Traveling with a mobility scooter or power chair can make vacations, family visits, and other adventures much easier. Thanks to lightweight designs and lithium-ion battery technology, many mobility devices are now specifically designed with travel in mind. If you’re planning to fly, however, it’s important to understand how airline battery requirements work before heading to the airport.
Why Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Popular for Travel Mobility?
Lithium-ion batteries provide plenty of power in a relatively lightweight and compact design. That’s one reason they’re commonly found in folding power chairs and travel mobility scooters.
For travelers, a lighter battery can make equipment easier to transport and store. Pair that with a scooter or power chair that folds or disassembles, and you have a mobility solution that’s much more convenient for airports, cruises, hotels, and road trips.
Can You Fly with a Lithium-Ion Mobility Battery?
Yes, many lithium-ion powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters can travel by air, but there are specific requirements.
The FAA has specific requirements for lithium-ion batteries used with wheelchairs and mobility devices. In situations where the battery must be removed from the mobility device, the FAA allows one lithium-ion battery rated up to 300 watt-hours (Wh), or two batteries of up to 160 Wh each. How the battery is handled depends on the mobility device’s design. If the battery is securely installed and adequately protected, it may remain installed while the mobility device is checked. If a removable battery isn’t adequately protected by the device, it must be removed, protected from damage and short circuits, and carried in the aircraft cabin.
Individual airlines may have additional restrictions, so always contact your airline before traveling. Advanced arrangements and additional check-in time may also be necessary.
Check Your Battery Before Your Trip
Before heading to the airport, find the watt-hour rating on your mobility device’s battery. If it isn’t listed, watt-hours can be calculated by multiplying the battery’s voltage (V) by its amp-hours (Ah).
It’s also a good idea to keep your equipment specifications handy when checking in. Knowing whether the battery is removable and how it should be disconnected can help make the process smoother.
Look for Mobility Equipment Designed for Travel
If you travel frequently, choosing equipment designed with portability in mind can make a big difference. For example, the Buzzaround CarryOn travel folding power wheelchair available through BEK Medical features a compact folding design and an airline-friendly 12.5 AH lithium-ion battery that can be removed and carried on while traveling by air, sea, or train. BEK Medical also offers a Buzzaround CarryOn folding scooter with an optional 6.5 AH lithium-ion travel battery.
Travel-friendly scooters and power chairs can also offer features such as lightweight construction, compact folding designs, and easy storage, helping you stay mobile without making transportation unnecessarily complicated.
Find Travel-Ready Mobility Equipment at BEK Medical
Your mobility needs shouldn’t keep you from planning your next trip. The right scooter or power chair can help you navigate airports, cruise terminals, hotels, and your destination with greater comfort and independence.
BEK Medical offers travel-friendly mobility scooters and power wheelchairs, including models with lithium-ion battery options designed with portability in mind. Stop by one of our locations to compare options and let our team help you find equipment that fits both your everyday mobility needs and your travel plans.
