Can You Take a Mobility Scooter on a Plane？

You can generally bring a mobility scooter on an airplane, but it's important to familiarize yourself with the airline's specific policies. If your mobility scooter doesn't comply with these requirements, you may not be allowed to bring it onboard.

This article will walk you through specific airline policies for traveling with a mobility scooter, preparation tips, and other transportation options so that your trip is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What Are the Rules for Flying with a Mobility Scooter?

When you need to take a powered wheelchair or scooter on board, you should check the airline's policies and follow the basic guidelines set by the airline:

Pre-Flight Notification

Advance Notification: If you plan to take a powered wheelchair with you, you need to notify the airline in advance. This allows the airline to prepare in advance and provide you with any necessary instructions or forms that may need to be filled out.

Battery Regulations

Battery Type: You will need to provide details on the type of battery (e.g. dry cell, gel cell, lithium cell, etc.). Lithium batteries are particularly regulated for safety reasons and require specific safety guidelines to be followed.

Battery Disconnection: In most cases, you may need to disconnect the battery and take it on board the aircraft at the request of the airline.

Check-in and Boarding

Size and Weight Restrictions: You should check if the airline has size and weight restrictions for powered wheelchairs, and you will also need to ensure that your scooter meets the airline's flight regulations.

Gate Check-In: You can drive your powered scooter to the gate and the ground staff will handle it specially, similar to how a stroller is managed.

Boarding and Arrivals

Gate Check-In: At most airports, you can check in your mobility scooter at the departure gate and collect it at the arrival gate or baggage claim.

Airline Specific Policies

Policy Differences: Please note that different airlines may have different requirements and policies, so it is recommended that you contact your airline directly or visit their official website to get the most accurate and detailed transportation guide.

What Type of Mobility Scooter Can I Take on a Plane?

When you plan to bring an electric scooter on board, you first need to understand what types of scooters are allowed, because the policies of airlines and the restrictions of aircraft vary. Knowing these will not only help you choose the right electric scooter to board, but also make your travel more convenient. Here are some of the types of mobility scooters that are allowed on board:

Foldable Electric Scooters: Foldable mobility scooter are popular with airlines for their easy storage and transportation. You can quickly fold or disassemble these scooters, making them easy to fit into the aircraft's cargo hold and easy for ground staff to manage.

Light Mobility Scooter: Lightweight electric scooters weighing between 50-70 kg are generally allowed on board. There are no other restrictions if the scooters use dry cell or gel batteries. However, if equipped with lithium batteries, you need to ensure that they meet the airline's limit of 300 watt-hours or less.

Three-Wheeled Mobility Scooter: Three-wheeled electric scooters are small and maneuverable, making them ideal for travel. Before traveling, you need to confirm that the size of the scooter (folded and unfolded) meets the airline's specifications.

Four-Wheeled Mobility Scooter: 4 wheel scooter have good stability, but their large size and heavy weight may cause some difficulties in air travel. Therefore, before flying, make sure that the size and weight of your scooter meet the airline's standards.

How Do I Prepare My Mobility Scooter?

In order to ensure that your electric scooter can be transported by air smoothly, you can follow the following detailed preparation steps.

1. Check Airline Regulations

Before your journey begins, the first step is to contact the airline well in advance. Each airline may have different regulations regarding mobility scooters, especially concerning battery types and handling procedures. Inform the airline that you plan to bring a mobility scooter and ask if you need to fill out any forms or provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the battery. Additionally, if your scooter is powered by a lithium battery, make sure you understand the specific restrictions, such as the maximum watt-hours allowed by the airline.

2. Prepare the Mobility Scooter

Ensure your mobility scooter is in optimal condition before traveling. If the scooter is collapsible, practice disassembling and reassembling it beforehand to avoid problems at the airport. Check all connections to ensure they are secure and that there are no loose parts. For non-collapsible scooters, clearly understand and mark which parts can be folded to help airline ground staff handle it more efficiently.

3. Battery Preparation

Handle the mobility scooter’s battery with extra care. Disconnect and remove the battery if possible, and package it according to airline requirements. If the battery is lithium-based, ensure it does not exceed the airline’s watt-hour limitations and carry it on board as hand luggage. Moreover, clearly label your battery and its packaging with “Rechargeable Battery” and the specific specifications to avoid misunderstandings during security checks.

4. Carry Documentation

In addition to the mobility scooter and its battery, relevant documentation is equally important. Carry all necessary documents, including the mobility scooter’s manual, the battery’s MSDS, and any certification proving that the battery complies with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. These documents might be required at boarding or security checks, so keep them accessible and ready to show.

5. Day of Travel

Arrive at the airport earlier than usual on your flight day to allow ample time to handle any issues related to your mobility scooter. Once at the airport, go directly to the airline counter to notify them that you are traveling with a mobility scooter and follow their instructions. If possible, opt to have your scooter gate-checked to ensure it is handled properly and returned to you directly upon arrival.

6. Communication

Maintain clear communication with airline staff throughout the process. Ensure that airline ground and crew members understand how to disassemble and reassemble your scooter, along with any special handling instructions. Clear communication can reduce misunderstandings and ensure that your mobility scooter is handled correctly.

What Are the Transportation Requirements for Each Airline?

Most major airlines allow passengers to travel with electric scooters, however, their specific policies and transportation procedures may vary from airline to airline. Here are the transportation requirements of several major airlines for scooters:

American Airlines: If you plan to take an electric scooter with you, you must inform American Airlines at least 48 hours before your flight. Provide detailed information about the type of battery in the scooter and make sure it can be removed and the battery can be securely connected or carried separately in the cabin.

British Airways: British Airways allows electric scooters, but there are strict size and weight restrictions; each detached part must not exceed 32 kg. Your scooter must be equipped with non-spillable batteries or lithium batteries that meet safety standards. And you need to inform the airline 48 hours in advance and provide the specifications of the scooter.

Qantas: You need to register your mobility aid with Qantas before travel, including details of its size, weight, and battery type. According to dangerous goods regulations, airlines have strict requirements for the packaging of batteries, especially lithium batteries. Therefore, it is recommended that you provide disassembly instructions for the electric scooter at check-in.

Lufthansa: You need to obtain approval from Lufthansa Medical Services to travel with an electric scooter, which requires a detailed description of the aid and its battery. Make sure that all batteries are packaged in accordance with international dangerous goods standards. Please make sure to inform Lufthansa in advance so that they can arrange to transport your mobility scooter.

Conclusion

Bringing a mobility scooter on an airplane requires careful preparation and adherence to specific airline regulations and documentation. Different airlines have their own requirements for the size, weight, and battery type of a mobility scooter, so you'll want to check with your airline before you travel. By understanding these steps, you can have a smooth, stress-free experience when traveling with your mobility scooter.

Related reading: How to Choose a Mobility Scooter？