Scooter Luggage: Airport-Friendly Or Not?

Electric scooter luggage, also known as rideable luggage, has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among tourists looking for a quicker way to navigate crowded airports and other transit hubs. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits scooter luggage, the answer becomes complicated when it comes to individual airlines and airports. The majority of scooter luggage is designed to be carried on as hand luggage, but it's crucial to clarify the policies with your chosen airline and departure airport. Some airlines may even prohibit the use of electric scooters or rideable luggage on their planes, so it's essential to check before travelling.

Electric scooter luggage and batteries

Electric scooter luggage, such as the Airwheel SE3S, is allowed in airports. However, bringing an electric scooter on a plane is a different matter. The primary concern is the scooter's battery, as lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous materials due to fire risks. Therefore, the rules and regulations regarding batteries on planes are strict and must be followed.

Battery specifications

Most airlines allow electric scooters with lithium-ion batteries if they are under 160 watt-hours (Wh). Batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh usually require airline approval, while those under 100Wh are typically permitted without special permission. It is important to note that most electric scooters have batteries well above this threshold.

Removable batteries

Airlines generally prefer that electric scooter batteries be removable. If the battery can be detached, it often must be carried onboard as hand luggage, following specific packaging and handling procedures. This is to ensure protection from damage and short circuits.

Battery type

Not all battery types are allowed on planes. Lithium metal batteries with more than 2 grams of lithium content and spillable wet batteries like SLA batteries are prohibited.

State of charge

While not a requirement, it is recommended to keep the battery's charge below 30% to reduce the risk of thermal runaway.

Documentation

When travelling with an electric scooter, it is important to have the relevant documentation, including the scooter's manual and proof of battery specifications. Safety documentation and compliance certificates, such as UN38.3 for batteries, may also be required.

International guidelines

International guidelines regarding lithium-ion batteries tend to be stricter than domestic guidelines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) classifies lithium-ion batteries as dangerous goods, and batteries over 160Wh are forbidden in both passenger and crew checked or carry-on baggage.

Airlines policies

Each airline has its own policies and requirements regarding electric scooters, so it is important to check with your specific airline before travelling. Some airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, have strict rules regarding lithium-ion batteries and may prohibit recreational scooters altogether. Other airlines, such as Air Canada and Qantas, allow scooters that are classified as mobility aids, provided they meet certain size and battery specifications.

TSA regulations

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), scooter luggage is allowed in airports. However, the policies regarding rideable luggage vary across different airlines and airports. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the policies of the specific airline and airport you are travelling with and from.

• The primary concern regarding scooter luggage is the battery type and size. Most airlines prohibit lithium or lithium-ion batteries with a wattage exceeding 100Wh. Some airlines may allow batteries up to 160Wh with prior approval and specific packaging requirements.
• It is essential to notify the airline in advance if you plan to bring a scooter luggage, especially if it has a battery wattage above 100Wh.
• The scooter luggage must comply with the airline's size and weight restrictions for carry-on or checked baggage.
• The battery terminals should be protected with non-conductive caps or tape, and the battery should be stored in a lithium battery bag or a protective case to prevent damage and short circuits.
• Removable batteries are usually preferred by airlines, and they should be carried in hand luggage, following specific packaging and handling procedures.
• The type of battery is also crucial. Lithium metal batteries with more than 2 grams of lithium content and spillable wet batteries like SLA batteries are typically not allowed on planes.
• It is recommended to keep the battery charge below 30% to reduce the risk of thermal runaway.
• If the scooter luggage is a medically necessary mobility device, contact the airline several days in advance to provide details about the size, weight, and battery specifications.
• Some airlines may require you to disassemble the scooter and break it down into smaller parts to fit within the baggage size restrictions.
• Additional fees may apply for transporting scooter luggage, including excess baggage fees, battery transportation fees, or special handling charges. These fees vary across different airlines.
• It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and abide by airport policies when using scooter luggage in crowded areas, on escalators, or at security checkpoints.

Airline-specific rules

North America

United States

• Delta Air Lines: Prohibits bringing any riding equipment with lithium or lithium-ion batteries on board, including "hoverboards, balance gliders, self-balancing boards, or motorized riding suitcases."
• United Airlines: Does not allow any recreational rideables on board to ensure the safety of customers and employees.
• Southwest Airlines: Does not accept electrically powered rideables, including "smart bags" and devices with lithium or lithium-ion batteries.
• JetBlue Airways: Does not permit recreational scooters on board unless they are mobility aids, in which case they must be checked in.
• American Airlines: Restricts travellers from carrying recreational mobility devices with lithium and lithium-ion batteries as carry-on or checked luggage.

Canada

• Air Canada: Does not accept small lithium battery-powered vehicles such as e-scooters, hoverboards, and gliders unless they are mobility aids.
• WestJet: Allows mobility aids but prohibits lithium-ion rideables.
• Porter Airlines: Has strict rules on lithium batteries, prohibiting items with a watt-hour rating exceeding 160Wh as checked or carry-on baggage, including electric scooters.
• Flair Airlines: Allows mobility aids but prohibits other rideables with lithium or lithium-ion batteries.
• Air Transat: Has banned the carriage of recreational scooters due to safety concerns related to their batteries.

Europe

• Easyjet: Accepts mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters that cannot be lifted manually, but passengers must notify the airline 48 hours before departure.
• Emirates: Does not allow any recreational transportation devices as carry-on or checked luggage due to battery concerns.
• Virgin: Restricts any devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, but you may be able to travel with your e-scooter as checked luggage after removing the battery.
• Qatar Airways: Prohibits all recreational transportation devices, even those without batteries.
• Singapore Airlines: Bans devices containing lithium-ion batteries.
• Lufthansa: Does not allow recreational transportation devices, including e-scooters.
• British Airways: Strictly prohibits electrical devices that use lithium batteries.
• Air France: Restricts all electric transportation devices unless they are for mobility.

Asia

• Scoot: Allows "smart luggage" with lithium batteries up to 160 Wh as carry-on or checked baggage. The lithium battery must be removed and carried into the cabin, and each passenger can carry a maximum of two spare lithium batteries of 100-160Wh.
• China Southern Airlines: Only permits non-electric recreational transportation devices.
• Qantas: Requires devices with lithium batteries exceeding 160W to be carried as cargo or freight.

Size and weight restrictions

Most airlines limit checked baggage to a combined length, width, and height of around 62 inches (157 cm). For example, Scoot allows checked baggage with total linear dimensions of up to 158 cm. Additionally, checked baggage usually has a weight limit of 50 pounds (23 kilograms), but this can go up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds) on some flights within the EU and the US.

For carry-on baggage, the size limit for many airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches or 55 x 35 x 23 cm). However, this can vary by airline, with some allowing larger bags and others, like Aer Lingus Regional, enforcing smaller size restrictions of 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches (47 x 33 x 20 cm).

When it comes to scooter luggage, it's important to consider the size and weight restrictions of the specific scooter model. For example, the Airwheel SE3S is designed to fit into overhead compartments, while the Airwheel SE3MiniT and SR5 models offer 26L and 30L of storage capacity, respectively, and fit into most major airline overhead bins. On the other hand, the Airwheel SE3T model offers 48L of storage space but exceeds the size requirements for carry-on baggage on most airlines.

It's worth noting that some airlines, like Singapore Airlines, prohibit personal transportation devices, including scooter luggage, as checked or carry-on baggage, regardless of the battery type. Therefore, it's crucial to check the specific policies of your chosen airline before travelling with a scooter.

Tips for a smooth journey

The key to a smooth journey is advance planning. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Check with your airline: Different airlines have different policies regarding scooter luggage. Contact your airline to clarify their specific regulations and requirements. Ask about size and weight limitations, battery restrictions, packaging expectations, and any special handling procedures. It is also a good idea to get everything in writing to avoid confusion at the check-in counter.
• Review your destination's rules: Some countries or regions may have restrictions on electric scooter use. Be sure to research the regulations at your destination to ensure you can use your scooter luggage upon arrival.
• Prepare your scooter: Ensure your scooter complies with the airline's size and weight restrictions. Fold it down as small as possible, and wrap any fragile parts in bubble wrap or foam. If possible, use a proper travel case. Some airlines may require you to disassemble the scooter into smaller parts to meet baggage size limits. If your scooter has a removable battery, pack it separately in your carry-on luggage, protecting the terminals with tape and placing it in a protective case.
• Arrive at the airport early: Give yourself plenty of time by arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight. This will allow for any additional security screenings or checks that may be required for your scooter luggage.
• Comply with instructions: Follow the instructions of the airline staff and crew regarding your scooter luggage. Be prepared to explain the safety features of your scooter's battery to security personnel, as they may not be familiar with your specific model.
• Consider insurance: Scooters can be expensive, and baggage handlers don't always handle items with care. Consider purchasing additional insurance to cover any potential loss or damage to your scooter during transit.

Frequently asked questions