Travel Tips

Can You Take an Electric Wheelchair on a Plane? UK Airline Rules Explained

28 February 2026 · 5 min read

Family travelling with a folding electric wheelchair

The Short Answer

Yes, you can take most electric wheelchairs on commercial flights as hold luggage. But there's one critical factor: the lithium battery watt-hours (Wh).

UK & International Airline Battery Rules

Most airlines (including British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2) follow IATA guidelines:

Under 100Wh: No restrictions — can go in cabin or hold
100–160Wh: Allowed in hold with airline approval
160–300Wh: Allowed in hold with airline approval (some airlines require advance notice)
Over 300Wh: Not permitted on most commercial flights

How to Check Your Wheelchair's Wh Rating

Look at the battery label for voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah), then multiply:

Wh = V × Ah

For example, the EEZY SPLIT has two removable 24V 6Ah lithium batteries:

Each battery: 24V × 6Ah = 144Wh
Combined capacity: 288Wh

Check with your airline before travelling. Airline acceptance and handling requirements are always subject to the individual airline.

What Happens at the Airport?

Notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure
At check-in, the wheelchair goes to oversized baggage
The battery may need to be disconnected (but stays with the chair in most cases)
The chair is loaded into the hold as priority luggage
On arrival, it's returned to you at the aircraft door or baggage reclaim

Tips for Hassle-Free Flying

Before You Book

Call the airline's accessibility team — don't rely on generic customer service
Confirm the battery Wh is accepted
Ask about any specific airline forms

At the Airport

Arrive early (at least 2.5 hours for international)
Bring the battery specification sheet (printed or on your phone)
Have the battery's Wh rating clearly labelled on the battery itself

Choosing an Airline-Friendly Wheelchair

Look for:

Total battery under 300Wh
Removable batteries (some airlines prefer this)
Compact folded size for the hold
Documented specifications from the manufacturer

The EEZY SPLIT has two removable 144wh lithium batteries — check with your airline before travelling. airline acceptance and handling requirements are always subject to the individual airline.

Don't Let Battery Anxiety Stop You Travelling

The 300Wh limit accommodates most modern lightweight wheelchairs. The key is preparation — notify the airline, have your documentation ready, and choose a chair designed with air travel in mind.

See the Eezy Split specifications →