Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices with Lithium Ion Batteries that are Not Adequately Protected and Batteries Removed

Electric wheelchair, mobility scooter

In cases when the batteries are adequately protected, it is preferable that they remain installed in the mobility aid; however, there may be situations when that is not possible or safe to do so and in these cases the batteries must be removed. This description is for a wheelchair or mobility device that does not have a protective housing for its lithium ion battery, i.e., the mobility aid does not provide adequate protection to the battery. Lithium ion battery size is limited to 300 watt hours (Wh). One spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each may be carried in carry-on baggage.

Lithium metal (non-rechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with these devices.

Lithium ion batteries must be removed from this type of mobility device and battery terminals protected from short circuit. The battery must be protected from damage (e.g. by placing each battery in a protective pouch). The lithium ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only. The passenger must advise the airline of the battery location. The airline must notify the Pilot-in-command of the battery location in the cabin.

For complete passenger instructions contact your airline or the mobility device manufacturer on how to transport your battery as a passenger. Advance arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary.

Individual airlines may have more restrictive rules regarding the acceptance of any dangerous goods, including lithium batteries that power mobility aids.

Though allowable, airlines may not be able to accommodate the folded-up wheelchair/device in the passenger cabin. The device, with batteries removed, may travel as checked baggage.

See 49 CFR 175.10(a)(17) for additional requirements and conditions.

Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices with Lithium Ion Batteries, with Batteries Installed and Protected by Design

Electric wheelchair, mobility scooter

Lithium metal (non-rechargeable lithium) batteries are forbidden with these devices.

The battery must be securely attached to the mobility device, adequately protected against damage by the design of the wheelchair or mobility aid, protected from damage by the shifting of baggage, mail, service items, or other cargo, and the terminals are protected from a short circuit. The battery cables may remain connected only if the device is protected from accidental activation. If adequate protection is not provided to the battery, the battery must be removed, carried in carry-on baggage, and the terminals protected against short circuit. A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each must be carried and not checked. 

For complete passenger instructions contact your airline or the mobility device manufacturer on how to transport your battery as a passenger. Advanced arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary.

Individual airlines may have more restrictive rules regarding the acceptance of any dangerous goods, including lithium batteries that power mobility aids.

See the regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(17)

Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices with Non-Spillable or Dry Batteries

Electric wheelchair, mobility scooter

This description includes wheelchairs and mobility devices with nonspillable (gel cell, absorbed electrolyte) batteries or dry cell batteries. For lithium ion batteries, see separate entries in the PackSafe chart.

The battery may remain installed if it is securely attached to the mobility device, the design of the wheelchair or mobility aid provides protection from damage to the battery, and the terminals are protected from a short circuit. The battery cables may remain connected only if the device is protected from accidental activation. For complete passenger instructions contact your airline as advanced arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary.

A maximum of one spare battery is allowed per passenger in accordance with airline instructions. Extra conditions and strong rigid packaging are required for spare batteries. For complete passenger instructions contact your airline as advanced arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary.

See the regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(15)

View our illustrated guide at Batteries Carried by Airline Passengers: Frequently Asked Questions.

Wheelchairs and Mobility Devices with Spillable Batteries

Electric wheelchair, mobility scooter

The battery may remain installed if it is securely attached to the mobility device and the battery housing provides protection from damage, the terminals are protected from short circuit, and the battery remains in an upright position when stowed on the aircraft. For complete passenger instructions contact your airline. Advanced arrangements and extra check-in time may be necessary. The airline may need to remove the battery and package it separately if the wheelchair cannot be stowed upright in the cargo compartment.

See the regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(16)