hectic loading procedure. To avoid this, you can fold the scooter and pack it with appropriate padding, but finding a suitable case with wheels can be challenging.
Lithium-ion batteries must be removed from the scooter and transported in the cabin. These batteries should not exceed 300Wh in capacity if the mobility device has one battery, or 160Wh each if it has two batteries. One additional spare battery of up to 300Wh or two spares of up to 160Wh each are permitted and must be placed in a manufacture-sourced battery pouch. All lithium-ion batteries must be tested by an internationally recognised facility, and this must be displayed on the battery.
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Battery watt-hour ratings
The watt-hour rating of your electric scooter's battery is a crucial factor in determining whether you can bring it on an airplane. This rating indicates the energy capacity of the battery and is different from the watts listed for the motor size.
First, you need to find the watt-hour rating of your scooter's battery. This information may be marked on the battery itself or in the scooter's manual. If you cannot find it, you can calculate it by multiplying the ampere hours (Ah) by the voltage.
Most electric scooter batteries have a watt-hour rating well above 160Wh, which is the threshold for carry-on luggage. Batteries under 100Wh are typically allowed without special permission, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh usually require airline approval. Some airlines may allow batteries up to 160Wh, but it is important to check with your specific carrier.
If your scooter's battery exceeds the allowed watt-hour rating, you may need to remove it and store it separately in a carry-on or checked baggage. Some airlines require lithium-ion batteries to be removed and carried in the cabin for safety reasons. In some cases, you may need to place the battery in an approved lithium battery fire storage bag.
It is important to note that different countries and airlines may have unique rules and regulations for electric scooters. Some airlines may completely ban certain types of batteries, while others may have specific requirements for packaging or permits. Therefore, it is crucial to contact your airline and check the rules for both your departure and arrival countries well in advance of your travel.
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Battery removal and storage
Electric scooters with batteries under 100 watt-hours (Wh) are usually allowed on airplanes without special permission. However, different airlines have different requirements, and some may only allow batteries up to this capacity in either cabin or checked bags. Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh may require airline approval and may only be permitted in hand luggage. Batteries over 160Wh are generally not allowed in checked baggage due to safety risks.
Before travelling, it is important to check the specific rules of the airline you are flying with regarding battery restrictions. Some airlines may require you to remove the battery from your electric scooter and carry it in your cabin bag. Others may allow you to keep the battery connected but will ask you to perform a visual check and disconnect it. Some airlines may also have weight restrictions for batteries, such as United Airlines, which allows batteries up to 5 pounds from foldable scooters.
To remove the battery from your electric scooter, carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This process may vary depending on the make and model of your scooter. Once removed, place the battery in a protective pouch or an approved lithium battery fire storage bag to prevent short circuits, damage, and the generation of extra heat during the flight. Keep the battery with you in your carry-on luggage rather than checking it in, as this will help ensure its safety.
It is also important to notify your airline in advance if you plan to travel with an electric scooter, especially if the battery wattage exceeds 100Wh. This will allow them to make the necessary arrangements to handle your scooter safely. Additionally, have any required safety documentation and compliance certificates readily available, as they may be requested by airline staff during check-in or boarding.
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Airline-specific regulations
The airline-specific regulations for carrying an electric scooter on an airplane vary from carrier to carrier. The primary concern for airlines is the lithium-ion battery in electric scooters, which can pose a fire risk if damaged or overheated.
American Airlines, for example, permits e-scooters classified as mobility aids to be checked for free, provided they meet FAA battery regulations. The battery must be securely attached to the scooter or wrapped in protective packaging if removed and carried on.
Some domestic airlines in the US allow specific electric scooter models on board and may permit you to carry up to two spare batteries, provided their combined watt-hour rating does not exceed 300 Wh.
For international flights, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines batteries as "hazardous items" and imposes strict regulations. Batteries with a capacity of less than 100Wh are typically allowed without explicit permission from the airline. Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh may be carried in hand luggage but will require airline approval. Batteries exceeding 160Wh are generally prohibited from being carried on board or in checked baggage.
In China, the restrictions on electric scooters are enforced with a high level of scrutiny. If you're travelling in Europe, you'll need to check with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or contact administrations in specific countries.
It is imperative to contact your airline well in advance of your flight to understand their specific regulations and ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Country-specific rules
The rules for taking an electric scooter on an airplane vary from country to country and airline to airline. Here are some country-specific rules to consider:
United States
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established guidelines for lithium-ion batteries, allowing those with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) on domestic flights. Some airlines may even permit batteries up to 160Wh. However, most electric scooter batteries exceed this limit, making it challenging to bring them on board. If your scooter's battery falls within the permissible range, you must still check with your specific airline, as they may have additional requirements or restrictions.
Canada
Air Canada does not accept small lithium battery-powered vehicles, including electric scooters, unless they are medically necessary mobility devices. Even then, specific rules and restrictions apply, so it is crucial to contact Air Canada directly to make the necessary arrangements.
China
China has particularly strict regulations regarding electric scooters on airplanes. While specific rules may vary, it is generally advisable to contact the relevant authorities and your airline well in advance to understand the requirements and make the necessary arrangements.
Europe
If you are travelling within Europe, it is recommended to check with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the specific administrations of the countries you are visiting. Each country and airline may have unique rules and exceptions, especially for mobility devices, so advance planning is essential.
Other Considerations
Regardless of your destination, it is important to remember that the primary concern regarding electric scooters on airplanes is the battery. Lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous materials due to the potential fire risk if damaged or mishandled. Therefore, battery specifications, such as capacity and safety features, will be a significant factor in determining whether you can bring your electric scooter on board. Additionally, the size and weight of your scooter may also come into play, depending on the airline's policies.
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Frequently asked questions
The short answer is no, you cannot take most electric scooters on an airplane. However, if your scooter is a designated mobility device or a very small, low-powered vehicle, you may be able to take it on board. Different airlines have different requirements, so it is important to check with your specific airline.
Battery requirements vary by airline, but most airlines allow electric scooters with lithium-ion batteries under 160 watt-hours (Wh). Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh may require airline approval, while those under 100Wh are typically allowed without special permission. It is important to check with your airline to determine their specific battery requirements.
Most airlines require you to remove the battery from your electric scooter and carry it in your cabin bag. Some airlines may have specific requirements for how the battery is packaged and stored. It is important to check with your airline to determine their specific packaging and storage requirements.
Yes, if your electric scooter is too big to carry on, you may be able to check it as oversized baggage. However, extra fees may apply. It is important to check with your airline to determine their specific size and weight restrictions for checked baggage.
Yes, different countries have different customs requirements for the import and export of electrified products. It is important to check the regulations of both your departure and arrival countries to avoid problems at customs.
