Can You Take an Electric Wheelchair on a Plane?
Usually yes — mobility aids travel free on most airlines — but the battery decides what is allowed, and each airline has the final say.
Battery limits in plain English
IATA guidance, which most airlines follow, allows lithium-powered mobility aids with a battery of up to 300 Wh, or two batteries of up to 160 Wh each. Spare batteries have their own limits. Airlines may apply stricter rules, so treat this as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Two removable 144Wh lithium batteries — check with your airline before travelling. Airline acceptance and handling requirements are always subject to the individual airline.
Before you fly
Tell the airline at booking and at least 48 hours before departure. Have the battery type, Wh rating and chair weight and dimensions ready, and know how to isolate or remove the battery. Depending on the wheelchair design and airline requirements, the battery may remain installed and protected in the chair or may need to be removed and carried in the cabin. Always confirm the procedure with your airline in advance.
At the airport
You can usually use your chair to the gate, where it is loaded into the hold. Take loose items such as cushions with you. A split chair can be easier for ground staff to handle, but confirm how your airline wants it presented.