Air Travel with Mobility Scooters

Mobility Scooters are battery or electric powered devices that can assist those with limited mobility. By providing independent and convenient transport, these mobility aids have made travelling much easier for mobility impaired individuals.  

That being said, plane travel can still be a head-scratcher for passengers who intend to bring their mobility scooters on board. With the many air safety regulations and policies, you may be wondering if mobility scooters are even allowed on flights. 

Fret not! Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a special trip, reading this quick guide will answer your queries about travelling with your mobility scooter. Plus if you’re still in the market for a travel safe scooter, you could even learn a thing or two about the best mobility scooters for air travel. 

Are Mobility Scooters Allowed on Airplanes?

The short answer: Yes!

Most airlines allow you to check mobility scooters on planes, and that too without additional baggage costs. Since they can be an essential transport equipment for people with various disabilities or elderly individuals, airlines are generally very accommodating in this regard.

Of course, this comes with a list of conditions and procedures that must be followed for the safety of the scooter users and other passengers.

Checked Baggage or Overhead Cabin?

Mobility scooters cannot be stored in overhead cabins due to their size and weight. Instead, they must be transported as checked baggage. In most likelihood, your mobility scooter will be checked in and managed by airline staff once you arrive at the airline check in desk. 

If you intend to stay on the scooter until boarding the plane, you will need to communicate your preference to the staff and they can gate-check the mobility scooter for you.

There are some detachable accessories from the mobility scooter that you may have to take onboard the cabin with you. To ensure smooth handling, it is better to notify the airline in advance about the mobility scooter so they can make necessary arrangements and provide any specific instructions related to travelling with your scooter.

Airline Policies on Mobility Scooters

Airlines have different sets of safety regulations regarding mobility equipment such as scooters and electric wheelchairs. Generally, the size and weight requirements are similar for domestic and international travel, but with international flights you may have to go through more formal paperwork and safety regulations. It is important to check with your chosen airline well in advance so you can meet their weight, size and documentation requirements. 

Consider some popular airlines in Australia and their policies regarding mobility aids:

Qantas

Qantas allows passengers to travel with mobility scooters as long as they comply with size and battery limitations:

• The scooter must not exceed the maximum dimensions for each type of aircraft, and should be collapsible or disassembled for easy handling. For example, the maximum size for an adjusted state mobility scooter is 150 cm x 150 cm x 160 cm [LxWxH] which is suitable for Airbus A330, Airbus A380 and Boeing 787. 
• Weight limitations are at 32 kg, except for equipment that can travel in the upright position in free wheel mode.
• Since mobility scooters are battery powered, they will also require a dangerous goods approval for check in.

Qantas requires passengers to inform them at least 48 hours before departure and provide details about the scooter and its battery type. 

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia mobility assistance policy accommodates passengers with electric mobility scooters, requiring advance notice to ensure proper arrangements. Passengers must provide information about the dimensions and battery in advance by filling in the Specific Assistance section of the passenger details page.

• The mobility scooter must follow the maximum dimensions table for each type of aircraft. The maximum dimensions across all Virgin Australia aircrafts is 125 cm x 100 cm x 84 cm [LxWxH] while maximum weight limitations vary between 80 and 120 kg. 
• All electric mobility aids need to be able to travel in the upright position in free wheel mode.
• Since mobility scooters are battery powered, they will also require a dangerous goods approval for check in.
• Virgin Australia does not provide assistance in dismantling or assembling mobility aids.

JetStar

JetStar permits mobility scooters as checked baggage and requests passengers to contact their Special Assistance team before the flight. JetStar requires clear labelling of the scooter and its battery details to avoid any complications.

• Weight limitations are at max 32 kg, except for equipment that can travel in the upright position in free wheel mode [this can exceed 32 kg].
• JetStar does not provide assistance in dismantling or assembling mobility aids.
• All electric mobility aids [including mobility scooters] must be checked in at the Check-In counter and can not be gate-checked during boarding
• Since mobility scooters are battery powered, they will also require a dangerous goods approval for check in through Qantas.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways recommends notifying their Special Assistance team through the ‘Manage Booking’ section about mobility aid batteries, size and weight at time of booking and 48 hours before the flight.

• Maximum weight limitations are 32 kg, except for mobility scooters that can travel in the upright position in free wheel mode [these can exceed 32 kg].
• The folded mobility scooter must be under 890mm x 415mm x 270mm [LxWxH]

Emirates

Emirates allows mobility scooters on their flights and expects passengers to inform the airline at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure. You must let them know the battery type, size and weight of the mobility scooter for them to make check-in arrangements.

What Mobility Scooter Batteries are Allowed on Planes?

Batteries are possibly the most important consideration for a mobility scooter when intending to travel with one. Airlines have different rules for the types of batteries allowed on board a plane and provide instructions on how to pack them so they are approved for travel. 

Lithium Ion Batteries

• If easily removed, these batteries need to be removed from the mobility scooter and can be taken as carry-on baggage but not as check-in baggage. If the batteries are not easily removed or if the scooter stands upright in free-wheel mode, the batteries can be checked-in as long as they are properly protected.
• Maximum 300Wh is allowed for a removed lithium ion battery. One spare battery of 300Wh or 2 spare of 160WH may also be taken in carry-on baggage.
• For safety purposes, the battery terminals must be taped and the battery sealed in a protective case to avoid short circuiting or damage.

Non Spillable Batteries

• Non-spillable and dry cell batteries such as Sealed Lead Acid [SLA] and Nickel Metal Hydride [NiMH] need to be taken in check-in baggage even if removed. 
• For safety, they need to be packed in a sturdy container with terminals covered. 
• Where the battery can not be removed easily, it must be protected by the mobility aid with terminals covered. 
• The mobility scooter’s free-wheel mode must be activated and the scooter switched off. 
• One non-spillable spare battery or 2 dry cell batteries can be taken along as well.

Spillable Batteries

Some airlines [i.e. Qatar Airways, Emirates and Singapore Airlines] also allow spillable batteries aboard the aircraft. Such batteries require spill resistant caps and if fitted to the mobility scooter, require that the scooter be in the upright position at all times.

How to Take Mobility Scooters on a Plane

If you’re clear about mobility scooter and battery travel policies, you may be wondering how to actually transport your scooter on the plane. Consider below steps to follow:

1. Make sure your mobility scooter is airline approved and complies with airline policies. 
2. Notify the airline in advance of your intentions to travel with a mobility scooter.
3. Keep relevant documents in order for your travel [e.g. medical forms, mobility assistance forms, operator's manual etc.]
4. Arrive early at the airport for both domestic and international flights so check-in staff can accommodate you.
5. Be prepared for extra security checks for your mobility scooter.
6. If required, have batteries removed and disassemble or fold the mobility scooter before checking-in.
7. Or else, use the mobility scooter up till the boarding gate and then gate-check the scooter.
8. Collect your mobility scooter at the gate once you land at your destination, or collect it from the baggage area depending on airline policies.

Airplane Friendly Mobility Scooters

The best type of travel mobility scooters will be portable, foldable and easily disassembled when required. Such mobility scooter models will be lightweight and compact, so they can easily be carried or fit into storage areas. 

The Solax range at Rocket Mobility has great folding mobility scooters for air travel. The Solax Charge is an automatic folding scooter that uses lithium batteries and weighs under 32kg, ideal for travelling on airplanes. The Transformer Comfort Pro steps up a level by folding and fitting into a Solax hard travel suitcase, making it easy to carry as luggage. And if you’re looking for the most lightweight of travel scooters for your journey, look no further than the Maleta Carbon Fibre, which weighs just over 21 kg and has automatic folding.

Plan Ahead

Mobility scooters are well-accommodated by airlines and with the many types of mobility scooters now available on the market, air travel has never been easier. By familiarising yourself with conditions for taking mobility scooters on flights, you can be more prepared to travel with your scooter, avoiding potential delays at the airport and reducing the chance of damage.

If you’re on the hunt for the right mobility scooter for travel, reach out to us with your concerns and we can take you through our most travel friendly mobility scooter options. That way you can focus more on the fun part of your trip and leave the difficult part to us.