Flying a vehicle overseas can be complex and sensitive, requiring proper research. If you are traveling soon and thinking about bringing an electric scooter on a plane, make sure to consider all the relevant factors. Whether be it due to personal reasons or special circumstances, make sure to understand all the aspects to ensure a smooth travel experience and stress-free process through airport security.
Varying airline policies can influence the final decision to a great extent. This comprehensive guide will discuss how you can bring an electric scooter on a plane. Keep reading to learn more!
What are Airline Policies on Electric Scooters
Different airlines have their own set of rules and contrasting policies regarding the carriage of electric scooters on a plane. While some may allow it, others will place restrictions or charge extra to bring a vehicle on the plane.
Either way, most airlines base their decision on factors such as the scooter’s battery, intended use, and size. If your standard scooter complies with specific policies and airline guidelines, you are allowed to bring it.
Factors to Consider
- Battery type and capacity: airlines can have specific rules but generally the rules state that a lithium-ion battery can’t be over a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh. As for lithium batteries, a lithium content of 2 grams is standard. Passengers are not allowed to recharge the devices or the scooter’s batteries while they are on board.
This is undoubtedly one of the main things that an airline considers while defining its rules. Both airports and airlines have rather strict rules about batteries. Remember that More energy capacity means higher battery watt-hours. If your battery is between 101 and 160 wh, there is still a chance you may be able to fly it. However, you’ll have to get airline approval beforehand.
- Intended use: usually, recreational scooters are prohibited on a plane but airlines have relatively flexible policies about mobility scooters. For instance, if you need the device because of a disability, you’ll be allowed its carriage even if the battery capacity is up to 300 wh. A medically necessary mobility device can qualify as carry-on baggage and the chances are higher for permission if your scooter is foldable.
- Size: Another important requirement is the battery size and also the size of your electric scooter. It must fit within the carry-on luggage size restrictions. You can check the precise details with your airline.
What are the TSA Regulations on Electric Scooters
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to carry an electric scooter on a plane as long as you meet their battery capacity requirements and follow the airline’s specific guidelines. The battery must not exceed the 100 wh limit unless you have a medical necessity. You must inform and acquire permission if your battery has a capacity between 101-16 watt hours. Other than that, e-scooters can have a battery capacity of up to 300wh if they are intended for mobility aid.
The TSA also states that you can, under no circumstances, carry a scooter with lithium metal (non-rechargeable batteries) on a plane. If your mobility device has a spillable battery then it must be properly and securely attached to the vehicle. Other than that, the battery must be in an upright position when carried on the aircraft.
What are the IATA and ICAO Regulations on Electric Scooters
When it comes to international travel, the rules are more strict and you are required to follow IATA/ICAO rules while complying with aviation authorities. The general guidelines and regulations for the aviation industry are established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These two organizations work hand in hand to ensure compliance with all the rules.
The former is an international trade body that focuses on defining standards for airline operations, including safety, ticketing, baggage handling, and cargo transportation. ICAO, on the other hand, is a United Nations agency that helps countries in aligning their national aviation regulations.
The IATA regulations require that you must have your battery tested by an internationally recognized facility. Additionally, the test results must be displayed on the battery. As for mobility devices, they are allowed one main battery of up to 300Wh. You can also carry one spare battery of up to 300Wh or two 160Wh spares.
The ICAO requires that your electric scooter must be secured and protected from damage and short circuit. All the regulations under UN38 must be followed in order to enable the international transfer of electric scooters.
Major airlines’ policies on electric scooters
It may be a good idea to check your particular airline’s official website and familiarise yourself with varying rules. You can also contact customer service to get detailed information. Remember that they are subject to change and might be updated in the future. With that in mind, here are some of the major airline’s policies on the matter.
- American Airlines: as long as your battery is properly labeled and packed, you can carry your electric scooter as checked baggage. You must comply with battery restrictions.
- Delta Airlines: they allow electric scooters that comply with battery limits. However, passengers must check in at least 1 hour before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Frontier Airlines: you can carry an electric scooter on their aircraft but they must be informed and consulted beforehand. Lithium-ion batteries must be dealt with as per their dangerous good policy.
- Allegiant: Allegiant allows electric scooters on the plane but requires that a lithium-ion battery must be attached securely to the vehicle. As long as they are for personal use, you won’t even incur an additional fee.
- Emirates airline emirates airline policies state that electric scooters must comply with international standards. Since e-scooters are battery-operated models, they must follow special safety regulations.
- United Airlines: their policy states that scooters are allowed on the plane as checked baggage. However, one must ensure that lithium-ion batteries are dealt with additional precaution. Batteries should be removable and able to be carried in the hand luggage.
Alternative Options for Bringing Electric Scooters
There are special shipping planes that are primarily made for this purpose. You can certainly access them to fly your car on a plane. Examples include cargo planes, charter planes, and oftentimes large commercial planes. You’ll need to check with your specific service and ask for their quote but generally, this is a very expensive method.
Other than that, you can also carry “parts” of your electric scooter (unassembled) on a commercial plane. It is not restricted and as long as the battery limitations are compiled, it is possible to put them in a plane.
Remember that there are several other alternatives (other than planes), catering to different budgets and circumstances.
- Shipping by sea: ocean transport is way more cost-effective because the rates are lower than air freight. However, please note that this is not a time-sensitive option. Shipping by sea can take a lot more time than air travel but it’s one of the safest ways of doing so.
- Shipping by road: It is like sea shipping, the rates are lower but it is more time-consuming. If expedited delivery is not an important requirement for you then road transport is an excellent option.
- Transport by rail: this is also a viable option for longer distances. However, this option is only adequate for vehicles that fall within the weight limits of ten tons.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to technological advancements, it is now possible to fly electric scooters on planes. This development has helped various companies and individuals all over the world. However, you should consider various factors including but not limited to airline regulations, intended use, and scooter battery. Remember that this task involves various types of considerations and each step should be taken with diligent attention.
We hope this article answered your question and helped you understand all the relevant factors. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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